The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1891-07-02
The Alliance and its Demands.

TO the Editor of The Herald and
News: Many persons doubtless feel a 1T
tie qualmish when they see or hear any
thing about the alliance or-lts prln-
ciples, but it is living, moving, grow
ing reality and forces upon the clVlii-
zaLion of The present generation many
problems for its solution. 1t IS pretty
generally agreed at this time that this
ebullition Of the sentiment Of the
masses is not ephenleral as mere gust
of thunder and wind. On the con-
trary that it has resolved itself into
fixed and settled purpose that the gen.
eral policy and tendency OF the gov
ernment, (which all good citizens
must love) must be changed and
another policy instituted and given, at
least AL experimental test. Is IL not
right and proper that these things
should engage public mention? If 1t
were the voice OF al ignorant raoOle,
asking, it knew not what-a sentiment
begotten of Ignorance, chasing Will
% the wisp-undertaking what 1t can
in no wise compass, theu 1t would De
right that it should De treated with the
supreme contempt and derlslon when
it has received from some sources, from
its incipiency to The present stage OF It's
development. 1t is not a deiuslon-a
vain and senseiess theory. 1t is not
the voice OF bolsterious rabble. The
| very rock upon which this government
stands, is the source whence this de-
mand emanates. 1t comes from the
most conservative class of our citizen
ship and they have defined what they
want. They conceded the impertectlon
of detail OF much they demand, which
is only an illustration of the practical
truth, that no legislation is at once per-
feet. While all this is true, the alli-
auce does not ask: nor desire exemp-
ton from just, conscientious criticism:
The spirit prompting criticism IS not
generally hard To detect. The question
occurs here, what kind of Judgment
have those opposed to the alliance,
passed upon it aud its measures? Inc
Judgment of prejudice, not of reason.
For example, lake the sub-treasury
scheme, which has been discussed and
'cusseG' until it is ne worn to 'fraz.'
1t is said to be impracticable, uncon-
stitutional, and having tendency to
| paterualisin and centrallZatlcn. Many
of the friends of the scheme believe
some of the details to be impractlcable,
but the principles good, which are
briefly, loan OF money by govern
menL direct to the people at low rate
Of interest, secured by the deposit OF
placing non-perishable products OF ag-
rlculture, in such place and IN SUCH
manner and amount as the government
NAV recognize as sufficient security for
the money advanced. A flexible cur
rency is principle involved. Now
this may SAVIOR little of paternallsm.
But which is the better, to become the
wards of the government, or remain
the proteger OF centralized capital III
| the hands Of these who are lrresponsl-
ble-who know US not, but as the lg-
noraut instruments for pillng up their
wealth? Capitalization indeed
Where has all the Capitalization
known in the history of the world,
which eliminated in the destruction OF
governments, originated? In central
lied capital and that capital III the
hands of irresponsible agents. The
kind of Capitalization involved IN the
sub-treasury scheme, does not appear
to be very dangerous, except to million
aries and bankers. But suppose these
must be saved, if the government Is
lost. AS to the coDstitutloDGlity OF the
measure, it seems if it were constltu-
tional for the government TO lend
money at one time, 1t ought to De al
another. Perhaps we are trying TO
gore the wrong OK? Now this is fair
sample of the kind of criticism we are
receiving from our enemies. Prejudice
against reason.
Much is said and written about a
third party. In this, as in other things
we are prejudged. The alliance and Its
friends in South Carolina are democra-
CIV. 1t will not be difficult matter
for us TO get men from the Democratic
party pledged towork in the interests
of our demands as far as the State Is
concerned. Talk about endangering
white supremacy! Every one that
thinks, knows that the interests OF the
white race can he in no better hands
than in the hands of such men as make
up the alliance. No matter what name
you give the party, the curse IS there
all the saE,e. There was party III the
field not long since, that seemed WILL
ing to do almost anything to succeed,
but somehow or other the leaders OF
that forlorn hope, were and are treated
very leniently by most OF those VINO
are apparently SO apprehensive OF the
distinction OF white supremacy by the
launching of a third party. AS for
President, if neither the Democrats nor
Republicans, will put candidate ID
the tield who favor our demands, where
is the alternative ). +. q.