The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1894-01-11
READING FOR FARMERS.
SOME TIMELY WORDS OF
ADVICE.
The Need Of Organization and
Observation-Disclosures Econ
omy and Making Supplies at
Home.
Patron and Gleaner.I


Agriculture is the great lever power
that moves the machinery of all the
world-the foundation upon which
all governments rest. This has ever
been recognized, by the most eminent
persons of all nations and climes.
Oppression of the agricultural classes
has caused the fall of nations. 1t may
be attributed TO the fall of Rome.
usurpation of the British throne by
Oliver Cromwell. In 1864 it caused
the French Revolution and abdica-
ton of Louis XVIII, King Of France,
and his flight to England and inau-
gurated the reign of terror in IS47.
In countries under republican form
of government it changes the political
parties. More than a quarter of a
century has elapsed since the crusade
commenced against the agricultural
classes of this century. Under re-
publican rule trusts and combinations
were formed knowing to be oppreS-
sive and unconstitutional. At the
close of the late war, the North was
flooded with money seeking invest
lnents. The South was destitute and
field for operations. Millions of
dollars were offered to the merchants
of the South, taking as security lien
on the cotton crop. Self preservation
is the first law of nature, the merchant
to secure himself against loss, as a
rule required 20 acres Of cotton
planted TO the horse. This increased
acreage, raised the supply above the
demands, and stopped to great ex-
tent the raising of supply crops. The
mortgage system was hailed as bless
ing, it has proved curse.
Brother farmers, extriCate yourselves
from this grasp, close up with your
merchant. You had better pay eight
per cent on what you owe, than re-
main in its clutches. Borrow a little
money for prospective crops, pay cash,
raise your supplies at home and have
your cash crop clear. In few years
you will be out of debt. Your mer-
chants will realize the true principal
of trade-small profits and quick re-
turns. The nimble nickle is better than
the slow "quarter." The counter
sign Of the Alliance has ever been
RAISE your supplies at home" CO.
operation the brotherhood of the order.
Organize! organized! This should be
heralded from the mountains to the
seabord. If you do not wish to join
the Alliance form clubs of 10 or II
and meet at home to discuss the situ-
alton and help yourselves. The AL
Lance will work in harmony with any
and all clubs to better our condition
mentally, morally, socially and finan-
cially. 1t is not political organiza-
ton and does not conflict with opin-
ions, religious or political. 1t is
founded on the principles Of true
democracy, the greatest good to the
greatest number and equal justice
to all. Ask for such national
Legislation as may be deemed expe-
dient. Concert of action can be Sc
cured through the agricultural socie-
ties and alliances of our sister States.
Organize we are advised to do SO, by
one of the most eminent living states
men of the age, Hon. Zeb B. Vance.
The present acreage in cotton means
excess of supply over demand, in
creased mortgages, hard times, low
prices and low wages to employees.
Half the acreage in cotton means
excess of demand over supply, can
ceiling mortgages, good times, 12H
cents per pound for your cotton and
good wages to employees.
Brother farmers, think of your wives
and little ones. Raise your supplies
at home, or your birth right will be
sold to the highest bidder to satisfy
mortgage. A continuance of the
mortgage system will end in the alien
owning the land and you, the native
born, wanderers houseless and home
less in the land of your birth and your
children Serfs To the aliens.
Organize and know when to sell
your cotton at profit. The mer
chant will not sell an article at sac
rifce that is not perishable. He holds
until he can sell at profit. You can
do SO if you will. Raise your sup
plies and practice economy. Don't
sell your children TO the alien. Be it
ever SO humble, there's no place like
home. w. H. H.