The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-12-09
THURMAN ON ALLIANCE.

The opinions OF Hon. Allen G. Thurman
on any political subject are entitled to an
unusual degree of consideration, because he
10 now withdrawn from the political stage,
which enables him 10 speak in spirit
which IL unbiased by the heat which ill.,
variably attends an active participation in
political affairs. From the privacy and re.
tirement OF his home he observes the course
of political events with the serene philos-
ophy OF the political sage, who, while
deeply interested In the success Of the party
10 which be belongs, is yet calm In his judg-
ments and unprejudiced in his conclusions.
His attention has recently been attracted
70 the convention OF the Farmers Alliance
new in session at Ocala, in Florida, and he
has been following its proceedings with close
interest. In recent interview he has
given expression to his views in connection
with the Alliance, but more especially as 10
the wisdom Of the proposition which the
convention adopted looking TO the formation
Of new party In this country for the pur-
pose Of securing the passage Of the various
laws which the members Of the Alliance
consider necessary TO their general welfare.
As third party" said he, 81 hardly be-
iicve that the Alliance will be more for
tunate than its many predecessors, al
though they might completely change the
conditions In many Of the States temper
arily."
This change, 1t may be remarked, the AL
lance brought about In the last election by
giving its support to the Democratic party,
the party which is thoroughly in sympathy
with the principal objects which the ALI
ance wishes to carry out.
As to the scheme Of erecting Government
store-houses and the advancement Of money
upon the goods stored in them by the farm
ere, Judge Thurman declared that 1t would
have the evil effect of making the people |
dependent upon the Government and
would strike q fatal blow at the independ- |
snce Of the American citizen, who is proud
10 say that be can take good care of himself. |
"lf the Alliance" said Judge Thurman,
'..would in national convention adopt plat |
form reciting the fact that the burdens Of
taxation have become so burdensome as to
DO no longer borne by the people, and that
these burdens are in large measure due TO
the present high protective tariff, and de-
msnd that nothing more than a tariff for
revenue be collected for the conduct OF the
economically administered,
and, regardless Of party affiliations, vote
only for candidates representing their
views, do not think that many cleo
tions would be held before the fact
would Be recognised that the peo-
pie demanded an immediate reform
u the tariff. l refer TO the tariff
simply because 1t is now the issue upon
which the two parties are divided. Let the
Alliance agree upon one Of the
most important measures and make it an
Issue, ana mark my word they will not
Dpeak Ia vain. Political parties recognize
he votse Of the people, and when We are
united we accomplish something. Unless
~ Alliance unite upon one issue at u time
must cay that as political factor II will
looomplish little, and, like other organiza-
l1pns before H. will crumble TO pieces"