The advocate., 1892-02-03
THE SUBORDINATE ALLIANCE.
An Essay Read Before the Franklin County
Alliance


DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Hav-
ing been appointed to deliver an address
upon the subject Of "How to Keep up an
Interest in the Local Alliances" / offer a
few suggestions.
/. The first matter of interest is in the
organization, or its officers. The election
of officers is Of first Importance. Do not
elect any man to Office because he thinks
he ought to have 1t; no one who has been
talking himself up before any part of the
members for such position. Do not
elect any man who is not in full sympa-
thy with the measures of the State and
National Alliances. Keep all "tender-
feet" In the ranks, where they can learn
and not teach. A man who believes our
doctrines are right, and vitality important
to our state and national prosperity, will
work and teach to that end, whilst he
who has some hobby will spend his force
on his hobby and leave the cause to per-
ish. Do not elect men to Offices who are
not competent to I'll them, or who are
not able or willing to attend every meet
ing. If any officer begins to talk about
not being able to keep up the meetings,
ask him to resign at once. More Sunday
schools, churches and Alliances are
talked to death by prOfessed friends, but
really by discouraged enemies, than any
other way. They begin to tell US show
they intend to attend and don't wants any
body to be discouraged" when sensible
man can see they are discouraged them
selves, and are discoursging every one
who hears them. Elect men to offices
because they can and tOiU fill them.
Don't go outside of the order to ask peo.
pie whom you should elect. You should
elect men to serve the Alliance, not our
enemies. The men that outsiders rec
ommend will generally work for the out
side, and not for the order. Beware Of
wolves in sleeps clothing. When you
have elected officers, stand by them in
the discharge Of their duties, and not by
those who crlticise them. Don't elect
tedious, never-ending talker as presi-
dent, or you will be killed off by ritual
ism. Let him be short spoken, full Of
resources, personal magnetism, and
broad in his views of men and measures.
The lecturer should be the best posted
man In the order on the general topics Of
the hour. Other officers should be fitted
for their positions.
2. What shall we do in the order to
maintain an INTEREST," Open promptly,
and don't wait for the crowd. If the
hour has come to open, and there is a
quorum present, open atonce. The more
you wait the more you may. Don't drag
over the regular program. If there Is
business to attend to, the president and
secretary should know 1t, and have some
one posted to bring 1t up promptly at the
right place. Use dispatch. When you
have very interesting subject, don't be
In too much haste to leave 1t and get to
something dry and tedious. Get through
your formalltles as soon as possible.
3. Let your limitations be made inter
esting, solemn, and full Of meaning.
Give candidates time to comprehend
their obligation. Be impressive.
A. An analysis Of our obligations, and q
full and free conference upon them, will
make very interesting meeting, and will
ha of laafln0 hanafit 70 all the mamhars.