The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1890-02-27
WORK OF THE ALLIANCE.
HOW THE EORGANIZED FARMERS
ARE PROGRESSING.


The Alliance people in South Caro-
lima have now entered upon the second
year OF educational and cooperative
effort on the several lines of Alliance
work. 1883 was devoted to the work
Of organization; in 1889 the work of
organization was continued, and is
now-8th Feb, 1890-planted in every
county in the State. The planting,
under the direction of your Executive
Committee, has been done at the min
imum of cost, and this work will
likely be very nearly completed before
your second annual meeting in July
next.
Our desperate condition, financially,
rendered our organization possible,
and to the betterment of that condi-
ton our greatest efforts have been put
forth. Last year the efforts at co>op.
cratiVe trade was by Sub. and County
Alliances securing for themselves the
beat terms possible. Ihe results OBJ
tanned, while more or less satisfactory,
were worry unequal, the saving effect
ed being estimated at from to 33 per
cent. on last years purchases, de-
financial condition of the different
sections Of tho State, the larger saving
being only possible on the credit sys.
TEN Of purchasing; and attention is es-
pccialy invited to this as showing how
ruinous has been that system, and as
ruinous morally as financially. Let us
not blamo others solely because such
a condition of things was ever possi-
ble, but let us like true men assume
our full share OF the responsibility.
Reckless risks demanded ruinous
profits, but we now see our folly in
conscntng or submitting to such con-
ditiOns so long. And now that wo
have organized to correct this and 9th.
CT abuses, we must be careful, very
careful about the character Of our mem
bcrs. We have taken in and must
| cohtinue to take in members who are
Financially bankrupt" if they have
good moral character This is
right. We honor our organizations by
the effort tC lift them up-to improve
their financial conditioIt-but we can
not afford to carry them if they should
even seem to be careless about their
financial obligations. Should they
| fail TO practice that strict economy, or
to exhibit that industry and constant
success, we must eXpel them. To re-
tain them would be wrong to all who
are batting for the manhood and in
dependence Of the farming and indus
trial classes.
The financial depression caused byIa
partial failure of the crops last year
is trying ordeal to our young organ.
| ZatiOn in some sections Of the State,
which is a matter Of deep ooncCrn to
| those moro fortunate elsewhere, but
their activity and fOrWardness in pre-,
| pairing for another crop prove their
| indomitable pluck. In some places
last year the crops were less that half
tho average. In such places depres-
sion like Egyptian darkness must be
| felt. just how such conditions arc to
be met and overcome is Il problem diff
cult dissolution, but it will best be done
| by our people standing together uni
ted brotherhood. Tho efforts at in
creased industry and a closer economy
lessen the danger from such crop fail
ures; but for the practice ofsuch econ
omy and industry last year, the de-
preston growing out of the crop fail
ure would have. been more extonded
and trying than it now is. In proof of
this, it may safely be claimed that the
South Carolina farmers, taking the
average OF the whole State, commence
the year 1890 in better financial condi-
ton than they did tic year 1889;
Notwithstanding the short crop, the
shOrtness ofwhich more than Offset the
higher prices at which it was sold. A
larger percentage Of the supplies
bought for Alliance farmers in 1890
will bo bought for cash than has been
SO bought any previous year by these
same farmers. | should not deem it
necessary TO remind these cash buy
cr5 tnat they now have State Bust
ness Exchange which they can use in
the purchase of supplies and sale of
farm products, but for the fact that they
have been doing this very same bust
ness through agents of their local or
CARNATIONS so successfully before the
Exchange was established. Your bus
mess agent can be, must be, the larg-
est cash purchaser in the State, and
should be, and with your patronage
VIII be, able to purchase more cheap
ly than any other. 1t is your agency
and will be what you make ii.
But have possibly said as much as
| should now on the financial outlook.
The educational work OF the Alliance
|
financial line than any other. The
methods OF learning along this line are
|, emincntly practical. | intended to
extend this letter to convey some
thoughts on political economy, and
our organs, State and National, but ]
find it will make this article too long
so | must defer any attempt in that di
rcctiOn at this time.
8 My recent visit to the different Sec
tons Oftho State suggested the pro.
pricty Of what have written as well
as what propose writing in the near
, future, as may have opportunity. I
; gratefully acknowledge my indebted
ness for personal kindnesses while on
this tour, AMI my unqualified admira-
ton for the devotion Of our people to
the principles Of our order
. IG. r. SrA ACKu0u.n