Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-11-29
LET us BE FAIR.

One of the important questions to
be deci ded at the annual Alliance con-
vention at Aberdeen is: What shall
be the future political action of the
Alliance?' To those not familiar
with the plan of our paper, the Rura-
list columns present a peculiar position
on political matters; the same issue
often containing opposite views upon
the same subject.
When the Ruralist was made the
official organ of the Alliance. a certain
portion OF its space was set aside for
Alliance matter. in which any Alliance
man might give publicity to his views
itdone in a propet manner. We as
sumo no responsibility for these arti-
cles. Bro. Loucks was given editorial
charge Of this department. s5
The past seasons work is yet fresh
in the minds of our readers, and 1t is
WELT review that work, so far as the
Alliance is concerned; and this is es-
pecially necessary because of the diff
ference of opinion referred to: The
Alliance department tells us that the
Alliance has got nothing in the past
political work of the year. We have
stated differently Which is the right?
Let us see.
When the alliance convention was
held at Huron in the month of June
last it was decided that our political
work should be done in our respective
parties. The Republican party being
largely IN the majority we must nee
essarlly expect our results to come from
that party, and theleading Republican
Alliance men commenced active work.
When the republican state conven-
tion met at Huron a conference of
Alliance men was held and we we're
selected as committe to confer with
leading republican politicians aud pre-
sent our wishes. fg-E
Our requests were cheerfully grsn-
ted; they were as follows;
That we might namethe temporary
chairman of the convention.
That majority of farmers should
compose each of the committees.
That wewanted Picker and Clifford
as our congressman.
\ That the demand for Governor Mel
lette was so nearly unanimous we
agree to make it entirely so.
That we should have a farmer for
Lieutenant Governor. No one was
natned because decision had Tot been
arrivedat,
So Tar as We made any request Tor
| State officers it was conceded.
| Now with what result?
! Wegained the temporary oryaniza-
ton; platform Of principles formula.
ted by a majority of farmers was adopt.
ed; and with the exception of Com.
missioner of Schools and Public Lands
COTS State officers as we asked
for Our choice for Congressman was
honered. In short, the Alliance got all
! they asked. was there not then some
reason for our rejoicing and where
stands the claim that we got nothing
The present is not the time to com.
mence an attack upon Gov. Mellette
we agreed to his nomination and elect.
ed him. His duties as Governor of
South Dakota are just begun. He has
repeatedly made the assertion that he
recognized that agriculture was the
great industry of the State and that in
his official work he would ID all in his
power to protect tdat interest. We
believe he was in earnest and meant
what he said. If he fails in his duty
we shall be prompt to call him to ac-
count; but we reiterate that we have
full confidence in him, and his acts
alone will destroy that confidence.
In the later csntest for United
States Senators, Bro. Wardall was a
candidate. He IS an Alliance man and
is true. but he was not made a candi.
date by the Alliance. He entered the
race of his own volition and upon bis
personal merits. Considering his short
canvass he developed a wonderful
strength. We deny that his defea,
meant a defeat Of the Alliance, The
Senators were chosen by embers Of
the legislature. Wild in turn owe theil
election to the republican farmers.
Whether the gentleman will repre-
sent our agricultural interests remains
to be demonstrated They were elected
upon platform, the principles o
which, if they faithfully carry then
out, will make them as truly represen
tatlves of the farmers as if they wer
members of out organization. W.
have their promise to do this. and a
this early day we have no reason t.
doubt their surpcses. Ii past politica
works. any guarantee Of the e, future
there is no man who should have NOR
confidence from the farmers than MI
, Pettigrew. We have examined hi
record in the legislature and it. prove
~. IL