Iuka reporter. (Iuka, Miss.) 1888-1894, 1889-07-04
THE ALLIANCE AND POLITICS
Holly Springs South.l

huitoi OOutu-hb tucTo bOCulb W
be want of information IN regard
to the relations that should exist be-
tween the Farmers Alliance and the
political parties of the country, 1
deem it advisable at this time to
give such information to the mem
berthlP and the public generally as
is at present at my disposal. We
find by examining the history of the
Alliance, by W. L. Garvin and S. O.
Davis, that in 1875 the FIRST alliance
was organized in Lampasas county,
Texas. During the period of three
years alliances had been organized
in four or five counties. At this
period ~ few designing men con-
vsy,ed 1t into political party, which
virtually destroyed that organization.
in its Infancy. Within q year not a
single one of these organiaas as re.
mained.' In 1879, W. 7. Baggett,
former member, having moved to
Parker county, brought with him
one Of the old constitutions. and in
July of that year organized an alli-
ance at Poolyllle. In that organiza.
ton, "by decisive vote, all party
political features were struck out
from the original declaration Of
principles, uniting the order firmly
in non-partisan brotherhood
based upon the following declaration
of principles which should be im-
planted in every honest heart:
lst. To labor for the education of
the agricultural classes in the science
Of economical government. in q
strictly nou-partisan spirit.
End. To indorse the motto, in
things essential, unity, and in all
things, charity.
| 3rd. 10 develop better state,
mentally, moral, socially and 6nan-
clally.
4,h. To create = better under.
standing for sustaining civil officers
in maintaining law and order.
5th. TO constantly strive to secure
entire harmony and good will among
all mankind, and brotherly love
among ourselves.
9Th. To supprsss personal, local,
sectional and national pre-: udlces ;
all unhealthtul rivalry. and all sell
hsh ambition, &c.
These principles enter largely into
the makeup Of the organic law up-
on which this grand organization Is
based. Each member of the alliance
takes a solemn obligation to support
the state and national constitutions,
which are based upon the foregoing
principles, and is assured that the
obligation will not interfere with his
| political or religious views.
What are the objects 10 be At
tanned?
To labor tor tho advancement Of
the agricultural and mechanical
classes. Educating them mentally,
morally, socially and financially, and
not to hoist certain class of men
into Office on the strength of NOM
bership fealty. Democrats are dem
ocrats still. Republicans are repub-
licaus still, and no questions asked.
Now, it is plain to be seen that we
are not organized to foster the per-
sonal aspirations Of any member,
nor against other professions, ut to
ward off and avert if possible tho
dangerous encroachments upon our
interests Of monopolies, corporate
and otherwise, and to secure such
legislation as will protect our inter-
ests. Now, we do not propose to
disintegrats any party, as some
think, but by discussing and reach
ing conclusions upon political ques.
tions essential, to bring about their
accomplishments through the par
ties that be.
(, With all this light before us, pub
lished to the world it is astonishing
that the charge should come from
any source that this organization
was or could be converted into q
secret political party.
! The discussion Of questions Of q
partisan or sectariaa nature is pro-
hibited by the organic law, and not
tolerated in any wsll disciplined
alliance.