The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1894-08-28

it impossible to give their children the
benefit of even q common school edu
cation, and illiteracy will inevitably
rapidly increase unless thereis a speedy
change in the value of farm products.
In a republic like ours, where the ballot
Is of such potency, anything that tends
to increase illiteracy of the voters is a
cause for national alarm. and for this
reason, if for no other, the paralyZed
condition of agriculture should receive
the careful consideration of all patriotic
citizens, regardless of their occupation.
With the prospect of a large increase
/ n our membership in the ear future,
| cannot refrain from impressing upon
you and the brethren throughout the
State that to promote the usefulness
and prosperity of the Order, it is of
paramount Importance to adhere close
ly to the first section of the declaration
of purposes, which says We r Ito
labor for the education of agricultural
classes in the science of economic gov
eminent in a strictly non-partisan
spirit, and to bring about a more per
pect union of said classes"
NO PARTISAN DISCUSSIONS.
While we are at liberty to discuss
any subject which we think affects our
prospects or happiness, it is clear that
we have nc right to inject into III dis
cussion anything of a partisan nature,
and the mention of party, either by
name or implication, during our delib-
erations, should be strictly prohibited.
This restriction, which the founders OF
our Order deemed wise to impose upon
us, and which I think is necessary for
success, i no way prevents a free
exchange of views on the merits or de
merits of any public question. In this
connection | call your attention to the
political demands so frequently made
by Alliance organizations, which neces-
sarily puts us in a category Of partl
sans, and to that extent defeats the
very object we have in view. Such
actions / believe to be unwise, and, If
persisted in, will impair our usefulness
and j~eopardize our existence.
1t is perfectly proper, however, and
in strict accord with the declaration of
purposes and the constitution, for US
to annouce to the Alliancemen of the
| State for their consideration what in
our Judgment is the cause of the dis
tressed condition of agriculture, to
| gether with such remedies as we think
the ~exigencies of the times require,
leaving to each member freedom to act
on such subjects as his conscience 0lc
tates and his patriotism suggests.
Following q course of this character,
if the remedies VI propose, after a free
and full discussion, are found tenable,
they will be incorporated as q political
demand in the platforms of some OF
the political parties, who alone should
make such demands, and the Alliance
as an educational organization, will
have performed one of its chief func
tioIs.
90 OPER ATOM.
Co operation in the purchasing Of
farm supplies is one of the features Of
our Order, which could be made the
means of saving to it's members large
amounts annually, and while in many
instances Alliancemen take advantage
of the opportunities afforded in thai
line, yet the membership at large de
not fully appreciate. the advantages
offered them. I therefore urge then
to pay more attention to this subject
not only for their own pecuniary ad
vantage, but also as a means of build
ing up the Sub-Alliances.
In our various State meetings wehavt
given too little attention to the loca
interest of the farmers, as well as theil
local grievances. Many of their griev
ances, which in one sense may bt
termed local, are of such a character
as to admit of a remedy only through
legislative enactment. Therefore we
should inform ourselves on such sub
jects, so as to be in a position to render
the assistance required. would, there
fore, recommend that some means be
devised to ascertain the local burden tC
which the farmers are subjected, sc
we can aid them in accomplishing the
reform they 80 much need. In my own
county, I know that many of the farm
ers are subjected to great injustice,
which they r powerless to remedy
without the aid of their brethren
throughout the State.
THE OYSTER INTEREST.
The oyster interest of our State is 6
subject upon which we should also in.
form ourselves, not only on account OF
its bearing upon the State at large, but
also as an act of justice to those en-
gagged in clustering for a livelihood. To
those citizens Of our State the great
national question naturally becomes OF
minor Importance as compared to the
necessity of suitable State protection
for them in their pursuits, and it ie
clear that they will feel a deeper inter
est in our Order if they know that we
are willing to aid them by educating
our members up to a full realization of
the injustice of which they complain.
All that is required to have their
wrongs redressed is to have them fully
understood in all their bearings. Many
other instances flocal gTievances could
be mentioned, but it is not necessary.
I hope to do-so in order to impress you
with the Importance of making a com
mon cause in all instances where our
brethren have just grounds for COM
plant.
IMPROVEMENT OF PUBLIC ROADS.
Tho imnOrtanca of imnrOVin0 orr