Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1890-07-09
VANCE TO THE FARMERS.

VANCE TO THE FARMERS.
THE NORTH CAROLINIAN address
SES THE ALLIANCE IN HIS STATE.
N SYMPATHY WITH THEIR IDEA, BUT he
CANNOT SUPPORT THE SUB TREASURY
BILL ON ACCOUNT OF ITS UNCoNsT1TU-
TIoNALITY-TEE DEMOCRATIC PARTY, HE
SAYS, Is A FRIEND OF THE OPPRESSED.
Senator 2. B. Vance, of North Carolina,
who, at the request Of Col. L. L. Polk,
president of the National. Farmers Alli-
ance, introduced the Sub-Treasury bill, has
addressed letter to Elias Carr, president
of the Farmers Alliance of North Caro-
lima, stating that, while he is not opposed
to the purposes of the measure, he cannot
support the bill in its present shape. The
purposes are those he has advocated for ten
years, and he says it is ga shameful truth"
that in the enormous growth of the wealth
of the country in the last twenty years the
farmers have not proportionateiy partici-
pated. For quarter of century, he
says, the legislation of the country has been
VIGOROUSLY in the interest of certain COM
binations of capital. The manufacturers
Aofo DOoA pAOtCCbCu Wy ouOIulUuS UUtlc5
upon foreign imports, many of which are
absolutely prohibitory.
Continuing, Senator Vance says: "The
currency has been Systematically contracted
by the withdrawal of circulation and the
demonstration of silver in the interest of
the bankers, brokers, bondholders, and all
the creditor class. The enormous wealth
of the country has been concentrated in the
hands of few, while mortgages have been
the chief acquisition of the many. The
farmer, being compelled to sell his products
in the free-trade markets of the world, was
not also allowed to buy his supplies in the
same place, but was compelled to bring his
money home from Europe and buy his sup
plies from the domestic manufacturers at
prices enhanced, not only by these enor-
nous tariff duties, but likewise by this
severe contraction of the currency"
All efforts to secure the repeal of this
courageous taxation" and to restore the
full use of silver money having proved un-
availing, the Senator sympathises most
pressed class to do something. He stands
ready to vote for any measure for the relief
of the agricultural classes that will serve
the purpose, s'asking only that it be within
the power conferred upon Congress-" He
regards the present tariff duties as s'rob-
berry under the form of law"
He cannot support the Sub-Treasury bill
because he believes it to be unconstitu-
tional, but adds: 81 believe that under the
clause which gives Congress the power to
regulate commerce with foreign countries
and among the States, the bonded ware
houses now in use for the reception of
foreign importations might also be used at
every port of entry in the United States,
and others established as we'll for the re-
ception of domestic articles intended for
export to foreign countries and to other
States, and that the Government could be
made to receive these articles and issue re-
ceipts therefor upon which the holders
could readily borrow money. This, 1 be-
lieve, would answer every purpose con.
templated by the sub treasury plan, ex-
cept that of borrowing money at q specified
cheap rate"
He urges the president of the Alliance to
use his influence to prevent this popular
cry on the part of the farmers from becom-
ing clamor for revenge. With wise coun-
sells he believes that this movement will re-
suit in juster legislation and more equally
dfused prosperity; but if recklessly, un-
wisely or selfishly directed it may result in
incalculable injury to the country, and es-
pecially to the southern portion of it. He
deplores the bitter feeling that is springing
up between town and country, between
farmer and merchant and the indication of
hostility on the part of the farming
classes toward professional men-doctors,
lawyers and others. Naturally the redress
of wrongs, occasioned by unjust legislation,
is the repeal of that legislation. "The
great Democratic party now in large
numerical majority, but deprived of the
control of the Government by the most un-
scrupulous methods, openly and almost
with unanimity, favors the repeal of the
legislation of which you complain. A little
Strengthening of its hands, and but little,
will enable it to triumph. Its triumph will
be yours He urges the Alliance not to
become impatient waiting for the relief
He thinks the recent passage by the
Senate of the bill to restore the unlimited
coinage and legal-tender character of silver
was undoubtedly due to the Farmers Al
lance. The policy of the farmers, being
right is to keep within the right. They
should demand nothing that is Illegal; ask
nothing that is unreasonable. They should
be especially careful not to ipjure their
friends. They should hold their forces in
hand ready to aid those who favor them
and to strike those only who are hostile to
their purposes and principles. To attempt
to make a political party of the Farmers
Alliance to supplant either of the great
parties that divide the American people
would be great mistake. In the South
it could only destroy the Democratic party
and leave in undisputed control that other
party which is thu author and upholder of
the evils by which the people were afflicted.
He sees indications of that tendency, es-
pecally in South Carolina.
In conclusion the Senator says: 'Let US
strive for reduction of taxation On the
necessaries of life, for a reduction of the
expenditures of the Government, for an in.
crease of the currency and the price of
farm products by the free coinage of silver
and the restoration Of its full legal-tender
character, for repeal of the tax upon
State banks, for the regulation of traus-
portation rates by railroad commissions,
and last, but not least, let us earnestly
contend against the spirit of centralisation
which is constantly threatening to absorb
the local self-government of the people of
the States"
Outrage In Fayette County.
On Monday evening of last week about
four o'clock, negro entered the residence
of Mr.. John w. Walker, near Crickmer, in
Fayette county, and finding no one at home
but Mrs. Walker, he asked her if she was
not alone. She became alarmed, and think
ing to scare him away,replied her husband
was up stairs. He Immediately drew a re-
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