Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1891-10-14
A Conservative adviser.

There appears in the last issue of the
Southern Planter communication signed
"Alliance," which contains so many whole
some and sensible views as to the proper
course to be pursued by the members of the
organization of that name that we are
prompted to call attention to it, especially
as the Planter gives full assurance of the
responsibility of the writer and his infiuen-
tial position among those who follow the
occupation of agriculture.
The author of this communication urges
upon the Alliance the necessity OF looking
carefully into the records of the men whom
that body shall decide to accept as its per-
manant leaders. The question should be
asked in regard to them Have they been
successful business men or have they
proved to be failures in what they have
undertaken? If the latter should be shown
to be the case then they are unworthy of
being advanced to the exacting and re-
sponsible position of guides.
Firmly asserting that the pursuit of agri-
culture has for many years been suffering
from many heavy impositiOns. and that it
has 10 consequence just ground for COM
plant, the correspondent of the Planter
earnestly recommends that the measures
| which are being advocated as Offering the
needed relief should be closely examined in
order that their true character may be
known very clearly. He declares that in
many instances these measures will be
found to be mere "Greek horses" which
conceal in their bowels far more dreadful
evils than these which are sought to be
avoided.
"The Government" be remarks, "has
already too much power. ! had rather see
more Of that power relegated to the people.
| would like even to see the p0stmasters
elected by the people Ia the country and
commissioned by the Postmaster. General.
Cannot We by closer and more thorough
cooperation manage our affairs better
than to trust everything to the Govern
ment?"
| With equal earnestness the same writer
enters a strong plea in opposition to any
assumption by the Alliance of right to
special privileges, right which the farm
e.s Ct the United States have condemned
NEST warmly when claimed by Other
classes of the community.
| Do not let US ask" says this writer,
"fur anything that can be called class legis
lation, for this is in conf ct With our decla.
ration of principles. There is much good
msterial in the Alliance, and the eyes oil
the whole country are upon us aid are
hoping and expecting much from us as true
reformers, who will be governed in our acti
by the Constitution Of our country and moi
ride over it rOugh-shod to attain our ends
Don't let Us try to do too much on the
start, but act carefully and wisely in all w
do. Let all our demands be freely dis.
cussed and thoughtfully revised"
Such is the general tenor of the commune
cation from which we have quoted. Mo-
even the most unreasonable partisan of the
Alliance, whether be is citizen of thiI
State or resides in some other Common
wealth, can soberly examine the extracts
which we have given without acknowl
edging that they are founded in good sense
and are marked by conservative feeling.
The writer is evidently 30 deeply concerned
for the success of the legitimate objects o.
the Alliance that he is led to deprecate ths
obtrusion of principles and influences which
can only load TO distraction and confusion
If the sound advice which he offers were
followed, the remotest prospect of such 9
result would be permanently removed
Richmond Times.