The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1891-07-24

THE LEADERS OF THE FARMERS MOVEMENT
One of the most satisfactory features
of the movement is that its leadership
is in the hands of clean, broad minded
patriotic men. They are not politicians
in the modern sense of the word, neither
are they demagogues. The doctrines
and reforms which they advocate are
some of them radical, but the men them
selves are not lacking in conservatism
and caution. Some of them are men
whose names will take prominent place
in contemporary history.
President Polk, of the Alliance, is a
man whose strength of character and
intrepid leadership would make him a
prominent figure in any body of repre-
sentative men. Personally he inspires
confidence and respect in all with whom
he comes in contact He possesses the un-
bounded confidence of the rank and file,
as well as of his associate officers of the
Alliance, and he is worthy of it. High
political honors might be his, but he has
uniformly declined them. With his or
ganization in full control of the legisla-
ture of his state, North Carolina, a seat
in the United States senate was within
his grasp had he desired it. He un-
equivocally refused to be a candidate for
the Office. Already his enthusiastic ad-
mirers are discussing his name in con-
nection with a presidential nomination,
and it is no hattery to say that men of
far less capacity have been honored ten
ants of the White House.
DR.. Macune, the chairman of the ex-
ecutive committee and editor of The Ma
tional Economist, the Alliance organ,
has been, more than any other man, the
target of the enemies of the farmers
movement. No one is better able than
DR.. Macune to defend himself and the
principles he has been fighting for. 1t
is said of him that he is the brains of
the Alliance. He is a fearless antago-
mist and tireless worker in behalf of
the cause which he has espoused from
the outset. He is the father of the sub
treasury plan, which is the corner stone
of the Alliance platform. He is emil
nently man of brains and of sterling
qualities in leadership.
Bluff Ben Clover, of Kansas, the vice
president of the Alliance, is sure to be a
prominent figure in the Fifty second con-
gress, where he will be one of the leaders
of the half hundred farmers contingent.
He is pre-eminently man of the people,
who knows their grievances and their
needs. Full Of genuine originality,
and equipped with forceful vocabu-
larry, the Alliance would not fail of an
ample hearing in any body in which he
represented its measures and principles.
He is genuine, whole souled farmer,
and no man in the west stands higher
than he in the esteem of the common
people.
Secretary ]. H. Turner, of Georgia, is
one of the most valuable men in the
Alliance board of officers. His counsel
is always pendent, and no mans advice
is given more respectful consideration.
The Alliance owes to him far more than
his modesty allows him to claim credit
for. He is an indefatigable worker, and
his duties are heavy enough to over
whelm man of ordinary capacity.
In the hands of these men the Alliance
cause is sure of honest, loyal manage
ment during the current year. 1t is a
critical period in the history of the or
ganization. Manifold temptations and
tricks will be resorted to to divert the
new force from the channel marked out
for it at Ocala. Such influences will be
thrown away when brought to bear upon
the leaders in command. The farmers
movement is fundamental in its causes
and national in its scope. 1t cannot be
successfully combated by intrigue or de-
ception. Its effects cannot be measured
in the next year or in the next decade.
The uprising is yet crude and unshap-
en-. 1t has genuine evils to combat. 1t
has honesty of purpose to guide it.
That it will take prominent part in
shaping the immediate destinies of the
American people, no one who has thor
oughly investigated the movement can
doubt. l venture to prophesy that its
influence will be to the nation bless
ing and not curse.
TIE END.