The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-06-08
The Alliance and Politics.

It does not appear TO be clearly under
stood yet whether or not the alliance in this
state is going to take an active part IN
state politics as an organization. Nearly
all Of its members are democrats, and moth
ing has cropped out yet to indicate that its
democratic members do not intend to stand
by democratic principles and adhere to
democratic methods. Some of the
county alliances have announced that they
would not take part IN politics as organiza-
tons, while others have shown a disposition
10 do 50. 1t is certain that there are ALI
ancemen who would like to use the alliance
to advance their political purposes, and to
some extent they may be able to do so.
When the campaign is fairly opened, how
ever, it is probable that the members of the
alliance viii differ in their choice of candi-
dates. All that the majority of them want
is that candidates shall regard the farmers
interests with favor.
1t is probable that a majority of the
members of the alliance are now committed
to what is known as the sIb-treasury plan.
1t is not certain that they will be, however,
when they have heard it thoroughly dis
cussed and have given it careful considera-
ton. As yet they have heard only the
arguments in favor of it. When they have
heard the arguments against it, and they
will hear them, doubtless, before the present
campaign for nominations for state officers
and congressman is over, they will be better
able to Judge whether or not il would be
beneficial to them.
They know, of course, that the sub
treasury plan is not democratic measure.
1t is not a measure of any political party.
1t is not regarded as feasible by the leaders
of any political party. 1t was proposed by
few leaders of the alliance, and 1t is
understood to be favored by the alliance,
though it is doubtful if alliance
men generally have made up their minds
fully whether or not they want it. 1t is
noticeable that some of them, since the pub
location of Senator Carlisle's strong letter
against it, pointing out that it would do the
farmers more harm than good, have shown
a disposition to give it further considera-
ton before pronouncing for or against it.
The strong arguments against it of Con-
gresham Clements at Rome the other day
have not been without effect.
The farmers are conservative class of
people aud want to do what is right. If
they become satisfied that the sub-treasury
plan would not relieve them of any of their
burdens it will not be possible to drag them
into supporting it, nor into supporting men
who advocate it. Indeed, they would
quickly abandon the men who are advocat-
ing it if they should have good grounds for
suspecting that these men were making it
the means for getting into Office.
The holding of primaries has already
been begun, and they will continue to be
held until close to the time of the meeting
of the state convention. Alliancemen will
doubtless endeayor to have delegates chosen
who will favor such men for state offices as
are known to be in sympathy with the in
terests of farmers. They will show the
same discrimination, probably, in select
ing candidates for congress and the lcgisIa-
ture. There can hardly be any fault
found with them for doing so. They should.
and doubtless will, bear in mind, however.
that there are other classes of people who
have interests at stake. As good citizens
they must take into consideration the in
terests of all. The most capable men should
be chosen to make and administer thu laws.
No greater mistake could be made THAI to
choose these who could see and understand
the interests of only one class.