The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1890-12-11


declarations ot prlnclpie. WeTan-
nounce that we are to LABOR for the edu-
cation of the agricultural classes in the
science Of economical government, In a
strictly non-partisan spirit, and to bring
about amore perfect union of said clas-
ses. Were it the design of the trainers
of our organic law to Impress our men,
bership with the responsible and pa
triotic duty of reaching the exalted
standard in citizenship to which all
American freemen should aspire, and
to assert that our organization was pol
ltical In the highest sense Of that term,
they were fortunate in adopting the
language used in this declaration; but
while our organization is political, 1t
cannot be partisan or sectional in its
action. In support of this declaration
we proudly point to our whole past re-
cord and to the recent popular election,
and particularly to the noble and pat
riotic bearing of the brotherhood in the
states of Kansas and South Carolina.
1t is as needless as it would be Grim.
inal to attempt to disguise the ia It that
as an organization we have reached q
critical period in our existence. Insid-
iOus and powerful influences are seek
ing to divert us from the high purpos-
es and grand objects for which we were
organized. Flushed and elated with
success marvellous in many Of its as
poets. tho most remarkable in the poll
tiCal history of this country, let us not
impair its prestige and power by indif-
ference or inactivity on the one hand
and by grasping for the impracticable
or unattainable on the other, strong as
we are, and strong as we must become
strong enough, II united, to render
nl1 70
opposing force, yet we are not strong
enough nor can we DO to withstand the
intrigue and treacbery OF foes within
Our principles must find their "clty Of
refuge" and our cause its citadel Of
safety in the loyal hearts Of a devoted
membership.
their doors against unworthy and de-
signing men, and, if such be found al
ready within the gates, let them at
once be furnished safe and speedy exit
to the camp of the enemy. Let these
primary bodies, standing rs q sentinel
at the outer gates. be constantly on the
alert, and watch with ceaseless vigil
ance lest they admit dangerous ennis
saries from corporations or political or
monopOlistic combinations. Let us as
an order adopt as our rule of action
the inilexible test of loyalty to Alliance
principles as the first and most essen
tial prerequisite to membership, and to
our confidence. Apply this test to the
selection of officers, from the steward
Of primary body. to the president of
your national body. Apply the test
rigldly to all men who aspire to repre-
sent us in any capacity, and especially
to those, whether Of high or low degree,
who are to be entrusted with the du-
| ties and powers oflegislation, and, If in
the faithful and impartial appliance Of
this test, any reasonable doubt should
arise. do not hesitate to give our cause
the full benft of such doubt. Place no
man on guard who Is not loyal and
faithful friend to our cause Herein
lies our strength and our safety.
Lei us stand unitedly and unflin-
chlngly by the great principles emu
merated at our st. Louis. meeting. In
the light of our recent experience the
important work of discussing and elu-
cldatlng these principles must dev olive
upon us In congress, on the hustinQs.
III conventions and In the partisan nress
of the country. There WAS a signifi-
can't silence on these principles. excent
and only in cases where we forced their
discussion. All propositions presented
by us look to financial reform. and not
ably the measure known as the snb-
treasury plan. was ignored by congress
and even the discussion on this plan
was snRcSs.aSffGs n4RcS"YfGGsr9a notwithstanding the
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