Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1891-08-20

The state of the Order.
IN comparing the present condition
Of the order with that Of one year ago,
when the state meetings began. de-
cldcd improvement for the better Is at
once discovered Notwithstanding the
fierce opposition the alliance has in
creased In numbers. become more solid
Nv united and Is every wav stronger.
10 is to-day bstter equipped for the
struggle for reform, better prepared 70
cope with its enemies, and better quail
fed 10 take care OF itself and defend its
principles than ever before. There
are many evidences OF this condition.
Among the first might be mentioned
the activity and vindictiveness OF the
regulation politicians This class OF
people are the keenest and shrewdest in
the country, and can scent danger TO
their profession with unorring precis-
ion, as the buzzard does Its food They
have discovered unmistakable signs
which point 20 their total destruction
In the principles OF the alliance, 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 ne
farious practices and corrupting inhu-
ences. There can be no compromise be-
tween honest methods. patriotic aims
and unselish 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 60 down,
can for a moment be considered by
those who are earnestly and con-
scientiously connected with this reform
movement IL Is this deliberate, un-
compromising position taken by the al
lance that is bringing down the wrath
and vengeance Of the political leaders
In both the old parties. That the order
has been able 10 prosper and unity UNI
der such an onslaught should be
source OF congratulation TO every mem-
Der OF the alliance, and ample proof as
to the iustness and equity OF its princi-
pies. 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 inn
piled TO the great body OF earnest and
and honest people who constitute the
majority. Those who have stood at the
front upholding the banner OF the alli-
ance have met with such a storm OF
abuse, villidcation and slander as has
seldom fallen 70 the lot OF men in an
unselfsh work. Private character has
been assailed, public efforts impugned.
and everything that cunding could de-
wise, or mendacity employ, has been
made use OF TO DESTROY prominent mem
bers Of the order, ard thereby divide
and weaken the alliance. That all such
attempts have failed. and that the breth-
ern have calmly considered these matters
and decided for themselves, Is another
evidence OF unity that should warm and
strengthen the determination OF every
loyal member. Again, the public press
and especially the subsidized portion.
has '-sistently misrepresented the con-
diti OF the order. A false report
wouiU be seat out from Kansas stating
that the alliance was being disrupted
on account of the sub-treasury plan.
This would be taken up by all OF the
leading dailies both north and south,
and heralded all over the land. Auoth-
er equally false statement would be
given out through the same channels,
that the alliance in Texas was
br eaking TO pieces for similar reasons.
@N0 haoANNl Mh1l tNAutuNG luAkuI NE
given that these reports were untrue,
noI line could be got into the columns |
OF those papers to inform the people OF |
the facts. A 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 conclu- !
sively the existence OF a plan OF cam |
paign against the alliance from this |
source. The only method OF refuting |
such falsehoods was through the slow |
process OF the weekly papers. Yet the |
brethren have waited patiently before |
judging or making any demonstrations |
until such information could be OBJ |
tained, and have almost universally ac-
cepted the explanations and assurances |
contained In their alliance papers. In |
fact IL Is doubtful II all the unfair, mis-
leading and false reports given out by |
the subsidized press have changed the |
opinions OF dozen members OF |
the entire order, while the 4
ridicule and abuse Of the princi- |
Piles OF the alliance is known 20 have |
started hundreds Of good men TO inves-
tigate these demands, which in turn |
has been OF great benefit to the order. |
Here also is fruitful source for conprat.
ulation, and should not be lost sight of |
in counting up the victories OF the past
year. The action OF the recent state
meeting in South Carolina, and the ab- /
iect failure OF the recalcitranis ia Texas
disclose the strength and unity OF the |
order in manner not 10 be misunder-
stood. Six new state organizations have
been added, the number OF papers near.
~ doubled, and the membership largely
increased. All this has been accom-. /
pllshed In the face Of violent opposition /
and sometimes under discOuraging con
ditions. To De able 10 hold what had /
been previously gained would be con
sidered highly satisfactory under the
but 10 be able 70 show
positive gains should be not only graft.
lying but encouraging 20 all. One more
season OF progress like the past will |
place the alliance where Il can laugh at
its enemies and will have the power 10
work out the reforms il has so courage.
ously aud intelligently championed
Every true member OF the alliance
should take renewed interest in the
order and continue the contest revived
and refreshed by this reassuring condi.
tion OF alliance affairs. Econ
omist.
Whales.
-. ~