The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1890-12-10

Our recent experience with that body,
as well as with the leaders OF the two
great political parties of the country,
should admonish us that the time has
arrived when the great organization
should take bold and determined ac-
ton. To this end, respectfully recon-
mend that this council authorize the
organization OF a body to be known as
the National Legislative council Of the
Farmeas' Alliance and Industrial un-
ion, to whom shall be committed the
charge of such legislative reforms as
may be indicated by your body.
Iwould respectfully suggect that the
legislative council be composed OF
your National president, who shall be
eX-officio chairman. and the presidents
OF all the States represented in the
supreme council, and that this body
shall hold its annual meeting within
sixty days after the adjournment of
the supreme council.
Not only would its service be poten-
tial for good in securing harmony and
unity of action among the people, and
by crystaliZing and concentrating &C
tion upon any desired measure of re-
form, but the natural and harmonious
blending of the moral force Of such a
body, with the influence of the reform
press throughout the States, would es-
tablish and solidify power which
could not fail to exercise a most bene-
ficeent effect upon public affairs.
recommend, if IL be practicable and
expedient, that the office and duty of
treasurer be transferred and merged
into that of the secretary. l respect
fully suggest the expediency and ad-
visibility of requiring any officer of
your body who may be nominated or
appointed to any civil office, to tender
his resignation promptly upon his ac-
ceptance Of such nomination or ap-
pointment.
An intelligent conception and COM
prehension of the relations and reclp-
rocal obligations between the citizen
and the government is one of the high
est attributes of American citizenship,
and under our form of government,
one of the most important duties and
responsibilities devolving upon the cit
iZen. Hence the attainment of this
knowledge is first and foremost in our
declarations of principle. We an
rounce that we are to labor for the edu-
cation of the agricultural classes in the
science of economical government. in a
strictly ynon-partiSan spirit, and to bring
:bodS auo.e perfect union of said clas-
ses. Were it the design of the trainers
of our organic law to Impress our mem
bership with the responsible and pa
triotic duty of reaching the exalted
standard in citizenship to which all
American freemen should aspire, and
to assert that our organization was pol
itical in the highest sense OF that term,
they were fortunate in adopting the
language used in this declaration; but
while our organization is political, 1t
cannot be partisan or sectional in its
action. In support OF this declaration
we proudly point to our whole past re-
cord and to the recent popular election,
and particularly to the noble and pat
riotic bearing Of the brotherhood in the
states of Kansas and South Carolina.
It is as needless as it would be Grim
inal to attempt to disguise the ia It that
as an organization we have reached a
critical period in our existence. Insid-
iouS and powerful influences are seek
ing to divert us from the high purpos-
es and grand objects for which we were
organized. Flushed and elated with
success marvellous in many Of its as
poets, the most remarkable in the poll
tical history OF this country, let US not
impair it's prestige and power by indif-
ference or inactivity on the one hand,
and by grasping for the impracticable
or unattainable on the other, strong as
we are, and strong as we must become
strong enough, if united, to render
our lines impregnable to any open or
opposing force, yet we are not strong
enough nor can We be to withstand the
intrigue and treachery of foes within.
Our principles must find their ''cltv of
refuge" and our cause its citadel of
safety in the loyal hearts of a devoted
membership.
Let our primary bodies barricade
their doors against unworthy and de-
signing men, and, if such be found al
ready within the gates, let them at
once be furnished safe and speedy exit
to the camp Of the enemy. Let these
primary bodies, standing as sentinel
at the outer gates. be constantly on the
alert. and watch with ceaseless vigil
ance lest they admit dangerous ennis
saries from corporations or political or
combinations. Let US as
an order adopt as our rule of action
the inhexible test Of loyalty to Alliance
principles as the first and most essen
tial prerequisite to membership, and to
our confidence. Apply this test to the
selection of officers, from the steward
of a primary body. to the president of
your national body. Apply the test
rigldly to all men who aspire to repre-
sent US in any capacity, and especially
to those, whether Of high or low degree,
who are to be entrusted with the du-
ties and powers oflegissation, and, if in
the faithful and impartial appliance of
this test, any reasonable doubt should
arise. do not hesitate to give our cause
the full benfit of such doubt. Place no
man on guard who is not loyal and
faithful friend to our cause Herein
lies our strength and our safety.
Let us stand unitedly and uEtlin-
chingly by the great principles emu
merated at our st. Louis meeting. In
the light of our recent experience the
work of discussing and elu-
these principles must dev olive
upon us in congress, on the hustings,
in conventions and in the partisan press
Of the country. There was signifi-
cant silence on these principles, except
and only in cases where we forced their
discussion. All propositions presented
by us look to financial reform, and not
ably the measure known as the sub
treasury plan, was ignored by congress,
and even the discussion on this plan
was suppressed, Notwithstanding the
petitions of hundreds of thousands OF
our members for financial relief
In this direction neither of the great
political parties of the country, nor in
deed did the leaders of these parties in
dicate favorable inclination to heed
the demands of these millions Of op-
pressed and long suffering farmers.
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