The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1890-05-06
FIRST BLOOD IN THE U. S. SEN.
ATE FOR SENATOR CALL.

The senior Senator from Florida,
during a speech on railroads, asked
to be allowed to read a letter. The
Senator said
al have just a single letter here
that | wish to read. 1t touches lightly
upon this subject, but [ think it may
convey some admonition to the Sen
ate, as it comes from the body of the
people. 1t shows the great surging
waves OF public feeling that are sweep.
ing all through this country, and of
which I think we may well take heed,
for we are not far enough removed
from the people not to be the creatures
of their favor, or the victims of their
| ~displeasure.
There is a feeling in this country
that there has been too much of land
monopoly, too much of corporate power,
too much oppression and TOO LITTLE
CARE on the part of Congress of the
rights of these humble but meritorious
and most worthy people who are the
support of the government and of all
of our Institutions"
Senator Call then read the letter.
"LURAvILLE, Fla, April Is, 80.
Hon. Wilkinson Call, Washington, DC:
DEAR SIR:-Allow me the liberty
to write you in reference to a matter
of vital interest. I am q farmer, an
Alliance man, in full sympathy with
all that pertains to our interests, per-
sonal, sectional and national. A
mighty wave Of unrest is sweeping
over our beloved country. Days are
coming in the near future that will
try mems souls. Mighty wrongs may
be done that necessary rights be
established. Our nation is on the
verge of a great revolution. The hon,
est yeomanry, the nations strength,
demand their rights as against favored
monopolists and combines which are
fostered and sustained by national
legislation.
owe demand equal rights to all
and special privileges to none. We in
your congressional district look to
you tn maintain our rights for US in
the =. S. Senate. From some things
you have done we believe you will
fight for our interests. We believe
you will succeed.
"The farmers understand and want
the Sub-Treasury bill No. 2,8O6 or
something of the same nature or bet
ter, passed and made a law. They
asked it as an important measure in
behalf of their rights and justice. We
are watching eVery mOve made by the
members of Congress in regard to this
measure AMI WILL HOLD EACH REsPoN-
sIBLE. We wGU not be deceived about 1T.
"Ltke Ow ancestors of l776, ane wtU
haze matters rtghted, Vhatever mag be
the cost.
ave will feel proud to see our Call
one of the champions of the interest
of the farmer as against those whom
national Legislation has helped to op.
press us.
awe want to do no wrong, but s0e
aOiU be rGgbted. We need your wis
dom; we are entitled to it, to assist us.
Brother Macune will receive peti,
tons from hundreds of thousands of
farmers, which will be presented to
the members of Congress. These
petitions are not obtained by bribery
or fraud, are not meaningless express
sions, but they represent the senti-
ments and wishes of the honest yeo
many. Every sentiment is deeply
rooted in the heart of every petitioner,
and o0e eOiU stand together as against all
Wntl our rights are conceded and
established.
With highest regard, I have the
honor to be
Yours truly,
JOHN W. RICE"
Senator Call, after reading the let
ter, said:
"Mr. president, I take great pleas
ure in reading this letter and in re.
spending to its sentiments. So far as
[ have any in public affairs, it will be
exerted in the direction of their ideas
and their interests. With these peo.
| Mo Cupo~o4L:-. I'LL H.