Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1891-09-11

feeling Of brotherly love, yet desire that
YOU give this matter an impartial consider
alton, Scrutinize my every act, both public
and private, and if YOU find just cause for
ratifying my expulsion, proceed accord
ingly. But remember that such verdict
from you would in no wise change my hon
est convictions. While condemnation at
your hands would indeed be unpleasant to
ne vet il would be far preferable to the
surrendering Of my manhood, my integrity,
and be forced TO indorse measures that l
deem SO radically wrong and fraught with
SO much evil.
The introduction OF the sub-treasury
scheme into the Alliance marks the period
at which the order began to divide and its
unity destroyed, and virtually transformed
the Alliance into secret, oath-bound, po-
liiical party. Such political parties have
ever imOibed spirit of communism; they
are against the spirit OF our
free institutions, jeapordiLe our liberties
and endanger the future OF our great gov
eminent. The sub-treasury scheme never
had legitimate place in the Alliance, and
has aud can only have the effect of placing
:. few wOuld-be leaders of the-order (Tho
are insincere and without honesty Of pur-
pose IN position, that should they be dis
posed they could use the liberties, the loyalty
and patriotism OF our people as piece of
merchandise. And already there are several
instances il which there IS unmistakable
evidence of their deals with corrupt poi
tlciluS and lnOnopoIStS. As 10 the
signing and sending out of the Austin mani
frStC. / assure sou it waS done through the
purest motives, and with a full appreciation
Of the probable results. These
leaders after having willfully, or by mali
cious negligence Inundated the members of
the order with q most diSgraceful and mES-
FERROUS failure of their state enterprises,
through which the membership lost thouS-
andS Of dollars, after which they aban-
dOued the concern without even giving an
explanation. Again my brothers
have the honor of occupying one Of the
most honorable positions within the gift Of
the people, ana | have often thought and
wondered how and why ii was that the good
people of my county should select one from
so humble IL place in society as ] occupied,
living ON my little farm, toiling daily 10 Ob-
tain 4 living for myself and family, and
place me- in such an exalted position, and I
feel that | owe I debt of gratitude 20 my
friends Of all classes and all prOfes Sions for
he honors thus bestowed upon me, for il
was the Democratic party composed as II IS
OF men of all vocajiCEs, that elected me and
not the Alliance. Such being the case, how
unde" the heavens could ! be expected to
stultify myself, lay down my manhood,
surrender my Individuality, and insult my
constituents by obeying the dictates and be-
coming the plant tool in the hands OF 4
steering committee, i committee ap-
pointed without authority under
the Alliance. And composed Of
men, (as it was) at least some of whom
have gained notoriety throughout the mt-
ton FOR their corrupt methods and none OF
whom have ever held Il position Of trust
and honor at the hands of their people
their questionable methods IS contrary 10
ever principle of Il free govern
mcnt and an insult to the inte!Iigene
and responsibility of our people. Z
While at the state capitol l held myself
ready 10 obey the reasonable and just COM
mandS of those who sent me, but under 10
circumstances would | submit to the die
tates of a steering committee.
My official acts are open TO your inspection,
they are the property Of the people who
elected me, theirs to inGorse or theirs to
condemn. Ard upon them [ am willing TO
stand or fan However, l feel
that | have made you Al least an honest
representative, and have returned 10 yDu
Tree from the marks and stencil OF that cor
ruption that has become 30 clearly visible
IN the haudiworll of those Self-cunStilUtcd
leaders, political jobbers and steerers,
who have figured 50 conspcuOusly around
your various state legislatures within the
past few years. as to my connec-
Ii on with the Farmers World. will say that
I occupy that position at the instigation of
my friends, and by my own consent. | am
an American citizen, i'll the full enjoyment
of all the privileges guaranteed by our fun
damental laws, and expect TO continue in
the exercise OF these privileges, as free
American citizen, and c. ". Macune. with
al his henchmen and those who are blindly
following him shall not hinder me. ="
Now my brethren, l have only
briefly reviewed the situation. / have I'M
dertaken, however to state my position
clearly, and hope you have not misuuder-
stood me. ] also hope that you will give |
this matter Z fair and impartial considera-
ton, and if you believe that it IS best to |
follow after these political adventures,
who totally disregard the liberties of the |
people. and who resort 10 ali manner of cor |
rupL practices 20 further their own selfish |
ends. then make my expulsion final, and l |
Will proudly step down and out.
But if YOU decide to free yourselves from |
the clutches Of these Usurpers and refuse |
10 bow the head or bend the knee TO this
modern dictator. then let us go shoulder TO
shoulder In the fight against this old enemy |
of Democracy. Enemy of the people, COM
ing under the disguise Of q new name, and |
let us never cease until our efforts have
been crowned with success.