The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1890-01-22
ALLIANCEA AND GRANGE.
DISCIPLINE.
The Only Safeguard In ANY Order is Dis
cipline and Unity.

The Only Safeguard in ANY Order is Dis
cipline and Unity.
There comes an occasional complaint
Of unruly members in the Alliance.
There is also an occasional published
report Of discipline against some mem
Der, because of failure to obey some
regulation instituted and demanded by
his SURVEILLANCE.
These troubles, must believe. come
from one of two causes: either the dis
ciplined member may be an unruly, bad
brother, or the restrictions put upon
him are too severe and unnecessary.
We need not be surprised at the pres
ence of men of bad spirit, whose meat
and drink it is to do evil. Such men
are found in all organizations; they
even invade the church. They came
into the very discipleship of the Master.
Their presence in the Alliance does not
argue at all hurtful to the character and
purposes OF the order. The fact that
has been most gratifying to me. upon
close observation, has been to find so
very few of this character connected
with the order. The harmony and good
will, thus far, has been wonderful, as it
has been suggestive. There have been
but few instances, as far as l have OBJ
served, of unruly conduct from actually
bad purposes.
Is it not true, that in many instances,
where severe discipline has been ap-
piled, the demands were, possibly, out
side of the immediate scope of the
order, and the exactions beyond the es-
sentials for success?
In some instances, am sure, we have
undertaken more than should be as
sumed at once. Freedom Of opinion
and independence in action are among
the most cherished prerogatives Of an
American citizen, as obedience to the
will of the majority is the highest and
best element of republican govern
ment For the purpose of agree
ment and sympathy OF feeling, how
ever, the human will requires time
for education. Wherever this indul-
gence can be given to bring about har-
mony of action, it should certainly be
granted, especially when we know the
moral force of cooperation and the ut
ter weakness of discussions. Let us not
try, therefore, to see how far we can GO
in bringing opinions and purposes in
full accord on great variety of matters,
but rather strive to make the bonds in.
dissoluble in matters, material and
vital. In essentials only, let us insist
on unity and not distract and disrupt a
good organization by trying to force
every mans opinion to run in the same
rut.
These views are suggested by the
very extended scope given by some Al
liances to their action and the rigid re-
quirement of obedience. / would not
for moment, advise or tolerate an un
profitable member in this order.
should regret to see a degree of care
lessness in the admission or retention
of member who would bring discredit
or disorder; it would be, also, matter
of equal regret to know that any good
man had been excluded from the bene
fits of the order because he could not
consent to the action of the majority In
some minor matter that could not posi-
bly, affect the general good.
/ am not pleading for loose govern
ment The very best success must bt
found in unity of action in all matters
that are essential. The caution
am giving is not to make the scope
of action unnecessarily broad an(
then demand arbitrary obedience. lie
us preserve the good of the order at al
hazards; maintain the purposes of thu
organization as set forth in our princi
pies; insist upon unity wherever ant
whenever these principles demand it
but not exact an arbitrary obedience t.
the will of the majority in some trivia
matter of no general concern.
Discipline and unity are the safe
guards of the order. Let the one be wis
and temperate, that the other may b
helpful and etficient.-W j. Northen
in Southern Cultivator,