The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1888-12-28
The Fight of the Farmers.

The Fight Of the Farmers.
In order to give our readers clearer
comprehension Of the struggle the
farmers IN the Western States are max
ing against the encroaching power Of
corporations on their rights, We pub
lish in full the address Of the Secretary
Of the Farmers Alliance in the State OF
Iowa made to the members of that
large order before the last election.
We would call special attention to this
clause 10 the address
candidates whose convictions are
in harmony with the instincts and con-
vict ons Of the people never hesitate to
avow them, not in general terms but IN
the most explicit manner"
THE ADDRESS.
To THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERs:-
As Secretary of the Farmers Alliance
it becomes our duty to call the atten-
tion of the local Alliances and individ-
ual members to matters of vital lmpor-
tance affecting the welfare of the agri
cultural interests. A general election
is now at hand in which the people in
their sovereign capacity will voice their
convictions on question of the gravest
importance and render verdict to
which every official, from highest to
lowest, will give the utmost Difference
As becomes officers of an organization
strictly non-partisan in it's nature, we
have not the slightest suggestion to
make on any question of partisan poll
ties. Composed as it is of prominent
members of the Republican, Democrat.
ic, Greenback, Union Labor and Pro.
hlbiiion parties, the Alliance assumes
in no instance to discuss the dis
t,nguishlng features or doctrines of
either OF these parties. AS farmers,
however, we are vitality interested in
the solution, so far as State action is
concerned, Of the greatest problem Of
the present age, the control of corpora.
tions, by compelling them to yield the
same obedience to law that the mem
bers Of the Alliance yield as individ-
uals. More than this the Alliance
yield as individuals. More than this
the Alliance does not demand; less than
this it will not accept.
The members OF the Alliance have
seen with indignation the law of the
State of Iowa (enacted largely through
their lnfluence) treated with contempt
and defiance by the corporations. Not
a single provision Of it has thus far
been obeyed. On the other hand, rates
have been advanced to an alarming
extent and the discrimination against
Iowa interests has been made more
odious and oppressive. The determined
and resolute action of the A llirnce de-.
feated a deep,laid scheme to set aside,
in nominating convention, the present
commissioners, who have discharged
their duties with conscientious fidelity,
but it has not prevented, and could
not prevent the nomination of certain
candidates who will have and are now
having the support, regardless of party,
Of every man who is interested in de-
stroying the effectiveness of the present
law, aud thus place the enforcement of
the law in the hands OF officers paid by
the State, but chosen by the interests
that are now setting the law at defiance.
On this subject the Alliance has al
ready spoken, At its annual meeting
it endorsed in the most emphatic way
and without dissenting voice the NOM
ination Of Mr.. Smith and Mr.. Camp
bell, Republicans, and Mr., Dey, Dem
ocrat. In doing so it declared that
railroad commissioners should hold
office not on the ground of their con-
nection with political parties, or as a
reward for party services, but on the
ground of service rendered to the peo-
pie. 1t stamped with its approval the
work done by the preseut commission.
1t realized the folly of taking work
that was being well done ont of able
and faithful hands and placing it at a
critical period, when the law was heinz
subjected to crucial tests, in the hands
of uDk nown and untrled men.
Eve.y week since has brought fresh
evidsNSs Of The ~ist0W of this actyou'