Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-08-20
THE STATE ALLIANCE.
FIRST DAYS SESSION AND EVERY
COUNTY REPRESENTED.
Address of President G.. T. Barbee-The
Demand Of the Farmers--Out-
lines the Platform.
Special telegram 70 the plspa,ch.l

LYscHBuRG, Va. August is.-Ihe state
Alliance met in the Opera-House here to-
dag with one hundred and eigbty-seven
delegates in attendance. and every county
alliance was represented save one. Inc
convention was called to order by q. L..
Barbee. president, who delivered very
handsome annual address. He said;
Prompted by the sentiment. Peace on
earth and good will towards men," the
last three years Of my life have been de;
voted 10 the great work OF unifylng ana
solIdifying our farmers and carrying 10 q
successful issue the high, prosperous, ana
beEehcent designs Of our ASSOCIATION.
SOLITARY AND ALONE.
When ! first assumed my present posi-.
ton. SO far from receiving KIND words ct
encouragement ] stood almost solitary
and alone in the maintenance OF the faith
as 10 what would be the final issue of our
struggle IN this blessed old Commonwealth.
Farmers were distrustful and they, stood
aloof rom any organization. Mechanics
and labOring men were too dead 70 speak
forth words of cheer and bid me go Tor
ward.
HOW DIFFrBENT NOW.
Everything seemed dark, gloomy, and
Responding. but behold to-day how differ
ent the prospect The false prophets are
all dead. Your alliance has done the work ;
has hurled them down, and they have per
ished by the swOrd of truth. our sky now
presents the rainbow Of hope and the pro-
misses Of reward for our labors. The thirty
thousand who sent you here will criticise
your every movement with anxiety. You
come together, not ~ n political assembly,
but 10 shake off the shackles of party ties
and seryitude and 10 better our condition
and bring prosperity and Happiness to toll
ing millions.
so BURDEN OF CANDIDATES.
Failing in these high aims and purposes
we would prove recreant 10 our trusts.
We do not propose 10 burden our
selves with candidates for office simply
because they are members of our or
der. We claim that the farmers them
selves know their needs better than
any one else. Ny brethren. lift the
curtain for moment and gaze upon
the panorama before you-of millions of
once happy homes that have been rendered
desOlate. Of husbands, wives, and children
rendered helpless and homeless by hostile
legislation and burdensome taxes.
JUSTICE TO THE FARNEB.
Bring forward platform that will show
10 kif lfhWFIr ~ W i-Alilr t'l LLtA fbh lAl-
tend 20 demand and have legislation which
shall give Justice TO the farmer and labor
ing man. He SAID the farmers OF this
country demanded the free coinage Of sill
yer; were opposed 10 monopolies and trusts
in every form. They demanded the for
fixture Of railroad land grants. They want
ed a reduction in railway and Othel
charges were in favor Of the Australian
ballot system. and must have the tax of
tobacco.
A POPULAR SPEECH.
The speech was admirably, delivered
! and, from the standpoint Of many, wa
| one OF the sOundest Democratic speeche
| heard therefor some time. and elected grea
| applause The convention then proceeded
to organize by appointing committees an'
| took a recess until tonight.
SECRET SESSION.
II is thought that the session will be pro
| longed until very late. hour and the pro
| cecdings will be secret. II is stated 10
night bymembers of the convention tina
| Mann PAGE of Sussex county, II the mos
prominent name before the convention TO
| president for the ensuing year.