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

| The Alliance people in South Caro-
lima have now cntered upon the second
year OF educational and cooperative
effort on the several lines of Alliance
| work. 1888 was devoted to the work
of organization; in 1889 the work of
organization was continued, and is
now--8th Feb, 1S90-planted in every
county i'll 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 bctterment of that condi-
ton our greatest efforts have been put
forth. Last year the efforts at coop.
erative trade was by Sub. and County
Alliances securing for themselves the
best terms possible. Ihe results OBJ
tanned, while more or less satisfactory,
were Voly unequal, the saving effect.
ed being estimated at from to 33 per
cent. on last years purchases, de-
pendent largely or mainly on the
sections Of the State, the larger saving
being only possible on the credit sys.
TEN Of purchasing; and attention is cs-
pccialy invited to this as showing how
ruinous has been that system, and as
ruinous morally as financially. Let us
not blame Others solely because such
condition Of things was ever posi-
BILE, 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
| consenting or submitting to such con-
ditions SO long. And now that we
have organized to correct this and 9TH
eli abuses, we must be careful, very
| careful about the character Of our mem
bers. We have taken in and must
Continue to take in members who are
! financially bankrupt" if they have
good moral character" Tbs 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 thew
fail TO practice that strict economy, or
to exhibit that industry and constant
application to business SO necessary to
success, we must eXpel them. To re-
tain them would be wrong to ali who
are battling for the manhood and in
dependence Of the farming and indus
trial classes.
The financial depression caused bySa
partial failure OF the crops last year
is a trying ordeal to our young organ.
ZatiOn in some sections Of tAe State,
which is matter Of deep concern 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 oNercomeis problem diff
cult of solution, but it will best be done
by our people standing together uni
ted brotherhood. The Efforts at in
creased industry and q closer economy
lessen the danger from such crop fail
ures; but for the practice of such econ
omy AID industry last year. tho de-
preston growing out Of the crop fail
ure would have. been more extended
and trying than it now is. Iii proof of
this, 1T may safely be claimed that the
South Carolina farmers, taking the
average Of the whole State, commence
the year 1899 in better fl financial condi-
ton than they did tie year 1889;
Notwithstanding the short crop, the
shortness ofwhich more then 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
erS tnat they now have State Busi-
ness Exchange which they can use in
the purchase of supplies and sale of
farm products, but for the fact that they
J have been doing this very same busi
ness through agents of their local or.
ganizations so successfully befoie the
: Exchange was established. Your bus
G mess agent can be, mGst he, the larg-
a est cash purchaser in the State, anC
: should be, and with your patronage
s will be, able to purchase more cheap
i ~ than any other. 1t is your agency
= and will be what you make il.
C But have possibly said as much a.
n ! should now on the financial outlook
;. The educational work OF the Alliance
c is probably more advanced along th
;, financial line than any other. Th,
8 methods OF learning along this line ar
& emincntly practical. / intended t.
l. extend this letter to convey som
thoughts on political economy, an,
our organs, State and National, but
find it will make this article too Ions
+ so must defer any attempt in that d
IF rcctiOn at this time.
rs My recent visit to the different sec
h tions oftho State suggested the prc
g priety Of what | have written as wei
s. as what propose writing in the nea
sc future, as may have opportunity.
le gratefully acknowledge my indebted
}. ness for personal kindnesses while O
: this tour, and my unqualified admira
Ic ton for the devotion Of our people t
r. the principles Of our order.
&c f.. II. STACKHOUsE.