Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1888-09-15

THE ALLIANCE ExCHANGE, TXAs.
lied what was called "The Grange" That
order had on extraordinary growth, and
gre influenced the Legislation Of the
northwestern states; but as II necessarily
had to deal with political questions, II
shared the vicissitudes Of political par
ties, and In some states gave way to the
Farmers alliance. OF which Pa.ker county,
Tex, modestly claims TO be the birth
place. There, early In 1885, the farmers
organised on this PLATFORM
Profoundly impressed that we, the FarmerS'
alliance, united by the strong and faithful
tics Of financial and home interests, should
set forth our declaration Of intentions, We
therefore resolve; 8
cultural classes In the science Of economical
government, In q strictly non n-partisan spirit.
2. To indorse the motto, "1n things essen
tial, unity; and In all things, charity"
8. To develop a better state, mentally,
morally socially and financially.
sustaining civil officers in maintaining Law
and order
6. To constantly strive to secure entire
harmony and good will among all mankind
O. To suppress personal, local, sectional and
national prejudices; all unhealthful rivalry
and all selfish ambition.
n The brightest Jewels which It gnrners are
the tears Of widows and orphans, and its iui-
perative commands are to visit tho homes
where lacerated hearts are bleeding; to as
suage the suflerings Of brother or a sister;
bury the dead; care for the widows and edu-
cate the orphans, TO exercise charity towards
offenders; TO construe words and deeds In
Of purpose and good Intentions to others; and
TO protect the principles Of the alliance unto
death. Its laws are reason and equity, its
cardinal doctrines inspire purity OF thought
and life, Its intentions are peace on earth
and good will towards men"
There are now in Texas 5000 bali
snoes. with total membership of 142, 800,
divided among 141 counties.
The Farmers alliance In Texas have
adopted 70 great extent the cooperative
plan Of buying selling and manufacturing;
Of the latter Is the Dallas Branch Imple-
ment factory, with capital Of $40, ,000
Their plant consists of large factory for
the manufacture Of farming implements,
which Is fully equipped with the latest
and most improved machinery. Next in
importance Is the New Braunfels Woolen
mills. which also own large and com.
modious plant, containing the fine and
costly machinery necessary for the manu-
facture Of woolen goods. The Alliance
Exchange at Dallas, Tex, Is also another
enterprise which is erecting four story
the state business agent conducts q vast
amount Of business, buying and selling
supplies for the different cooperative
stores in Texas, likewise for the farmer
direct.
In addition to the organization in Texas
the Farmers alliance Is rapidly increas-
ing In other states. Tho total member
ship, according to the last report made
by the national secretsry, is as follows:
Alabama, $500; Arkansas. 10000; Mis-
sissippi, $4,000; Georgia, 10,9S0; Louis
lana, 1890; Missouri, 1880; Tennessee,
10000; North Carolina, $4,000; South
Carolina, 4,050; Kentucky, 1850; Virgi-
mia, TAO; Arizona, 2,460; New Mexico,
1,020; Texas, 49, 900.
The State alliance in 1887 bought the
right, title and interest of The Southern
Mercury, weekly newspaper published
in Dallas, and 1t was made their official
organ; also ut the meeting Of the Ma
tional Farmers alliance at Shreveport,
La. In October, 1887, that body chose
The Mercury as its official organ. The
Mercury Is one of the most powerful yet
conservative weeklies In the southwest.
Its circulation is over $4,000 and rapidly
increasing. 1t Is ably edited and econom
ically managed, and is looked upon by
the brotherhood as the best educator, the
most powerful exponent Of their cause,
and they regard II as the beacon to guide
them out Of the wilderness into the light
Of supremacy.
The colored farmers have q separate
organization, officers, and organ Of their
own. They number in Mississippi alone
over 10000, and throughout the south
their membership exceeds 100000; their
organ, The Colored Alliance, is also pub.
lished In Dallas, and is destined to be as
powerful among the colored brotherhood
as The Mercury is among the white