The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-03-02
THE FARMERS ALLIANCE.
A PHILoSoPHIC PAPER ON THE
PURPOSES OF THE ORGANIZATION.
A Matter Worthy the Scrutinization or
Business Men-The Mor:gase-Ridden
Producer Painting for Freer and Purer
Atmosphere.

The movement known as the Farmers
Alliance will doubtless prove to be an inn
portant factor in the agricultural and bus
mess interest OF our country. The prin-
ciples involved in the order will color
more or less the political issues that will
be presented at an early date for our con-
sideration. The object Of the order will
be 10 purge the old, not to create new
party lines. Thinking men in business
circles are scrui inning the movement
closely and consider II matter that de-,
mands serious and thorough investigation.
As the farmer has not been exempted
from the universal Jaw Of cause and effect,
nor ceased to react when acted upon, his
action through the alliance has not been
gratuitous or aggressive. His motto Is
simply to repel force by force, solely for
the purpose OF carrying out the first law OF
nature self-protection. The movement
has been considered by many 10 be spas
modic and ephemerl In its character,
embodying many OF the elements OF
agrarianism, movement in common with
labor strikes and trade unions, direct
antagonism between labor and capital,
the arraying oil one class against another,
| etc.
The above are grave charges, but the
facts and evidence in the case do not sus-
tain the indictment The farmer Is joint
owner and the original producer Of the
wealth of our section. He merely wishes
TO return TO first principles. Instead Of
the effect producing the cause he wishes
th.
words the farmer wishes to ride and tie
awhile with the merchant.
For variety sake the farmer would like
to ride occasionally, even at the risk OF
being considered a beggar on horseback.
II Is possible he might be able 10 run bet
ter, he has been'run already by the mer-
chant until he Is about out OF breath.
Being the original producer and owner
and having some claims left he thinks he
is entitled TO council in the case.
The law OF supply and demand should
bear equally on the merchant and farmer.
The merchant by q vested trade right can
present his money ut the chamber Of
commerce counter and get its full value.
Not 10 with the farmer. His money can
only be received at the counter OF the
country merchant, the factors commits.
chants profits deducted II he has mil
lions OF surplus he is compelled 30 pay
tribute 10 the factor or middle man. This
palpable violation OF the law Of supply and
demand means nothing more or less than
monopoly.
The true mission OF the Farmers ALI
ance u TO fight monopoly in any shape II
may be presented. They ask or demand
l..
consideration presents two sides. A lead
ing merchant In Memphis recently in
formed the writer that he had purchased a
bill Of goods with farmers money and
turned over the same, without commission,
10 q cooperative association at Cherry
Creek, Pontotoc county, Mis-. For his
services he had been tabooed by his former
customers. Comment ON the subject Is
unnecessary. The order can now accept
or reject the gage OF battle thrown down
by the country merchants. All members
OF the alliance are well aware Of the fact
that money will purchase goods In all the
leading markets Of the world ut rock bot.
tom prices, independent OF iron-clad rules
and regulations The fnct was clearly de-
monstrated last fall that the Memphis
factor was n bull and the eastern cotton
buyer q bushwhackcr. Remove the factor,
the eastern representative would not only
show but use his claws in pulling down
the cotton market. Bruin has lived 30
long In Mobile and New Orleans, he IL
thoroughly acclimated and to the manor
born.
Perhaps II might be wisdom In the farm.
ers Of north Mississippi 20 continue TO
breed short-hons, M bear limiting might
not prove profitable. GRAy EAGLE
Verona, Miss, March I, 1853.