The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1894-03-20
REFORM CANDIDATES.
The Kind of Men Wanted by RefOrmers.
IT, -, DrNynn NJ ~

HEAD OF PUNGO, n. &.
Mr. EDIToR:-Before the advent OF
another campaign the Importance oil
selecting proper candidates should be
taken into consideration. This is a
matter of no little magnitude and
should be thoroughly deliberated by
the reform people. By this | don't
mean to insinuate anything deroga
tory to the fame of our candl-
dates in the last contest, for they were
men of unimpeachable character, and
the success attained by their efforts
has by 40 means been discouraging to
reforners. To realize the Importance
of being cautious as to who should be
intrusted with the control of govern
ment, it is necessary to take a retro
spective view of things in general, and
ascertain by research the consequences
that have been contaminated by elect
ing men to Office whose interests were
not common with the interests OF the
laboring people.
MY motive in this suggestion is by
no @ selfish. / know of no indi-
vidual that I want elected, however l
am inclined to think myself compe-
tent, not of selecting a man of ability,
but to dictate a character suitable to
head the movement all along the line.
This movement is, if 1 understand, in
tended to inaugurate some policy
whereby the distressed condition OF the
toiling masses can be redeemed from
the thraldom of ~plutocratic oppression.
Who has controlled the politics of this
country for the last q years, and what
has been done by legislation az ainst
the industrial people during the same
period, are questions that should COM
mand the profound consideration of all
men. Has it come to this that the
laboring people will not avert the ad-
vancement of their own destruction3
Do they propose to tolerate the agen-
cies that have already brought them
to a state of bondage almost too severe
to be endured3 Have they no recog-
milton for the abilities of a man be-
cause his humble circumstances will
not admit a display of nobility3 Have
they no respect for that Ems of free
dom that actuated our forefathers to
sacrifice their lives upon the altar of
carnage that we might livel
Mr.. Editor, 1 have no desire to mar
the feelings of any one, but wish to be
understood upon this important ques-
5ion. The reform movement is, l be-
lieve, destined to triumph, and the
sooner the advent Of that victorious
day the better it will be for the slaves
of Mammon whose muscles and nerves
are fast dying under the severity of
oppression nov upon them. The suf-
ferings of humanity have lever had
the sympathy of those whose aff1uent
lives know no care, nor can their dis
$resses be pitied by the sensations Of
those who are determined not only to
hold fast the present illegal advantage,
but to increase their superb Ority at the
expense of poverty. These things be.
ing true, and the near approach of an
other time in which the sweaters will
have an opportunity to battle against
the ma~neuverings of their adversar es,
isn't it necessary that we should be i'm
pressed with the Importance of select
ing a force whose character in every
respect will make them more prefer
able than their o]pponents9
I believe the reform movement can
be injured by designing politicians.
When it becomes apparent that the
people are determined to wres6 the gov
eminent from the hands of plutocracy,
the Peoples party will be overrun
with politicians from both the old par
ties, shouting themselves hoarse for the
of the working man. Such men
should be held at Il proper distance.
I don't say that professional men are
not competent to legislate for the in
terests of the toiling masses; by no
would I create such an idea, for
I am proud of the gallant Butler and
his co laborers who have made great
sacrifices for the cause of reform.
Their efforts are worthy of recognition.
Their energy has been more instru
mental in enlightening the minds of
the people to an understanding of the
than all the political schools
from Andrew Johnson to Grover Cleve-
land. But I will again insinuate that
p~lutocracy, whether clothed in its own
hellish robe or mantied in sleeps raj
nent for the purpose of deception, has
never nor ever will entertain the least
for poor, down trodden human