The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-07-02
SOUTHERN FARMERS ALLIANCE.

The TIMES has frequently taken occa-
sion to condemn any movement on the part
of the Farmers Alliance that had ten
dency 10 convert il into purely political
association as being entirely foreign to the
objects for which il was instituted, and,
therefore, calculated to injure it even in its
legitimate character as an organization
established to improve The condition Of the
agricultural classes. We have pointed out
repeatedly that the history of the past
proved beyond dispute that it was impossi-
BILE for any organization Of this kind TO sue
cessfully set itself up as an independent
party, determined to work out its destiny
without regard to the two great parties that
have long represented the division in the
political sentiment Ofthis country. In each
instance, every organization which has at
tempted this, has not only met with poliu-
cal defeat, but political defeat has destroyed
its prosperity even in its nOn-partisan
aspects. This is the fate which the Farm
ers' Alliance is now inviting, and it is fate
which it will richly deserve in the South
ern States at least if ii shall seek TO extend
the movement which it is supporting at the
present time in South Carolina.
senator yauce, Of North Carolina, one Of
the ablest and shrewdest men in public life,
in a letter which he has recently addressed 10
the president Of the Farmers Alliance OF
his native State, has given powerful express
sion TO his views with reference to the po-
litical action Of that organization. with
wise counsels," he declares that the move
ment embodied ia the establishment Of the
Alliance, twill result in juster legislation
and more equally difiused prosperity; but
IL recklessly, unwisely or selfshly directed,
il mar result In incalculable injury 10 the
county. and especially 10 the Southern por.
ton OF it,"
All who are familiar with the peculiar po-
liticai conditions prevailing at the South,
and with the rigid demands Of the situation
in which IL is placed, will warmly endorse
the wisdom of this earnest warning of the
distinguished Senator from North Carolina.
Furthermore, he declares, in the same let.
ter. that the triumph OF the Democratic
party, both nationally and locally, is the
triumph Of the Alliance, because il is bent
upon carrying out the very reforms, espe-
cially In the line Of taxation, which the Al
lance is 80 anxious TO secure. lie, there
fore, calls upon the latter 20 give an un-
swerying support to that party as the most
practicable means OF obtaining all those
things for which the members Of the Ali
ance are now struggling.
''ro attempt" he asserts, "tO make a
political party OF the Farmers Alliance TO
suppisnt either OF the great parties that
divide the American people would be a
great mistake. In the South IL could only
destroy the Democratic party, and leave In
undisputed control that other party which
is the author and upholder Of the evils by
which the people were afflicted"
Such are the views OF every Southern man
who has the best interests OF his native or
adopted section at heart. II the policy pur-
sued by the Alliance In South Carolina,
were generally adopted by the same organi-
cation in all parts Of the South, that organ
cation would expose Itself 10 the bitter
hatred OF every southern patriot.