The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1890-03-13
PROGRESS OF THE ALLIANCE.
"A Chcerful Report of the Work Of tie
Order in South Crrolina.
From the Pee-Dee Index.7

INA nave now entered upon the second
year OF educational and cooperative
effort on the several lines of Alliance
work, 1888 was devoted to the work Of
organization; in 1889 the work of Or
ganlzatlon was continued, and is now
-Sth February, lS90-planted in every
county IN the State. The planting
under the direction of your executive
committee has been done at the min
lmum cost, and this work will be very
nearly completed before your second
annual meeting in July next.
Our desperate condition, financially,
rendered our Organization possible. and
to the betterment Of that condition our
greatest efforts have been put forth.
Last year the efforts at cooperative
trade was by Sub and County Al
llances securing for themselves the best
terms possible. The results obtained,
while more or less satisfactory, were
very unequal, the saving effected being
estimated at from s to 33 per cent on
last years purchases, dependent largely
or mainly on the financial condition of
the different sections OF the State, the
larger saving being only possible on
the credit system of purchasing; and
attention is especially invited to this as
showing how ruinous has been that
system, and as ruinous morally as
financially. Let US not blame others
solely because such a condition of
things was ever possible, but let us,
like true men assume our share of the
responsibility. Reckless risks de-
manded ruinous profits, but we now
see our folly in consenting or submit
ting to such conditions so long. And
now that we have to correct this and
other abuses, we must be careful, very
careful, about the character of our
members. We have taken in and
must continue to take in members who
are Financially bankrupt, if they have
good moral character" This is right.
We honor our organization by the
effort to lift them up-to improve their
finapcial condition-but We cannot af-
ford to carry them if they should even
seem to be careless about their financial
obligations. Should they fail to prac-
tice that strict economy, or to exhibit
that industry and constant application
to business so necessary to success, we
must expel them. To retain them
would be wrong to all who are battling
for the manhood and independence Of
the farming and industrial classes.
partial failure Of the crops last year isa
trying ord sal to our young organiza-
ton in some sections of the State,
which is matter of deep concern to
those fortunate elsewhere, but their
activity and fo7wardness in preparing
for another crop prove their indomita-
BILE pluck; in some places last year the
crops were less than half the average.
In such places depression like Egyp-
tan darkness must be felt. Just how
such conditions are to be met and over
| come is problem difficult of solution,
| but it will best he done by our people
standing together united brother
hood. The efforts at increased indus
try and closer economy lessen the
danger from such crop failures; but for
| the practice of such economy and in
dustry last year, the depression grow
ing out of the crop failure would have
been more extended and trying than it
| now is. In proof Of this, it may safely
| be claimed that the South Carolina
farmers, taking the average of the
whole State, commence the year 1890
| in better financial condition than they
did the year 1889; Notwithstanding the
short crop, the shortness of which more
than offset the higher prices at which
it was sold. A larger percentage Of the
supplies bought for Alliance farmers in
| 1890 will be bought for cash than has
been so bought any previous year by
these same farmers. I should not deem
it necessary to remind these cash buy
ers that they now have State Busi-
ness Exchange which they can use in
the purchase Of supplies and sale Of
farm products, but for the fact that
they have been doing this very same
business through agents of their local
organizations 50 successfully before the
exchange was established. Your busi-
ness agent can be, must be, the largest
cash purchaser in the State, and should
be, and, with your patronage, would be
able to purchase more cheaply than
any other. 1t is your agency, and will
be what you make it.
But have possibly said as much as
should now on the financial outlook,
The educational work of the Alliance is
probably more advanced along the
financial lire than any other. The
methods oflcarning along this line are
eminently practical. I intended to ex-
tend this letter to convey some thoughts
on political economy, and our organs,
State and national, but ! find il will
make this article too long, so must
defer any attempt in that direction at
this time.
My recent visit to the different sec
tions Of the State suggested the proprie-
tv of what l have written as well as
what l propose writing in the near
future, as 1 may have opportunity. I
gratefully acknowledge my indebted
ness for personal kindness while on
this tour, and my unqualified admira-
ton for the devotion of our people to
the principles Of our order.
Z. 7. STACKHOCSE.