The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-08-20
FARMERS IN COUNCIL.
MEETING OF The STATE ALI
ANCE IN LYNCHBURG.
first DAYS rrocccdings-opvni Ad-
dress Of the rrcs!dent-He Declares the
Association Outside Of Politics-News
Throughout the state.

dress of the frcr'dent-He Declares the
Association Outside of Politics-News
Throughout the state.
LYNCuBURG. Va. August l9.-ISpc-
cial. The State Farmers Alliance assem-
b cd in convention to-day, at II O'Clock, IN
the y. NJ. =, \. Hall, but that bcing too
small 20 hold the large audience present,
they adjourned 20 the opera-house. In ad-
diti0n t. ono hundred and eighty seven dele
gates present, "A large number OF visitors
and spectators were present from all sec
/ tions OF the state.
The convention was called 10 order by the
president, Mr.. &. T. Barbce. There were no
contestant delegations and every county in
the State was represented except one. The
president delivered his annual address, and
after a touching, appropriate opening he
went on to say: Prompted by the sentiment
peace on earth, good will towards men,,
the last three years Of my life have been
devoted to the great work Of unlifting and
soliGiying our farmers and carrying to a
successful issue the high, prosperous, and
benehcient designs wi our associa-
ton. When first assumed my PIE
sent position, So far from receiving
kind words of encouragement, | stood al
most solitary and alone iu the maintenance
of the faith rs TO what would be the final
issue of oar struggle in this blessed old
Commonwealth. Farmers were distrustful,
and they stood aloof from any organization.
Mechanics and laboring men were too dead
% speak forth words of cheer and bid me 90
forward. Everything seemed dark, gloomy,
aud dospondmg. But behold to-day
how different the prospect. The false
prophets are dead Your Alliance has
done the work-has hurled them down
and they have persisted 10y the sword of
truth. our sky now presents the rainbow
Of hope and the promises Of reward for our
labors. The 10000 farmers who sent you
here will criticise your every movement
with anxiety and solicitude. You come to-
gcther not as political assembly, but to
shake of the shackles Of party ties and ser
yitude and 10 better our condition and
bring prosperity and happiness to toiling
millions. Failing in these high aims and
purposes, we would prove recreant 10 our
trusts. We do not propose to burden our
selves with candidates for Office simply be-
cause they are members Of our order.
We claim that the farmers them
selves know their needs better than
anyone else. My brethren, lit the curtain
for a moment, and gaze upon the panorama
before you Of millions Of once happy homes
that have been rendered desolate OF hus-
bands. wives, and children; rendered help
less and homeless by hostile legislation and
burdcnsome taxes. Bring forward plat
form that will show TO the powers at Wash
ingion that you intend to demand and have
legislation which shall give justice to the
farmer and laboring man.
He went on TO advocate the free coinage
Of silver, opposition TO monopolics and
trusts and favors to banks, the forfeiture of
railroad land grants, the reduction Of rail
way and other charges. the Australian bal
lot system. the reduction Of taxes, and
many other measures Of great interest and
importance which only our lack Of time
prevents from being published in full to-day.
The entire speech W rs admirably and grace
fully delivered and was listened to with in
tense interest by the large audience. At its
conclusion the speaker Was greeted with
spontaneous and enthusiastic applause.
The ball was filled with a representative
gathering of the typical Virginia farmer
from every section Of the state, and scarce
~ has it been our privilege to look upon a
fner-lookiug. more intelligent, and thor
ouehly earnest body Of men. Just who will
be president Of the state Alliance for the
next term is question which puzzles
many, but it is thought that Mr.. Mann
PAGE, Of Prince George county, the present
yice-president, will bee the man. The coE-
yentiou is still in session, but 10 practical
business has vet been transacted. The scs-
sion is expected to continue for three or four
days.
All OF the delegates appointed to the Con
ercssiOnal District Convention last night
were for denomination of Paul {. kdmunds.
General X. NJ. llumphries. of Texas, pres
ident of the cOlOred Farmers Alliance,
| failed TO arrive tonight, and VIII speak To-
morrow. j. J. Rodgers. superintendent Of
the North Carolina and Virginia cOlOred
Farmers Alliance. made most entertain
ing and instructive address, explaining the
workings of the white and c0lored ALI
ancc' exchanges OF North Carolina and
Norfolk. Va. and showing the large bene-
Its already accruing To members OF the
order. and the surprising interest taken IN
the Alliance movement boy the colored
farmers. said he, "A statement of the
business already done by these Alliance
exchanges would astOnish the public. This
work is only i'm its infancy. but is already
ON "A firm financial basis. There are 10
colored Alliances in the nted states and
twenty-five in Virginia and over one million
white and c0lOred mcp bers in the United
states. The colOrcd Alliances are indepen-
dent and separate from the white, but with
/ identical Objects
Rodgers claimed that "the work already
done shows that the Alliance movement
will solve the race problem, bridge the
chasm Of race feeling, and do more for the
negro than all reconstruction legislation or
partisan force bills" Great interest has
been displayed by the delegates here, and a
flood Of resolutions have been offered and
debated.