Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1890-05-29
FARMERS ALLIANCE.
ALLIANCE WORK,
What the Alliance Has Done and IL still
Doing,

IuTI
on the best methods of grain produc
ton, mingled as agriculture advances
with discussions on grass culture, for
estry, horticulture, etc.
In sections where the dairy interest
predominates, dairy problems become
the themes Of Alliance discussions, and
IN other sections the best methods al
breeding and feeding livestock, and in
all discussions concerning equitable and
Just taxation, Improvement of the high
ways, social Improvement, etc.
In large Sections where the Rgri-
cultural interests has been suffering
under evils which could be remedied
only by legislative action and moro
faithful discharge of the executive
functions of the government, the Al
lance has not hesitated to use It's in
huence by petitions and circumstances
and by non-partisan action in elections
TO remedy existing evils. This line of
action has been very marked in the
Iowa Alliances where their Influences
were potent in securing the enactment
"ot the present excellent railroad law,
an sustaining the present executive in
his endeavors TO secure Justice to all
shippers, and in electing a board of
railroad commissioners by majority SO
emphatic as to demonstrate that the
principles Of the Alliance are dearer
to the people of the State than any
merely party convictions. In presi-
dental year this is very remarkable.
Similar action has been taken by other
-
Minnesota and Dakota have won sub
.stantial victories in securing better
methods in marketing grain and pro-
duce, and in every State where it has
gained a foothold the Alliance has
been an efficient helper in every good
work.
Recognizing the necessity of political
parties and the obligations of the voter
to his party, the Alliance emphasizes
hhe higher obligations of the voter to
right and justice, and his duty to Sc
cure, If possible, the full recognition of
these within his party, always reserv-
ing the right to rebuke by adverse vote
party leaders who prostitute their par
ty by alliance with systems of oppres-
sion. In States where the Alliance mas
been well organized it is fast beoom-
ing . balance of power" wieided al
ways in behalf of justice and right.
In sections where there is a sparse
agricultural population as compared
with the population of towns and viii
lagos and the profits demanded on farm
Supplies are excessive and the prices
obtained for grain and other farm prod
-
mas engaged in cooperative work, both
IN selling and buying supplies. In some
counties these supplies, such as coal,
Lumber, salt Irvine, machinery, etc,
have been purchased through purchas-
ing agents, while for the sale of
produce elevators have been erected
and other arrangements made for the
shipment of grain and livestock that
nave proved highly advantageous
Nor must it be forgotten that the AL |
lance furnishes an organization greatly |
helpful, indirectly, in the conduct of |
Farmers Institutes, in the organization
of mutual insurance companies and |
other associations which have for their
general object the elevation, financially
and socially, of the farmers of the West.
Rapid as has been the organiza ton of
Alliances in the past year, and salts
factory as have been the results, it is
yet but in the smallest beginnings of
its usefulness, The rapid organization
or trusts and corporations among manu-
tacturers where the sole object is to
limit production and maintain prices,
the enormous aggreg alton of capital in
the hands of the few men who
control our railroads, and the abuse
they make of this power by dis
against towns, cities and
States, and the infamous custom of
charging excessive rates on the prod
ucts OF the farm for local stations to re-
coup the losses on through freight rem
ders it imperatively necessary that the
agriculturists should understand their
rights and privileges, and take meas
ures for preserving them. The spirit
and teachings of the Alliance is not to
meet wrong and injustice by spolia-
ton or coniscation of property. The
farmers of America have too much at
stake to permit any attack on the rights
Of property. The weapons of their
warfare are not carnal." They rely on
! wider diffusion of intelligence, the
study of the elementary principles a.,
Of right and justice and the use
Of the ballot in the hands a.,
If American freemen, believing ,
hat no wrong or abuse can become /;
permanent in free government when :
.he people have once obtained knowl- !
EDGE of the facts With this end in =
view, the Alliance aims both to educate
he farmer in his profession and in his !.
Iuties and privileges as a citizen of the !
Republic
All other classes live in communities
uch as cities, towns or villages. They
AVE every opportunity for frequent COM v
and intercourse. n
1t is not so with the farmer. The nee a
ssary conditions of his vocation REQUIRE 9
lis isolation. His broad acres can not o
'e compressed into the space of a town g
lock.
The great crops of wheat and corn e.
hat pour themselves along the great a
ines of our railroads, that fill u
he great elevators of the metro II
olitan cities to overlooking and tt
our their golden currents into the a.
oldS OF ocean steamers and fill the d
lartS of all nations, enriching the b'
companies, the brokers, al
and retailers and feed es
lg hungry world, are produced by
he farmers, each one working alone. aC
all these lone toilers should cease &C
Dr. one year, what then? General in &C
olvency, the failure of banks, of mer- p
liant princes, of great Transportation be