The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1890-01-21
A THIRD PARTY.

Politicians and hot-headed reform.
ers are just beginning to realize the
power that the farmers through their
organizations possess. The one, through
fear of being called to an account for
past political short comings Or future
political retirement, is beginning to
deplore the downfall of these organi-
cations because of their going into
politics, and hypocritically gives ad-
vice accordingly. The other makes
the echoes ring with the shout that
now, having formed a solid combina-
ton upon principles adverse to exist
ing conditions, a grand smsshup of
present systems will speedily follow,
and out Of the wreck something bet
ter is to be found. The fear of the
politician may prove a benefit and put
an end to certain evils that the farm
ers would otherwise be compelled to
do at thelpolls. The ~ever-ready crank
must wait; nothing foolish or rash will
be attempted.
There is no ground for the fear or
even suspicion that the farmers, that
great conservative class, will abuse
the power given them through these
organizations. Neither will the COM
pact between them and the Knights
of Labor lead one of these organiza-
tons into unconsidered action.
Through this union both of these
organizations have been strengthened,
and their united action would be ire
sistable. But with this increased
power comes increased responsibilities,
which calls for increased caution.
Both of these organizations realize
this fact, and both may be trusted to
act accordingly. Such organization
and union means freedom and equal
rights, and more, in this nation. 1t
means that labor, whether 1T be in the
field or in the workshop, shall have its
Just reward. 1t means the repeal of
class legislation and a return to the
first principles of our government. 1t
means that all, from the pauper to the
millionaire, shall stand equal before
just laws. These organizations were
born of necessity, are a protest against
present conditions, and are quietly
but firmly demanding justice and not
charity. Cannot such men be trusted?
Wherein lies the fear that should dis
turb the feelings of any honest man?
"The wicked fee when no man pur-
sueth, says the Scripture. And none
but those who have betrayed the in
terests of the people need fear the
power of these organizations. They
are not organized to destroy, but to
build up; and they who think differ.
emily will have ample time for repent
ance. Never before in the history of
the world has there been such an up
rising among the great, conservative
element in any country. At present
the government seems oblivious to
this fact. Possibly it is waiting to
know more about the aims and objects
of these organizations, and the nature
of their demands. If so, the execu-
tive committees of these two bodies
will, in the near future, thoroughly
enlighten both Congress and the ad-
ministration upon the subject. Bills
are now being formulated by these
committees, which at an early day
will be presented to Congress, in the
consideration of which the discussion
will not only disclose their business,
but also the fair and honorable basis
upon which these organizations are
founded. 1t was neither political pre-
ferment nor the spoils of Office that
led to their formation, but a sense of
duty and a. belief in "equal rights to
all and special privileges to none" A
third political party will not be formed
by these organizations. 1t is a non
partisan movement in which each
member may remain true to his party, |
but each one will see to it this party
continues true to him, 1t matters not
under what name or through what
medium these reforms may come. If
they are finally obtained and the con-
dition of the people bettered, these
organizations will be satisfied
National EcOnOYn1st.