The Brookhaven leader., 1891-08-27

NSAa hCAdtAOun pA oSeaSOS 49,
corrupting influences There can be
no compromise between honest meth
DDS, patriotic aims and unselfish devo-
ton to principle on the one hand, and
fraud, corruption and political chican-
cry on the other. Nothing, save a des-
perate struggle in which one or the
other must go down, can for moment
be considered by those who are ear
nestly and conscientiously connected
with this reform movement. 1t is this
deliberate, uncompromising position
taken by the alliance that is bringing
down the wrath and vengeance of the
political leaders in both old parties.
That the order has been able to pros
per and unity under such an onslaught
should be source of congratulation
to every member of the alliance, and
ample proof as to the justness and
equity of it's principles In every re-
form effort some must take the lead.
This is in perfect accord with the nat
ural order of things and is no dispar-
agement, either direct or implied, to
the great body of earnest and honest
people who constitute the majority.
Those who have stood at the front up
holding the banner of the alliance have
met with such storm of abuse, villiti-
cation and slander as has seldom fallen
to the lot of men in an unseltish work.
Private character has been assailed,
public efforts impugned and everything
that cunning could devise, or niendac-
ity employ, has been made use of to de-
stroy prominent members OF the order,
and thereby divide and weaken the al
lance. That all such attempts have
| failed, and that the brethren Eave
calmly considered these matters and de-
cided for themselves, is another evil
| deEce of unity that should warm the
hearts and strengthen the determine
ton of every loyal member. Again,
the public press, especially the subsi-
died portion, has persistently mis-
represented the condition of the order.
A false report would be sent out
from Kansas stating that the alli-
ance was being disrupted on account
of the sub-treasury plan. This would
be taken up by all the leading dailies
both north and south, and heralded all
over the land. Another equally false
statement would be given out through
the same channels, that the alliance in
Texas was breaking to pieces for SINH
lar reasons. No matter what evidence
might be given that these reports were
untrue, not a line could be got into the
columns of those papers to inform the
people of the facts. A vicious attack
planned at Nashville, St Louis or To-
peka would be printed simultaneously
in New York, Charlo ston, Chicago and
all other large business centers, prov
| ing conclusively the existence of plan
of campaign against the alliance from
this source. The only method of re-
futing such falsehoods was through the
slow process of the weekly papers.
Yet the brethren hav. waited patiently
before judging or making any demon
strations until such information could
be obtained, and have almost univer-
sally accepted the explanations and as
surances contained in their alliance
papers. In fact it is doubtful if all the
unfair, misleading and false reports
given out by the subsidized press have
changed the opinions of dozen MEM
bers of the entire order, while the ridi-
cule and abuse of the principles of the
alliance is known to have started
hundreds of good men to investigate
these demands, which in turn has been
of great benefit to the order. Here, al
so, is fruitful source for congratulation
and should not be lost sight of in count
ing up the victories of the past year.
The action of the recent state meeting
in South Carolina and the abject fail
ure of the recalcitants in Texas disclose
the strength and unity of the order in
manner not to be misunderstood. Six
new state organizations have been
added, the number of papers nearly
doubled, and the membership largely
increased. All this has been accom-
plished in the face of violent opposition
and sometimes under discouraging con-
ditions To be able to hold what had
been previously gained would be con-
sidered highly satisfactory under the
circumstances, but to be able to show
positive gains should be not only graft
flying but encouraging to all. One
more season of progress like the past
will place the alliance where it can
laugh at its enemies and will have
power to work out the reforms it has
so courageously and intelligently cham
pioned. Every true member of the alli-
ance should take renewed interest in
the order and continue the contest re-
vived and refreshed by this reassuring
condition of alliance affairs. National
Economist