The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1890-08-12
A LETTER FROM GRANVILLE
COUNTY.

OOON 4
STovALL, GRANVILLE Co., n. c., 1890.
Mr.. EDIToR:- Your attitude con-
corning the Sub Treasury plan | en-
dorse; so do all true Alliance men;
and my only regret in the matter IS
that we have so very few newspapers
in this State independent enough to
stand up and fight in the interest Of
the fa' mer and laborer. [ think you
were perfectly justified in your re,
marks concerning all opponents of the
Sub Treasury plan. 1t originated,
and is agitated, by the farmer and
laborer in order to obtain relief, and
unless the enemy of the plan find out
something better to help us, they can
expect nothing else bat criticism and
discussion concerning the position
they have taken in opposition to our
wishes and demands. Over 1900
| Alliances voted in favor Of the plan,
as stated in the last issue Of your
paper, and without a dissenting voice,
the Alliance of the State ]petitioned in
favor of it, and l would like to know
where is the con sistency of the Ali
ances which have since then taken an
opposite course. The plan is con
demned without oettering or subsLi-
tuting in It's place some measure that
would help us in our distress. The
arguments of our opponents concern
ing the constitutionality of the Sub
Treasury bill are all 6osb-a hlmsy
pretext-an excuse often rendered by
legislators to squash demands which
comes from the people mimi al to the
interests of Wall street and the money
combines of the country. The trick
cry of partisan politics is getting to De
pretty generally understood. Tie
farmers, as a class, have had very lit
tie to do with politics. They gave
the business up into the hands Of
politicians, lawyers, bankers and pro-
fessional men; but now the farmers
are beginning to realize that their in
terests I ignored, their demands
met with derision, their confidence De,
trayed and used as tools to elevate
into position those who, when they
get a chance, are against US.
Men in political life are always open
to criticism. InfaIIibility in a states
man will ever be allowed in this free
couatry. The wishes Of the majority
should always be advocated, and if
the Constitution conflicts with our
pro 5perity we, the people, have a right
to amend it. And let me here state
that l am a Democrat and believe in
Democracy or government oy the
people.
Some newspapers and politicians
are very solicitous concerning us hay
seeders, advising US against class
legislation; even working on the cred
ulity of some Alliances 20 pass reso-
lutions to that effect. Of course they
will take up anything to throw US off
the track and lose sight of the Ain
issues. 1t is the height of absurdity
and ridicule to even hint at, no less
accuse the farmers of wanting class
legislation. What do we see ? We
have the poor, pitiable sight of thirteen
farmers in both houses at Washing
ton, and only one of the thirteen in the
Senate. What a contemplate accuse
ton to bring against the farmers !
what sublime absurdity! what ridicul-
Gus nonsense when for the last dec.
ade he is only conspicuous in politics
by his absence, and has left every
thing in the hands of other classes.
How we'll they have fulfilled their
trust, the present condition of the
farmers is a good illustration.
What If the farmer now seeks
to control politics, he is only initial,
ing other classes. 1t is his right; he
is in the majority; he has brains as
well as Drawn and muscle. Their
patriotism as a class has never been
questioned, and they never or ever
will be so selfish as not to respect the
rights of the minority. All we ask is
equal rights to all, and no special
privileges, to a class or classes; and
furthermore, the bright robe of lib
erty has never been smutted by the
touch of the farmer and laborer.
R. j. CoEN, Pres't.