The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1892-04-15

1. To labor for the education of the agri-
cultural classes in the science of economical
government in strictly non-partisan spirit.
2. To indorse the motto, "In things essen
tial unity; and in all things, charity"
3. To develop better state mentally, NOR
ally, socially and financially
4. To create better understanding for sus-
tanning civil officers in maintaining law and
order
| 5. To constantly strive to secure entire har-
| mony and good will among all mankind, and
] brotherly love among ourselves.
6. To suppress personal, local, sectional and
national prejudices. all unhealthful rivalry,
| and all selfish ambition.
The brightest jewels which 1t gamers are
the tears of widows and orphans, and its i'm
| perative commands are to visit the homes
| where lacerated hearts are bleeding, to as
suage the suffering of brother or a sister,
bury the dead, care for the widows and edu-
cate the orphans; to exercise charity towards
offenders, to construe words and deeds in their
most favorable light, granting honesty of pur-
pose and good intentions to others, and pro-
tect the principles of the Alliance unto death.
Its laws are reason and equity, its cardinal
doctrines inspire purity of thought and life,
its intentions are Peace on earth and good
will toward men,"
Still no political tenets are taught, no po-
litical tests are applied. The teachings are
religious without sectarianism, moral in full
sense and educational in the. highest type Of
pnrity.
Farmers & Laborers' Union.
Next is the Farmers & Laborers' Union"
Its Constitution, adopted in 1890, defines its
objects as follows:
DECLARATION OF PURPOSES.
Whilst from necessities growing out of the
Of fha oil 9TH
classes of industries are organized for the
promotion of their several interests farmers
have been slow to follow their example, yet
in this field of labor there is no less
urgent demand for his organization and
united effort There is urgent need
of the wisest farm economy, and Of the
broader education of the farmer in the prin-
ciples which underlie successful agriculture
and the duty of good citizenship as well for
the establishment of a brotherhood of interests
and sympathies and a close and effective
union of strength. wisdom and effort that
their rights may he guarded their equality pre-
served and their interests, civic and in
dustrial. advanced.
We hold that all monopolies are dangerous
to the interests of the country and contrary to
public policy because they tend to the enslave-
ment of the people and to the overthrow of the
great principle of freedom and equal rights
bequeated to us by our fathers.
We therefore adopt the following as our
declaration of principles:
WE PROPOSE,
l. To labor for the education of the agri-
cultural masses in the science of economical
government in a strictly non-partsan spirit,
and to bring about a more perfect union of
said classes.
?. Wedemand equal rights to all and special
favors to none
3. To indorse the motto: In things essen
tial unity; and in all things charity.
4. To develop better state. mentally. NOR
ally. socially and financially.
5. To constantly strive to secure entire har-
mOny and good will to all mankind and
brotherly love among ourselves.
6. To suppress personal, local sectional and
national prejudices all unhealthy rivalry,
and all selfish ambition.
z. In the spirit of the broadcast charity, and
the kindest human sympathy and vital frater-
nifty, should ever recognize our obligation
to relieve distress when in our power; to
assuage the suffering of brothers and sisters;
to care for the widow; to educate the orphans,
and to follow in our lives the golden rule
g. Finally we pledge ourselves to defend the |
principles of our order throughout our lives,
for its laws are founded on reason and equity |
its cardinal doctrines incite to purity of
thought and life. its intentions are to develop |
a higher and nObler manhood and woman |
hood as the end of our being. and to promote
ION earth, peace and good will to men,.
Except a difference in phraseology this |
declaration is substantially that Of 1885, nom |
partisan. non-political To intensity its utter |
ignoring of political objects it provides ritual
of initiation as follows:
FORMS OF INITIATION
Observation-Disclosures Secretary is there any !
present for initiation
Secretary-Mr A is present and seeks ad-
mission
President Brother Conductor, you will |
please introduce the candidate for initiation. |
Conductor-Mr. President, I present Mr.. A. |
for initiation.
Observation-Disclosures Conductor. is he duly !
elected and is he worthy to receive this honor? |
Conductor-He is.
President-Mr. A. do you believe in the ex-
istence of a supreme being. who rules and |
governs the universe. and that man is response |
BILE for his actions?
Answer do
Presideut-Before you proceed. it will be |
necessary that you take on yourself solemn |
obligation. which 1 assure you will not con- |
hict with your political or religious views |
With this assurance you are willing TO pro- |
ceed2
Answer am.
The applicant is assured that his religious |
and political views are in no way compro-
missed
He is left free to think and act for himself |
No member of the Alliance up to this time |
the most remote thought he would |
ever be called upon to surrender his political |
opinions or sever his party affiliations. bare |
suggestion of such purpose would have driven |
him Indignantly from ali idea of becoming |
member.
The leaders and officers felt the Importance. |
the absolute necessity of giving the assurance
of freedom in politics and religion at the
Threshold of initiation.
Was Good Faith Intended?
Now. let us go step further and see if |
good faith was intended, or if intended has it
been kept2
In December 1890, the National Farmers
Industrial Union had an annual
session at Ocala. Fla, from which we're pro-
certain demands of which 1 win
speak later on.
The Executive Committee made a report.
In that report c. W. Macune, the Chairman,
the order as to the great response
bility resting upon this body at this time, as
to what action it takes in regard to the