The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1891-09-10
THE ALLIANCE.
4 Brief Review of Its Past and its present
The OcaIa Demands EcinG Strictly
Adhered to.

From the National Economist
In comparing the present condition
of the order with that of one year ago,
when the State meetings began, a de-
cided improvement for the better is at
once discovered. Notwithstanding the
fierce opposition, the Alliance has in
creased in numbers, become more
solidly united, and is every way
stronger. 1t is today better equipped
for the struggle for reform, better pre-
pared to cope with its enemies, and
better qualified to take care ofltseltand
defend its principles, thau ever before.
There are many evidences of this condi-
ton. Among the first might be men,
toned the activity and vindictiveness
of the regulation politicians. This class
ofpeople are the keenest and shrewdest
in the country, and can scent danger
to their profession with unerring pre-
cision, as the buzZard does its food.
They have discovered unmistakable
signs which point to their total de-
struction in the principles Of the Alli-
ance, and hence the bitter attack which
they have made on the Order. To be
on friendly terms with this class means
servility, self-abnegation, and an entire
absence of manly independence. Even
a neutral position gives tacit consent
to their nefarious practices and corrupt
ing Influences. There can be no COM
promise between honest methods,
patriotic aims and unselfish devotion
to principle on the one hand and fraud,
corruption and political chicanery on
the other. Nothing save desperate
struggle, in which one or the other
must go down, can for moment be
considered by those who are earnestly
and conscientiously connected with
this reform movement. 1t is this delib-
crate, uncoT promising position taken
by the Alliance that is bringing down
the vengeance of the political leaders
in both old parties. That the order has
been able to prosper and unity under
such an onslaught should be asource of
congratulation to every member of the
Alliance, and ample proof as to the
business and equity of its principles. In
every reform effort some must take the
lead. This is in perfect accord with
the natural order Of things and is no
disparagement either direct or implied
to the great body Of earnest and honest
people who constitute the majority.
Those who have stood at the front up
holding the banner of the Alliance have
met with such a storm Of abuse, villifi-
cation and slander as has seldom fallen
| 70 the lot Of men in an unselfish work.
Private character has been assaiied,
public efforts impugned, and everything
that cunning could devise, or menda-
city employ, has been made use of to
destroy prominent members of the
Order, and thereby divide and weaken
| the Alliance. That all such attempts
have failed, and that the brethren
have calmly considered these matters
and decided! for themselves, is another
evidence of unity that should warm
the heart and strengthen the determi-
nation of every loyal member. Again,
the public press, especially the sub
sldized portion, has persistently mis-
represented the condition of the Order.
A false report would be sent out from
Kansas stating that the Alliance was
being disrupted on account of the sub
treasury plan. This would be taken up
by all the leading dailies both North
and South, and heralded all over the
land. Another equally false statement
would be given out through the same
channels, that the Alliance in Texas
was breaking to pieces for similar rea-
sons. No matter what evidence might
be given that these reports were untrue,
not a line could be got into the columns
of those papers to inform the people of
the facts. 4 vicious attack planned at
Nashville, st. Louis or Topeka would
be printed simultaneously in New York,
Charleston, Chicago and all other large
business centers, proving conclusively
the existence of a plan Of campaign
against the Alliance from this source
! The only method of refuting such
falsehoods was through the slow pro-
cess of the weekly papers. Yet the
brethren have waited patiently before
Judging or making any demonstration
until such information could be Oh
tanned, and have almost universally ac
cepted the explanations and assurance
contained in their Alliance papers. IL
fact it is doubtful if all unfair, mislead
ing and false reports given out by TIL
subsidized press have changed tn
opinions of a dozen members OF tn
entire Order, while the rediculc an
abuse of the principles of the Allianc
;o known to have started hundreds {
rood men to investigate thes" demand,
which in turn has been of great hcnrl
, 70 the Order. Here also is fruitful Sourc
for congratuiation and should not |