Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1890-12-15
time it had one with a little meat on it.

And what will the Knights do will
the question of politics, which has beer
subject for circulars, long articles il
the official organ and general expression
of opinion for two, or three months? Mr.
Powderly has heretofore opposed an OH
and out Independent labor political move
ment. He has rather preferred the ole
method Of picking out of the nominees
of the regular parties the best men fo
support" This meant the same old figh
over persons and nothing done for prin
ciple. Men differ in their Judgment O
men, and SO brothers in the same as
sembly support opposing candidates. eacl
believing himself to be right. or taking
advantage Of the absence of II policy tC
feather his nest by bartering his ''in
fuence." The cry of the reform move
ment has always been, Measures, MOI
men," but Mr.. Powderly has ever ad
vised action on the opposite line. 1t ii
not sufficient to say that the men whose
views and characters are commendablt
are to be supported. What is wanted is
a platform with men on it. and not mel
with platform.
The wonderful success of the farmers
movement in the late elections shows
what can be done by a clean cut policy
Long years had the farmers tried the
other scheme, only to be betrayed after
their votes were cast. They were never
reckoned as of any Importance as class
From now on they will be considered by
Che lawmakers, and so long as they main
tain separate political organization ani
fight for its principles they will be fac
tors in the administration of a country
of which they comprise SO vast and i'm
pOrtaut u part.
The general assembly decided 70 make
an effort to get together national con
ference of industrial reforaars as soor
AS possible, and to invite the Farmers
Alliance and all labor organizations tc
participate therein. Had such a stel
been taken four years ago. when the
Knights Of Labor was the leading or
ganization of the country, great good
would probably have been accomplished
1t does not today occupy that pre-emi
nent position: but it is to be hoped thai
the proposed conference will be held and
something practicable done. However
there are rocks in the way Which must
be avoided.
I have for several years thought it
possible to unite the agricultural work
ers and mechanics in political move
ment. 1t is more possible today than
ever before. The prejudices which the
farmers 80 long held against the orga-
nized city workers are fast giving way
to an understanding that the interests Of
the two are identical. Now, what is
needed is union movement. In The
Labor Enquirer, in 1S87-98. l advocated
an amalgamation of all the independent
political forces upon one plank plat
form. When federation has heretofore
been attempted it was found that each
faction had a truck load of planks to put
into the platform, and, for the sake of
harmony, they were all dumped in. As
result there was at least one peg upon
which every man could hang an objec-
ton, and so the voters went back to the
old parties.
What is wanted is central idea that
every faction can indorse. This should
be made the platform and everything
else held in allegiance for the time being.
I believed three years ago, and believe
now, that the naturalization of railways
and telegraphs is that idea. 1t is found
in the declarations of every one of the