The Dalles daily chronicle. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1890-1948, 1891-09-29
THE -4LLTANCE.

The farmers movement has assumed
so many forms since its commencement
and has SO many different organizations
that one can scarcely be blamed if he
fails to keep track of them all. 1t seems
beyond question however that there are
alliance men and alliance men and that
there is the widest possible difference
between them. While the CHRONICLE
cannot become the organ of any party it
would consider itself unworthy of sup
port if did not, on all questions that re-
late to the best interests of the farming
and. .laboring classes, stand shoulder to
shoulder with them. But this bv no
means involves the adoption of every
wild and visionary scheme that is now
being advocated in their behalf. The
editor of the CHRONICLE will heartily
sympathize with any movement that
will tend to give the classes referred to
n just representation in the National
Congress or State Legislature, but he
has not a word of sympathy for a class
of so called alliance men who, while pro-
Tossing to denounce both of the old
parties are simply playing into the hands
OF one which they have really never
abandoned. The right to form third
party is unquestioned but one loses all
respect for its advocates is, while they
assert their independence of party shack
les will with the same breath, tacitly ac-
knowledge themselves satisfied if the
movement will result in placing one of
the old parties in power. We are pleased
TO know however that this criticism does
not apply to the Wasco county alliance,
as a body, whatever the objects and
opinions of private members may be. A
highly esteemed member of a Wasco
county alliance has placed in our hands
u copy of the constitution and bylaws
OF the Farmers Alliance and after.
careful perusaf we are free to say that it
is in everyway excellent and worthy of
support. Here is the simple statement
given as to it's object: "The objects of
the Farmers Alliance are to unite the
farmers for the promotion of their in
terests, socially, politically and financi- !
ally. TO secure just representation of
the agricultural interests of the country
in the National Congress and the State |
Legislature. To demand the prohibition |
of alien cattle and land syndicates and |
to oppose all forms of monopoly, as be-
ing detrimental to the best interests of !
the public In the article relating to
the qualification for membership it is
expressly stipulated that no person shall
be admitted who is not a farmer, farm |
laborer, mechanic, school teacher, coun- |
try physician or minister of the gospel, |
who does not believe in the existence of |
Il supreme being and is of industrious |
habits. Another section provides that |
there shall be no political or religious |
test for membership. Another article I
asserts: at is deemed contrary to the |
spirit of the order for brothers to go to |
law with each other. Therefore it is
difficulties arise between members, that
they settle the matter amicably among
themselves, or failing to do SO, by albi-
tration.' In the obligation the candi-
date solemniy arows that he has not
joined the alliance from any selfish, inn
proper or partisan motive. Assuming
that it is right to form secret societies
for political objects there is certainly
nothing objectionable in these articles.
We are assured that the alliances banded
together under this constitution while
united for political objects, are not par
tisan. The members do not believe in
the wisdom of the sub-treasury scheme
nor government warehouses nor wild in
fiation of paper or deprecated silver cur
rency. They do not believe in a third
party movement but they do believe in
having something to say regarding the
men sert to represent them in the halls
of legislature. And they are right and
wheh the time comes to name candidates
for Office no one will be better pleased
than the CHRONICLE, if these alliance
men will demand that only clean, hon
orable and upright men shall be nomi-
mated, men who are in touch with the
tillers of the soil and who cannot be
bribed or bought. This they have a
right to demand and it is their duty to
do so and if they are true to one another
they can demand it in a way that will
compel attention.
Tho Fret 0-eno,,sor, is a fr,,, i.eI;axa,