Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-20
OPENED In THE RAIN.
Five Thousand Earnest People At
tend the Inauguration of the
FARMERS ALLIANCE EkCAMPMENT
Our Agriculturists Taking a Prominent
Part in Politics.
MAGNIFICENT DISPLAY OF MACHINERY

ESPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE DIsPATcH.i
MT. GRETNA, August 19.-Rain fell q
intervals last night and the atmospherica
outlook was decidedly discouraging thi
morning. The unfavorable weather damp
ened the ardor of many who had intended
to visit the Farmers Encampment and pre-
vented their attendance, but notwithstand
ing about 5000 people appeared on the
grounds. These people came mostly from
Lebanon county, and fifteen packed car
loads from Myerstown, nearly 20 miles
distant. Mt. Gretna is so expansive and 50
iull of pleasant promenades and such a
large number sought the many shady
streets in the park that the crowd did not
make the impression, as viewed from the
railroad, that is created at Williams Grove,
where there is of necessity concentration
OF the people.
Contrivances for the amusement of the
visitors have been literally provided. such as
flying horses. swings and seesaws, but every
thing that smacks of the fakir has been
rigidly excluded. Some of these fellows be-
came so persistent in their requests for per-
mission to ply their vocations that it was
found necessary to politely ask them to
leave the ground.
BEAVER STILL ABSENT.
The encampment was opened by President
McSparren, in the absence of Governor
Beaver, who telegraphed that it would be
impossible for him to be present to-day.
Another telegram from Commissioner Rusk
stated that Cabinet meeting would pre-
clude his favorable consideration of the in
vltation extended to him to entertain the
farmers -
McSparren congratulated his listeners on
the assured success of the encampm ent and
expressed regret that the Governor was not
present to give the movement encourage
ment. The purpose Of the Farmers ALI
ance, he said, was the Intellectual develop
ment of the agriculturist. and the encamp-
ment was intended to inquire into the labor
saving machinery on exhibition. The better
education of farmers, who comprise half the
population of the country, was highly
necessary, and the appreciation of this fact
originated the Farmers Alliance. Agri-
culture was passing through great crisis,
and its better protection was necessary to
prevent it from going entirely to ruin. 1t
could once stand by itself, requiring no as
sistance, but now it was suffering from great
depression.
BEATS THEM ALL.
N. A. Dunning, of Washington, stated
that he had visited many fairs in the States
and that he had never seen such q magnif-
cent exhibition Of machinery. These en-
campments must soon assume a national
Importance. The American farmer was the
finished product of American civilization.
The National Farmers Alliance was liy-
ing protest against the unhappy conditions
which surround agriculture.
A full history Of the alliance followed,
showing that it originated in Texas In the
war against cattle thieves, and that it had
obtained foothold in 20 States and that its
membership reached 5000, 900. In every
State except New England, alliances had
either been organized or were In process of
organization. The alliance was not par
tisan, but its members should not vote for
candidates who were in conflict with its
views. As showing the progress being made
by the alliances with the people, he said
the next Congress would have 30 members
Of the House and two Senators belonging to
the organization. It would also elect four or
i've Governors. New legislation was needed.
TIME FOR A CHANGE.
For 25 years the politicians had made |
laws in their interest. 1t was high time for |
4 policy for the people. The politicians |
should be desposed and the people in
stalled. After showing the great deprecia-
ion in farm values during the past 20 years,
ne denounced Congress for fooling over the |
aritf and force bills, and advised it to drop |
hese subjects and give the people cheap
money. He denounced the silver bill, and |
warmly commended the warehouse sub |
treasury scheme introduced in Congress.by
Senator Vance.
The feasibility of continuing the encamp-
nent for two weeks is being agitated owing
o the fine exhibition. One hundred and |
itty cars of machinery have been unloaded
lere, and more are said to be on the way,
Dr.. Correll, who has exhibited his COM
'any's agricultural implements at Will
ANS Grove for years, says the exhibits at
DIT. Gretna are 100 per cent greater than at
he latter place in any year. |
PATTIsoN AND THE FARMERS,
Among the visitors here to-day was Mr..
,utshall, of Meadville, who has been doing
little quiet campaigning for Delamater IN
iffeTent portions of the State, and his pres
nee here was partially due to desire to
md out how the Crawford Senator stood
Eith the alliance people. One gentleman,
rho is not farmer, but prominent man.
nth strong Republican proclivities, stag
cred Delamater's friend by stating that he
7ould vote for Pattison, and so would all
is brothers.
During the day seven exhibitors were dis
ussing the Gubernatorial situation on one
the platforms, and although five weref
six OF the party declared their
urpose to support Pattison. The sentiment
a favor of the Ex-Governor is strong among
he alliance people here. Among the peo.
lie who have visited the encampment and
ave lauded Pattison is Colonel James
.oung, OF Dauphin county, who owns six
r seven OF the finest farms in the State.
olonel Young does not say he will vote for
attison, but says the latter is very strong
18th the farmers and will poll surprising
ote among the Renuhlicans