The Port Gibson reveille., 1891-08-26
To me Msmbers Of Our Farmers Alli-
anCeB.

AS there exists at TINS time among
the members Of our Farmers ALI
ances much contrariety of opinion
IN regard To some measures that
have been suggested as proper sub
jects for legislation, and as the plat
torn of the National Alliance a.
dopted by the convention recently
held at 0cala, Florida, embraces, ]
suppose, the sentiments entertained
by a majority Of the order at the
time of its adoption, | have con-
cluded TO examine its various claus
es to ascertain in what this instru-
ment correctly represents the in.
terests of the farming class and
tends to meet the necessities Of their
situation.
Since the inception OF the organi-
zation you have made rapid prog
ress and your influence is very SEN
sibly felt and feared by both the
great political parties of the coun-
try. 1t is viewed with solicitude
by those whose honesty and pa
triotism leads them to regard the
welfare of our common country as
of paramount importance and above
the behests of any political organi-
cation. TO err is human, and it
was not to have been expected that
the work of an order composed so
largely of persons unskilled in the
art of government should be alto
gether unObjectionable. Your or
ganization was called into being by
the pressing necessities of your sit
uation, and the fear is that you
may be induced to act with undue
haste, in dealing with political
problem, Of difficult solution, some
Of which have perplexed the minds
Of our most able political econo-
mists. 1t may be wise to avoid un-
due haste, to guard assiduously a.
gainst being mislead by artful and
designing aspirants whose sole aim
is political preferment, and wolves
in sleeps clothing, whose real OBJ
ject in connecting themselves with
your organization may be to create
dissentiOn among you, for the pur-
pose of bringing your order into
bad repute. You are in your unit
ed capacity the masters Of the situ-
alton ; not only politically but from
a business standpoint. II you fail
to preserve harmony and concert in
action you can never succeed in bet
tering your condition. but will be.
come a class of wealth-producing
Consider well the neces-
sites of your situation and the
means that may be suggested as
suitable to obtain legislative re-
dress and protection. In the exer-
else OF the power you may wielG
deal justly with all classes, ask for
no special favors, for nothing ex-
eept what you may need and are
Justly entitled to, resOrting only TO
such legal and constitutional means
as you may be fully justified in en-
ploying. If you thus act your ulti-
mate success is assured and all 9TH
er interests will be benefited. If,
you pursue an opposite
course, or fail to preserve harmony
and unity of action, your organiza-
tion will become a mere Cabal-a
junto of party intrigues and a dis
turbing element in the way Of our
peace and prosperity. Beware Of
the introduction into your order of
such as make politics a trade, and
examine critically all methods of
procedure suggested, that you may
be enabled to act in the light of
your best interests, and for the pub
lie good. The gravity of the situa-
tion demands that you act with the
utmost deliberation and circum-
spection, in order to avoid the NOR
Lification of defeat, and be enabled
10 make this really government of
The people, by the people, for the
people. Avoid by all means the
advocacy of hasty legislation. Take
ample time for examination. Allow
iree scope for discussion OF all ques-
ions submitted, and by all means
avoid dogmatism. An honest diff
ference of opinion should be re-
;pected and tolerated, and no meas
ire of importance should be adopt
I'd until thoroughly considered. 1t
s sometimes best to make haste |
slowly. Precipitancy is dangerous
Ind unwise, Your necessities may
De pressing but it is better to take |
ime to consider we'll what you may |
,lect to do, than be compelled to |
.etrace your steps and Undo what !
nay prove to be unwise. In the
me case you will enjoy the conf
lence and cooperation of all good |
citizens, while in the other your or.
yanization will become an object of !
version and distrust. In the course
If the remarks ! shall make / wish
o make some suggestions simply |
or the purpose of eliciting thought |
md discussion and not because 1
eel assured the views expressed are
he best that can be suggested on
hese subjects. IT you differ with
ne try and suggest something bet
er and invite discussion that you
nay be enabled TO arrive at Just
conclusions respecting them.
IL seems to me that what you
most need is cheap money. That