Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1891-09-26
UNDER TWO FLAGS.
What the Alliance Processes to Be,
and What it Really Is.
By One of It's Own Members.
Nashville American.

nv iOiONih "AAANiS N"o HAAN'Nh
some weeks ago Tor The Toiler, but
refused publication because not in
accord with its policy Its author is
ex. President of his county Alliance
and a prominent citizen of his COM
After the wonderful results that
have been achieved by the Farmers
Alliance in the last few years, it is
painful to see the strife and dissen-
sions that are working so much mis-.
chief in its ranks at this time. Its
enemies are warning against it with
increased energy, and it is no time
for internal wranglings. l write,
therefore, solely in the interest of
harmony and duty,
What is the cause of the trouble
and what the remedy? Upon this l
must speak plainly. The cause in
my opinion is due to a violation by
the Alliance leaders of its funda-
mental principles, and the remedy is
a speedy return to first principles.
The founders Of the Alliance
recognized the importance of leaving
every member free to think and act
politically as he pleased. They knew
that it would be absurd to propose to
intelligent men to- join a secret or
ganization that claimed the right to
dictate their political beliefs or &C.
lions. Therefore in the ritual which
is used in the initiation of all mem
bers, the military officer is required
to assure" the candidate for admis-
sion, as a condition to his taking the
obligation, that nothing in this obi
cation shall in any manner conflict
with his religious or political
views"
1t was here clearly understood that
both Democrats and Republicans
could be brought together as Alliance
men, and their religious or political
opinions were not to impair OF
abridge in any way their rights OF
privileges in the order.
The same principle is set forth ir
the first section of the declaration O
principles:
ave propose to labor for the educa
ton of the agricultural masses in thu
science of economical government il
a strictly non-partisan spirit"
Here was a proposition for men o
all parties belonging to the producing
and industrial classes having in
terests in common to come togethe
and investigate in "non>partisal
spirit' the bearing of all politica
questions upon their interests. Al
sectional hatred and partisan feeling
were laid aside in consideration 0
questions of such vital interest.
The wholesome changes in publ
sentiment as result of this cours
were evidenced to some extent b.
the results of the late elections. AL
this was not the result of force, but
"education in a nOn-partisan spirit.
All members were free to thinl
and act as they chose politically
without affecting their relations wit
the Alliance.
The National Convention me
at st. Louis in December, 1889, an
passed some resolutions in favor {
certain political measures, and urge
their Endorsement by the Allianc
people.
This action was perhaps only ir
tended to bring those question
prominently before the people fC
discussion and investigation.
My purpose here is neither to il
dorse nor to criticize those measures
but to consider the action of the leaC
ers of the Alliance with reference t
them.
The National Council again met 6
Ocala last December, and there tn
trouble began.
The discussion of those measure
had developed the fact that member
of the Alliance were being niue
divided upon them.
Some people having strong convi
tons upon political or religious sui
jects, think it strange that every on
does not think as they do, and whe
mild means have failed to hrin
others to adopt their views, they al
ready to employ force.
On the fourth day of that CONVEX
ton the following resolutions WEI
adopted:
"Resolved, that this National Cor
vention of the F. a. & 1. Union d