The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-08-19
VIRGINIA FARMERS.
STATE ALLIANCE CONVENTION
MEETIN LYNCHBURG TO-DAY.
Yesterdays Session Of the Alliance Of
the James-EiVcr DIstrict-What the
state Convention Hopes to Accomplish
General Virginia News.

General Virginia News.
LYNCuBuRG, Va, Aug. IS special. j.
The Convention Of the Farmers Alliance
of the James River District, comprising
thirteen OF the surrounding counties, assem-
blcd In this city this afternoon. The mum.
bcr ol delegates in attendance was large,
and every county Is represented. Its ses-
sions are all entirely secret, and no news
paperor other reporter is admitted 10 It's pro-
cccdings while all Of IFS members seem To
be bound 10 absolute secresy. What busi-
ness they transact. therefore, OF Importance
will bc difficult tor the public to find out,
even after il happens. In consultation with
some of its leading members, their prime
object seems to bp 10 devise some pravtical
mode Of bctteIing the condition OF the farm
crS and planters of the state. and of relieN-
ing themselves of the excessive burdens
which present legislation and monopoly
| impose upon them. To do this they are ac-
/ lively periccting their organization IN every
county and district. and IL is confidently
expected that the present convention, assist
ed by the State Alliance convention, which
assemblies here tomorrow VIII devise prac-
/ tical methods of materially lettering their
/ condition in all branches of trade ana COM
/ mercc. Prominently among these Is plan
to enable farmers to buy their goods at
cheaper rates and sell their crops ON less
commission than heretofore charged by
commission merchants and warehouse men
/ i'm all OF our towns and cities. I'm other
words. they want and demand free trade
| and sailors rights for the farmers ana
planters every where in disposing Of the
! fruits Of their honest labOrs and toll.
/ When interviewed by the correspondent
/ Of TIE TINES they disclamcd any inten-
/ tiOn whatever of meddling with politics or
parties. or of antagOnizing any Democratic
candidate for Congress in the approaching
election. unless he Is hostile 10 them ana
| their interests. They are in full harmony
with the Democratic party of the state ana
country, and consider their interests identi-
cal i'm all material points.
Il is expected that the committees ap-
pointed by the Alliance. held here IN June
last, 10 perfect a plan Of establishing an Al
lance warehouse and produce exchange IN
this city, will report tonight.
GROWTH or THE STATE ALLIANCE.
some facts in regard 10 the Virginia state
Farmers Alliance, which meets tomorrow.
a large number Of delegates already being
in town. may be Of interest 10 the various
country readers Of The TINES. and they are
official from the secretary: Tnls Alliance
perfected an organization AT l-ufaN. July hs
lSS.3 their numbers then being small. At
state convention held on July -, 1850.
there were lhirty-twO county organizations
aud 4f2 sul-allianccs, ret rc7cnting 10000
individual members. At the convention
tomorrow there will be cighty-seyen county
organizations. one thousand one hundred
and thirteen sub-alliances, and 10000 indi-
Vidual members will be- represented. There
are sub-alianccs i'm seven counties where
the county organization has not yet been
perfected. SO that the Alliance is in exist
ence i'm uincty-f0ur counties, or IN all but
six i'm the state. This is an increase OF
about 300 per cent. in one year, very re-
markabe growth.
About all the business that the state
Convention will Doe able % transact at To-
morroW's session will be an organization
and hearing the reports OF the committees
on credentials and rules, and possibly the
election of officers for the ensuing year.
On Wednesday morning the delegates nope
% proceed actively tO business. and adj
iournmcnt viii possibly bee reached on Fri
dav afternoon or night.
During the session Of the convention, del
egates will be selected 90 the National Far
mcr,' Alliance convention. to be held III
Florida i'm December. The officers of the
state Alliance. 10 Toe elected for the coming
year, are: President. yice-presidcnt' secre-
tary. treasurer, chaplain state lecturer,
state business agent, doorkccpcr and assist
ant dOOrkecncr