The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1891-04-16
RISING TO EXPLAIN.
State lecturer Talbert Sets Forth the
Meaning of his Recent Interview
He Delares that the Alliance is
Engaged in Crusade Against
the Money Power.

To the Editor of The News and Cou-
rier: Your Reporter did me justice IN
an interview at Orangeburg published
in YOUR issue of the 9Th instant. He
stated my language as used it and my
words as they were spoken, but your
headlines ard comments are calculated
to mislead the public mind, and l ask
that you allow me to make some eXpla-
nation, not however, to change a single
word or proposition, but to.relterate
every word,
Other papers have quoted altogether
incorrectly. For instance, l am quoted
as saying: 1.-THE Alliance is a simon
pure political organization" In the
interview I said that "the National
Alliance was a purely political, or ST.
mon-pure political organization,n or
I am quoted in " other papers G IS as W saying:
II am in favor of a third party" [ did
not say so; I said that II was op-
posed to third party, provided relief
could be obtained from the other par
ties" distinctively applied for as Demo-
Gratis and Republicans being my mean
ing, the National Alliance, composed
as it is of both Democrats and Republi-
cans. stated that when it was found
cut relief could not be obtained in this
way, or words to that effect, then it
would be time enough to decide upon
some plan to bring about that result, or
words to that effect.
Now, sir, it might be that some other
plan than a third party might be de-
cided upon. I am unable to say.
stated positively that the Alliance, as
I understand it, would push their de-
mands in the primaries and conven-
tons for the nomination to national
Offices only of such candidates as would
favor the same. After nominations
are made then the Alliance would sud-
port the nominee of the party, or worse
to that effect. That seems to me to be
Democratic. I also stated that was my
idea of the Alliance lat the South, of
course,) at present. However, said
further, in substance, that there was a
move on foot to have meeting in Feb
ruary, 1892, for the purpose of bringing
together in one great convention repre-
sentatives from all of the different bod
les of organized farmers and laborers
in the United States to discuss the sit
uation. What they would do said I
was unable to say. Whatever was
done the people alone would be respon-
sible, because it would be peoples
move, etc, or words to that effect.
Now, Mr.. Editor, you make big fuss
about my reference to the fact that my
language means communistic revolu-
ton, ETC., because I said the masses
must have relief, aud if they can't get
it one way they will get in another, etc.
Now, you may call it what you please,
but the people cannot and will not
much longer stand the oppression of
the money king. There is not enough
money in circulation to supply the le-
gitimate demands, saying nothing
about the payment of loans, because
with falling prices securities weaken,
and while property values go longer
and lower, dollar values 90 higher and
higher and taxes, salaries and interest
absorb all the peoples earnings, leav-
ing nothing to pay OH the priAcipal of
debts. Wealth is fast passing into the
hands of a few persons. Money has
become power in politics as it has al
ways been in social life, and the same
influence, which is drawing away the
substance of the workers, is undermin-
ing the church. Look what way you
will the encrOachments of the money
power are plainly visible. 1t pollutes
cur elections; it controls our national
legislation; it debauches our trade; it
owns our homes; it rules the forum, the
t,n t- II
The question then is whether the dol
lar or the citizen shall rule this coun-
try.
The Farmers Alliance then means
to have this country ruled by the citi-
zen. The Farmers Alliance the means
to dethrone the money power aud thus
the people. This, sir, does
not mean communism or anarchy, as
YOU term it. 1t does not mean repudia-
ton, it does not mean war: it means
only the rule Of the people. That is
the first and great work to be done by
the National Alliance. With that will
come many other reforms, for every
device of villiany which is supported
by the improper use of money will fall
when the props are taken away.
Mr.. Editor, the sub-treasury scheme,
which you so much abuse, will be the
very means by which money will be
robbed Of its power to oppress. The
st. Louis Convention adopted it, the
Ocala Convention confirmed it, and it
becomes the duty Of every Alliance
man to support it as one of the grand
Of the Alliance, and again |
repeat, he who is unwilling to support
what majority adopts should drop
out. If that be treason, make the most
Of it.
In conclusion allow me to say that
the platform Of our National Alliance,