The great West. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1889-18??, 1890-02-28

''JoIN THE ALLIANCE AND TAKE CARE
OF YOURSELVES.
Ed. GREAT West:
l desire to call attention to the
wonderful spread of the Alliance, and
kindred organizations, over the whole
country. This wave finds it's impel-
ing cause in the continued depres-
sion of agriculture. The conviction
is deep and abiding, that this de-
preston has been brought about by
artificial causes, in which combined
capital K the prime power. There is
scarcely q necessary commodity
which has not been caught in the
folds of this grasping octopus. Su-
gar, coffee, coal oil, steel, barbed
wire, nails, binding Irvine, linseed oil,
flour mills, elevators, dressed beef
and scores of other necessaries, pur-
suing us even to the grave with a
coffin trust-these exhibit the scope
and reach of greed and avarice, rs
shown in trusts and combines.
Behind these, rises the form OF a
high protective tariff, the colossus
of all trusts. Against this swarm of
enemies, which prey upon the farm
| ers, substance, he at last feels the ne
cessity of giving organized resistance.
The lion is fully aroused. Only by or
lganization and unity of action, can
he possibly meet his able and skillful
foes. The Alliance offers the best
agency yet found for unity of action.
For time, the Alliance was under a
| cloud in Minnesota and elsewhere,
and justly so from several causes.
But it is emerging from it's unfortun-
| ate mistakes and it's errors are
| well nigh corrected. All classes OF
farmers, without respect to party,
are rapidly gathering in it's folds.
There are more than 10000 in Kan
sas. over 10000 in Michigan, and in
all the West it is growing with mar
vellous rapidity. More than 1 ,00O,-
600 OF farmers are now united in
this, and kindred organizations. No
organized societies have ever grown
SO rapidly. In our own state, it is
everywhere growing in favor. The
dangers which threaten with abso-
lutte destruction the entire farming
interests, derives every intelligent
farmer into it's ranks. Farmers no
longer pay any attention to poll
ticians. They are organizing for self
defense. They no longer intend to
be subordinate in the struggle, for a
fair and equal portion of the good
things OF this world without making
the bones of the old parties rattle.
They are reasonable in their demands.
have read, with care, the resolu-
lions adopted by these organiza-
tions all over the United States, and
find that they ask only for those
things which are just and right. The
Alliance is the farmers forum, where
all these questions are now boldly
and intelligently discussed. We
must have what we reasonably de.
mand if parties are wrecked in the
Struggle.
Let me earnestly urge every farmer
in the state to connect himself with
this organization without delay
The day for ridiculing the Alliance
has passed away. It is here to stay
till it's work is accomplished. 1t is
the farmers right arm of power, his
shibboleth and shield.
1t will aid in giving the people
good government. 1t will lift agri-
culture to it's ancient position OF
influence and dignity, and restore to
it reasonable rewards for it's indus
try.
Farmers Join the Alliance and take
care of yourselves! J. H. BAKER.
OAK CLIFF FARM, Feb. 10th. 1890.