The farmers' union. (Memphis, Mo.) 1891-1895, 1891-03-26

pendent of improvements. This provis-
ion is altogether too vague for discus
sion. II it means valuation exclusive
of houses, barns, fences, etc, the valua
tion for loaning purposes would be differ
ent from one based on the value of the
native or uncultivated land. A loan of
so per cent. to the average farmer, esti-
mated upon the value of his farm
less the buildings, would, espe-
cially in the north and vest, be
exacting. But a loan of the same per
cent. Of value based on uncultivated
lands would be of no benefit whatever.
In fact, the general tenor of this bill
seems to favor large holders of Wild
lands for speculation. 1t would benefit
the speculator. but would fail to bring
relief to the struggling mortgage ridden
farmer. 1t is not the desire of the
alliance to advance any measure that
will aid the land speculator, or make his
efforts any more remuneratiyc than at
present. 1t is to assist the real farmer.
the tiller of the soil. in his efforts to save
his farm from the sheriff's hammer. to
preserve his home for his wife and
children, that this demand of the ali-
ance was made. This proposed bill of
Mr.. Stanford is sidetrack for the
honest intentions Of the alliance. and if
permitted to become a law in its present
shape will benefit the land speculator at
the expense of the farmer. Mr.. Feather
ston provides in his bill. that:
Any citizen OF TIE United States, or any
person who has declared the intention Of
becoming Il citizen. who owns and resides
upon any tract of land containing not less
than ten and not more than .}20 acres OF
nnp-h:If
tract of land in actual cultivation. shall he
entitled to apply for and receive from the
treasury Of the United States loan. in
amount not to exceed one-h half the assessed
value of said tract of land and the improve
ments.
SEC. =. That all loans under this act
shall be for Il period of not less than five
nor more than ten years. at the option of
the borrower. and shall bear interest at the
rate Of per cent. per annum from the date
of the loan.
Here is 4 proposition that would bene-
fit the legitimate farmer and protect the
homestead. and at the same time eiim-
nate the fear that now obtains of an
overissue of money. 1t also eliminates
the land speculator and virtually puts
an end to his business The difference
between these two bills is SO pronounced
as to admit of no mistake: the one favors
the specuator, the other the farmer.
The alliance need not hesitate as to a
choice. The Stanford bill has already
been published and commented on eX-
tensively by the reform press. and it is
hoped that the FeatherstoD bill will be
considered with equal care.-Ndtiondl
Economist.
The New Party.
n
the new party that is being crystalized.
1t is evident that it cannot be an alliance
larty, or knights of labor party, or
any other party representing class.
The plan devised by the Nebraska in
dependents last summer in which they
ignored societies, and organized the units
which composed them. proved remark
ably successful and resulted in the
throwing of over 10000 ballots for an
independent ticket. We clip the fol-
lowing from the Farmers Foice, that our
readers will find meets the case exactly
The national alliance, at its Omaha
session. just closed, has adopted plan
for action in 1892. 1t is a proposition
made to all the .dustrial organizations
of the nation. 1t puts no society in ad-
vance and discriminates against none.
the demand for new national move
ment can be tested and an easy and safe
plan by which national nominating
convention may be called. 1t puts all
old committees aud old chairmen and all
societies aside as disturbing elements,
while making them all active agents in
carrying out the experiment and the
work and giving them all an equal
chance in the results.
"The declaration of principles is as
follows:
I'VE, the undersigned. do hereby declare
our allegiance to the following principles
viz:
l.. The free and unlimited coinage OF
silver.
>. The abolition of national banks and
the substftu ion for their notes of legal
tender treasury notes; and the increase OF
currency to $50 per capita.
3. Government owner ship of all railroads,
| telegrap phs and telephones.
4. The prohibition of alien ownership OF
| land and of gambling in stock, options and
| futures
;. The adoption of a constitutional amend
ment requiring the election OF preside n,
| and vice president and United States SEN
ators by a direct vote Of the people.
&. The Australian ballot system.-Ti6fn
tOI Potc and Hammer.