The farmers' union. (Memphis, Mo.) 1891-1895, 1891-06-11
ALLIANCE DUTIES.
Hon. j. II. Powers. President of the Ma
t!onai Farmers Alliance, Defines tho
Political Duty of Alliance Members.


The democratic and republican parties at
the present time vie with each other in eS-
horting members nf the alliance 10 remain
in their respective parties. and In assur-
anccs that such Is the most feasible plan
for ;trhie wing success for heir principles.
But in so doing they seem 10 forget. or
conceal the fact that the enemies Of the al
lance are all within these two parties at
present and show no disposition TO leave.
Neither do they call attention tn the fact
that by adhcring to those parties the mc,Ir
hcr- of the alliance are lighting against
each other. In fact they know that a house
divided against itself shall not stand. and
that if thr political action of the members
of the industrial organizations ram only be
dtrerted on that plan, the reign of concen7
tratcd capital will not be intefered with.
Now, the majority of american citizens,
! verify hcleyc. would choose to vote for
just and honest measures. and for true and
patriotic for Legislators and office
holders But the friends OF any measure
are taken at disadvantage il their mrm-
ber> are divided between two or more op-
posing parties. The effect Of riches or the
love of political prefcrment- is to blind the
mind against the demands Of justice aud 10
sacrifice truth to selfshness and ambition.
and the men whose aims are thus perverted
are always unsafe co-workers In a political
party, for they will not spare any means
however deceptive or corrupt To mislead
the unwary and honest voter.
The only certain means then by which
the advocates IF corrupt principles can Sc
cure their enactment into la Is tO conren-
trate their votes in their support.
The essential differences between adopt
ing new principles by an existing permanent .
political party. and hasiug the political ar-
t!on on those principles Is. that while the
one only adopts the principles a> means
OF party success. the other makes the sue
cess of these principles it, whole political
aim.
Eut here arises difficulty. Ono political
principle one righteous measure Is not
enough To constitute such code of laws
wilt secure the welfare Of our people. And
a. man might be selected to some Important
office on the strength nf one sound principle
of right. and still. in the main. hold to prn-
riple> inimicai to the general welfare.
it seems to me that the only way in which
popular government can ever maintain
purity. and support successfully free insti-
tut ions i for those who really desire the
welfare of our whole people to select such a
code nf principles Il. is absolutely necessary
for national prosperity and happiness. and
then to array all the friends of those princi-
pics in their support.
There are many minor questions on which
we cannot expect even good conscientious
men agree. h,It the leading principles
which should constitute the foundation of
our laws are easily understood that ex-
pvrience has taught us that they only need
10 nc piILtu btluft lile itpHt III tHtir ptiih
simplicity 10 insure their support and adop-
tion by all good and patriotic; men who are
not political slaves.
This, in my Judgment. should he the plan d.
adopted hy the alliance audo industrial
and reform organizations. An earnest
search every year. and all the time for the
best principles of government in ali its de-
tails. aud for every election systematic
and we'll planned cooperation at the con-
veution~ and at the polls for the adoption of
those principles and for the election of
men Of tried integrity Ia carry them into
effect.
This plan Is so different from the charac-,
tcristicS that belong To what is called a
political party, that it prccludes the idea
usually attached To Il new political party.
and in that sense could only be described as
forming new party for every election.
Can il be true. As is asserted by some, that
honest men cannot perseveringly combine
their efforts: 1t will not believe 1t. Let
the friends Of equal rights throughout this
whole country arise in their might, wisely
concentrate their strength, and press right
on earnestly and consistently. and our be-
loved country will he delivered from oppres-
sion and its liberties he perpetuated TO the
| end of time. J. IL. POWERS.