The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-02-11

Alliance were explained. people would j1in in
greater numbers
Mr. Austin said the farmers must take of
their green spectaces when looking at the two
Cd political parties for there was no differ
ence between them They were both contend
Ing simply for the spoils of office. = county
press called them simple minded old farmers,
but heir eyes would be speedily opened to the
Importance of the agriculturist as q factor in
coming legislation He was reminded OF the
picture representing the manner in which the
rleh eanker was getting all the milk from a
COW which was being fed by one leboring man.
while another was vainly trying to pump the
rich lacteal fluid by vigorously working her
tail This was exactly the way with the me-
chanic. farmer and the two old parties. The
mechanic was at the tail. the farmer stands at
the head showing in the good. rich fodder, while
the two parties complacently hold their pals
anu milk the old COW dry. the while valiautly
urging the deluded victims at the head and tail
10 renewed energy. The government was moth.
ing but bankrupt concern and we are bank
rupt with it. They had got a subsidized press
that never spoke of them in other than a sneer
Ing manner, but the farmers were thoroughly
awakened and could not be downed in that
way.
at the conclusion of Mr.. Austin's remarks
motion was made and carried to take the nee
cssary steps to organize District Alliance.
The following townships and localities have
fourishing sub ub-Alliances. whose meetings are
interesting and well attended: Atwater, Ran
dolph, Deerfeld. Yale, Windham, Rootstown
Nelson. streetsboro and Shelersville. Sunfeld
and Aantua have each two sub b-AJliances
The convention was called at an unfortune te
time owing to the disagreeable state of the
weather, but what it lacked in plumbers was
amply made up by the quiet earnestness of those
present. whose interest in the cause overcame
the disposition to remain at the comfortable
freside to escape the unpleasant experience of
long rides through mud and rain.
The convention was an assemblage of fine
looking men, whose appearance in every way
hetokened the thoughtful conservative char
acteristics manifested during its proceedings.
While we cannot fully endorse some of their
views, there are many demands made that are
reasonable and just and in line with the best
thought of the age We are glad to see the
farmers organize when the objects are of the
commendable nature embodied in the Alliance,
The farmers cannot fail to be greatly benefited
by identifying themselves with such organiza-
tions, for mental and intellectual training, a
more thorough comprehension of the science of
required to create perfect polity, are well
worth the prize of instituting and joining the
Alliance. Capitalists, mechanics and laborers
of all classes unite for mutual benefit and pro-
lection. and why not the farmer? They have
wisely excluded politics from their society as
distinctive feature, simply reserving the right
to support the party and candidates that may
seem best to the Judgment of the members. AS
we understand it. it is designed simply to wean
men from party prejudice and free their minds
from the yoke of partisanship. and not the for
nation of distinct political party to be known
as the Farmers Alliance. That the farmer, in
common with every laboring, producing class.
has just grievances which should be speedily
righted, is a truth painfully apparent on in
vestiga,ion and if by united action they can
succeed in ameliorating their condition. by all
means encourage and assist them. If they
mean as their utterances indicate, an endeayor
to secure legislation conceived to be beneficial
to the entire mass of American laborers and
producers. and do not elevate the farmer as the
sufferer whose claims are paramount and first
to be considered above all others. then their OBJ
ject is certainly commendable one and will
meet with appreciation from all good citizens
Judging from the Majority of their utterances
Saturday, we believe their motives and plans
are broad and liberal. and while it is essen
TALLY movement of farmer origin and develop
ment. it is designed to consider their own
claims and demands with reference 20 those of
their toiling brethren in other pursuits If we
gathered the true import of Saturdays meeting
it did not contemplate the disintegration of any
political party to give way to the Alliance. or
severing of individual political ties 1t is to
enlighten and educate its members on all the
great issues of the day and thoroughly equip
them with the weapons of intelligence when
going 10 the polls, This is right and no one but
a professional politician will Ii nd any objection
to it. We would be sorry to see any of these
objects subordinated to the greed of the office
seeker. or shape themselves into purely politi-
cal purposes, for we think that if the plans out
lined in Saturdays convention are followed.
the farmers of Portage county will have an ex-
cellent organization in their midst. and what
ever mistaken ideas they may now possess in
regard to future legislation. will be cured by
study and discussion.