The great West. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1889-18??, 1891-06-12

takes to deal with all the vital political
issues of all the people. It has no pet
theory to test. 1t is as democratic as
the Democratic party, and as republican
as the Republican party. 1t boldly ac-
cuses both those parties of failure to keep
in harmony with the true spirit of Amer
lean institutions. The fundamental prin-
ciple of American liberty, "the greatest
good of the greatest NUMBER" has been
violated in unnumbered acts of the peo-
pies servants The reform which has
been undertaken by the new party is a
radical and universal one. 1t appeals
equally to honest men of all parties, all
classes, all localities. Right here lies
the first duty and the first danger of the
promoters of the new party.
The party unquestionably has it's
origin and chief support thus far with
the agriculturists of the country. It
could have no purer, no more suspicious
birth. But if it is to be exclusively a
farmers party it will fail utterly. Not
only are the farmers now in minority
in this country. but party which is the
organ of a class will be unable to hold
the united support even Of that class.
The cooperation of the people Of all
classes who are oppressed by the same
evils is Indispensable The victory
would be an easy one if all whose inter-
ests are really identical would combine.
How is such combination to be effected?
That is the first problem for all who are
participating in the revolt which is upon
US.
The first part of the answer is: By Civ
ing full recognition to the rights and in
terests of all who are your natural allies.
Selfshness in this regard means self de-
struction. And the rest of the answer
is: By using every available means to
convince your toiling brethren in cities
and towns that pure patriotism and true
regard for the welfare of all are the
mainsprings of the present revolt
The great industrial army of the ma
ton which labors in factories and work
shops has been deceived by demagogues,
led by the nose by political bosses and
oppressed by corporate employers until
they are as suspicious and as much ex-
asperated as the farmers themselves.
They do not know yet, the mass of them,
that what they need is what the farmer
needs, and vice versa. The truth must
be made clear to them, and that quickly.
In order to make a combination of
these elements that will be effectual in
the next national campaign no time
must be wasted. The cooperation of
leaders is not enough. Let not the farm
ers imagine that by an arrangement
with the general officers of the Knights
Of Labor, for instance, the political sup
port of the entire order can be delivered
to them like bale Of cotton. The mat
ter has got to be explained to these men,
and to thousands Of other independent
workers whose ballots will not be de-
posted blindly. The great secret of Al
lance strength thus far has been educa-
ton. The Alliance men must now ap-
ply this same policy Of education to the
winning of political allies. Herein lies
the paramount duty of the founders of
the new party-of all true Alliance men
during the next year Preach Alliance
doctrine to the people at large, to those
who are not eligible to membership in
the order. To win, you must have their
support; to get their support, you must