Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1891-08-20

The State OF the Order.
In comparing the present condition
OF the order with that Of one year ago,
when the state meetings began, de-
cided improvement for the better Is at
once discovered Notwithstanding the
fierce opposition the alliance has in
creased In numbers. become more solid
ly united and is every way stronger.
1t Is to-day better equipped Tor the
struggle for reform, better prepared 10
cope with its enemies, and better quali-
fed TO take care of itself and defend its
principles than ever before. There
are many evidences OF this condition.
Among the first might be mentioned
the activity and vindietiyeness OF the
regulation politicians. This class of
people are the keenest and shrewdest in
the country, and can scent danger TO
their profession with unerring precis-
ion, as the buzzard does Its food. They
have discovered uumistakable signs
which point to their total destruction
IN the principles of the alliance, and
hence the bitter attack which they have
made on the order. To be on friendly
terms with this class means servility self
abnegation, and an entire absence OF
manly independence. Even neutral
position gives tacit consent TO their ne
farious practices and corrupting influ-
ences. There can be no compromise be-
tween honest methods, patriotic aims
and unselfish devotion 10 principle on
the one hand, and fraud corruption and
political chicanery on the other.
Nothing save a desperate struggle
In which one or the other must go down,
can for moment be considered by
those who are earnestly and con-
scientiously connected with this reform
movement 1t is this deliberate, un-
compromising position taken by the al
lance that is bringing down the wrath
and vengeance Of the political leaders
in both the old parties. That the order
has been able to prosper and unity un-
der such an onslaught should be q
source OF congratulation to every mem
Der of the alliance, and ample proof as
to the iustness and equity OF its princi-
plies, In every reform effort some must
take the lead. This is in perfect accord
with the natural order OF things and is
no disparagement either direct or i'm
piled to the great body OF earnest and
and honest people who constitute the
majority. Those who have stood at the
front upholding the banner of the alli-
ance have met with such storm OF
abuse, villification and SANDER as has
seldom fallen TO the lot of men in an
unselfish work Private character has
been assailed, public efforts impugned,
and everything that cunning could de-
wise, or mendacity employ. has been
made use OF to DESTROY prominent mem
bers of the order, ard thereby divide
and weaken the alliance. That all such
attempts have failed, and that the breth-
ern have calmly considered these matters
and decided for themselves, is another
evidence of unity that should warm and
strengthen the determination of every
loyal member. Again, the public press
and especially the subsidized portion,
has persistently misrepresented the con-
dition of the order. A false report
would be sent out from Kansas stating
that the alliance was being disrupted
on account Of the sub-treasury plan.
This would be taken up by all oi the
leading dailies both north and south,
and heralded all over the land. Anoth-
er equally false statement would be
given out through the same channels,
that the alliance in Texas was
breaking TO pieces for similar reasons,
No matter what evidence might be
given that these reports were untrue,
not line could be got into the columns
of those papers 10 inform the people OF
the facts. A vicious attack planned at
Nashville, St. Louis or Topeka would
be printed simultaneously in New York,
Charleston, Chicago, and all other
large business centers. proving conclu-
sively the existence OF plan Of cam
paign against the alliance from this
source. the only method OF refuting
such falsehoods was through the slow
process OF the weekly papers Yet the
brethren have waited patiently before
judging or making any demonstrations
until such information could be OBJ
tanned, and have almost universally ac-
cepted the explanations and assurances
contained in their alliance papers. In
fact it is doubtful If all the unfair, mis-
leading and false reports given out by
the subsidised press have changed the
opinions of dozen members OF
the entire order, while the
ridicule and abuse of the princi.
pies of the alliance is known TO have
started hundreds OF good men to inves-
has been OF great benefit to the order.
Here also is fruitful source for congrat-
ulation, and should not be lost sight of
in counting up the victories of the past
year The action of the recent state
meeting in South Carolina, and the alb.
ject failure OF the recalcitrants in Texas
disclose the strength and unity OF the
order in manner not TO be misunder-
stood. Six new state organizations have
been added the number OF papers near.
ly doubled, and the membership largely
increased. All this has been accom-.
pllshed 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
Tying 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 the power to
work out the reforms it has so courage.
ously and intelligently championed.
Every true member OF the alliance
should take renewed interest in the
order and continue the contest revived
and refreshed by this reassuring condi.
tion OF alliance affairs. National Econ
omist.
Whales.
Sir William Turner, the present EN-.