The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1889-12-05

keep the organization within its legiti I
mate channel and to work out legitimate
results. From the following table it
will be noticed how the members of the
Alliance are distributed as to States:
Members. Members.
louisiana .....5OOOO Virginia ........ q, coo .
Texas. $4,000 Tennessee. 150tD0
Mississippi noe. $4,000 Kentucky $1,000
Alabama sil,HD Arkansas. 10000
Georgia 100000 Indian Territory. 1000
south Carolina 5000 Missouri. .,...... s5to0
North Carolina. -. ,@,WD
Then there come the States of New
York, New Jersey. Maryland, West Vir
GINA, Ohio. Indiana. Illinois, Wisconsin,
Iowa. Minnesota. Nebraska and Dakota
These, as the New York Herald says,
have been organized most of them under
a separate jurisdiction from those OF the
South, and their returns are not yet in.
But the movement has gone and is going
like SNOWFALL down mountain side,
without noise and minding its own bus
mess.
Here is u power that cannot be ig-
nored, nor its trend arrested by either of
the great parties of the country. Indeed.
it is not beyond the limits of possibility
that it will become so formidable as to
absorb much of the intelligence and
moral worth of both of the old parties.
Whether it shall become necessary to
enter the arena of political contests or
not there is one thing it can and will
do, and that is, it will bring such a pres
sure to bear upon political parties AS to
compel the enactment of legislation
necessary for the protection of the rights
and the defence Of the interests of the
there ~ not radical change in party
management ;ls it respects eacl, OF the
parties, if there is not a pup ose an
nounsed to retire the professional place
hunters and gamblers in politics, and a
higher tone given to party discipline
and party objects. that self defence and
concern for the government. will demand
ii wider field for endeavor than that now
prescribed.
1t will be seen from the principles it
declares. hat the objects of the Alliance
comprehend the political and moral re-
lations OF the cauntry-that it looks to
purer methods and better AIMS in poll
tics and that it is not limited and re-
stricted to the men In the corn furrow
or scythe sMarth. or grain acreage that
may require attention. The formulation
below has all the appearance of earnest
ness, the scope OF good citizenship and
patriotism and the dignity of honesty.
1t reads:
Profoundly Impressed that We the farmers of
America, WHO are UNIFIED hy the strong and
raltntIli ties OF financial ana home interests,
should, when organized into an association, set
forth our. declaration OF intentions, we there
fore resolve.
l. 10 labor for the education of the agrieul
tlral classes in the science OF economic gov
eminent in strictly nonpartizan spirit, and to
bring about more perfect union OF said classes.
=. That we demand equal rights to all and
special fayorS to none
J. That we return to the old principle of let
ting the office seek the man, instead OF the man
/. To indorse the motto, IN things essential
unity, and in all things charity:
). 10 develop better state mentally, morally,
s. 10 create a bettei understanding for sps
tanning our civil OFFICERS in maintaining law
and order
:. TO constantly strive to secure entire, har
mony and good will to all mankind and bro
tneriy love among ourselves,
4 8 10 suppress personal, local. sectional and
national prejudice, all unhealthfnl rivalry ana
all selfish ambition.
- The brightest jewels which 1t garners are
the tears of widows and orphans and its impeF-
atVe aoiDmands are to visit the homes where
lacerated hearts are bleeding; to aSSuage the
sufferings OF brother sister; bury the dead;
care for widows and educate the orphans; TO
exercise charity toward offenders; to cOnstrue
words and deeds in their most favorable light
granting honesty OF purpose and good 1nten-
lions to others, and to protect the principles of
the National Farmers Alliance ana CO-opera-
equity, its cardinal doctrines inspire purity OF
thought and life, it's intention is, Peace ON
earth and good win TO man.
Certainly no good citizen can, in rea-
son, object to single tenet here de-
elared. There is breathed through
every line an elevated purpose, catho-
lie spirit and banefieent ends. They
will appeal to the conscience, to the
sense of right and the best interests of
the country, and if properly engineered
viii be a power in the nation that must
and will command respect. The farmers
have been too listiess and Indifferent
about their own concerns. They have
allowed political adyenturers and ma
nipulators to take charge of every de-
partment of government and every in
terest affecting the welfare Of the people
and country, until they feel the injuri
ous effect. 1t is now time for them to
do for themselves; to organize for and
act with purpose. If they are true to
themselves and to the principles and
interests laid down. is the platform, they
will effect great good for themselv YES and
the country. We bid them God speed
ii their noble work and will aid them to
the extent of our ability SO long as they
adhere to the resolves they have pro-
inuIgated