The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1894-06-19

lature after the fall election,
The Allen home was annie and not
altogether lacking in those delicate
touches which do SO much for the ar.
Effectiveness Of home. There sat a good
piano In the parlor which Mrs. Allen
had brought, when as a bride she came
from the village to the farmers home.
In point Of intellect Mrs. Allen was her
husbands peer, having received an
academic education.
Marjory had inherited her mothers
owe OF learning and they both accepted
with delight the offer of an old profes-
sor In the neighborhood to give Mar.
Jory such instruction as she desired.
Prof. Atchison was a man of broad
views and thorough culture. He was
well informed on the topics of the day,
and especially interested in all reform
movements. He found Mariory to be
gifted with a bright mind, and early
recognized that he could make of her
a companion as well as pupil. He de-
rived much pleasure from discussing
with her the issues of the day. By
this means Marjory gained thoughts
both new and inspiring. She came to
have a lively interest in the affairs of
the world at large, and particularly in
the problems at present agitating our
own people. She noted the widespread
spirit of discomfort, the oppression of
the masses by the classes, and the cor
ruption of our legislative assemblies.
Naturally the query came, SIS there a
Bamedy, and where is it to be foundY"
Prof. Atchison's library table was
constantly supplied with the best re-
form and social papers. Marjory
found among them the THE PROGRESS
sIvE FARMER, a live paper of her own
State; and she quilted it's perusal only
when she had CLEANED truth from each
succeeding page. 1t was indeed quite
amusing often times to witness her in
debate with the learned professor, over
some grave question of social or politi-
cal reform.
But to return to story: "Why
do you want the horse to morrowQ"
Mr.. Allen asked.
"Marjory and 1 have decided to take
the day out, if you consent" replied
Mrs. Allen.
"You know there is to be a picnic
and speaking at the Brick Church. 1t
is an Allianceman who is to speak, ="
Mrs. Allen said with a merry twinkle
in her eye. perhaps you and the boys
might find time to go too"
"Not much. Our corn crop is of
vastly more Importance than any pic
mic. Besides, I'm not at all particular
about hearing any of these Liancemen,
as you call 'em, speak. 1 think a bet
ter name would be 'Revolutionists.
They're trying to pull down the whole
political organization. don't believe
in it."
Il think you misunderstood, papa"
said Marjory. 'They are only endeav-
oring to pull down what is already rot
ten, and put in that which is new and
sound"
"Well, well, we won't have any dis
cussion now. l am a true blue Demo
crat, and always expect to hold up
the grand principles of my dear old
party" replied the farmer. you've
been hearing Nh. Atchison talk till you
think you've learned something new.
I'll be bound he put it in your head to
go. You say it is a noted man as is to
speak"
"Mr. Benning, of Michigan" said
Marjory.
"Well, I wouldn't mind havin' set
to- argument with him, or any other
man, but 1 don't care about havin' any
Northern doctrine preached right
down at me-" said Mr.. Allen. I'll bet
he is a 'sorehead.' He's wanted some
Office that he didn'tget, andnow thinks
he may work himself into favor with
the Populists just to spite his old party.
But you can go if you like. AS for me
and the boys, well stay away. Just
wait till 1 get to maxim my campaign
speeches this summerl I'll give these
farmers something to think about"
With that he left the dining room,
and Marjory and her mother began TO
prepare for the picnic. The kitchen
was soon redolent with the odor OF
good things. Marjory stood adding
the last touches of frosting to a splen-
did cake of her own baking. Address
ing her mother, she said:
II am sure Mr.. Btnning must be a
fine speaker. l saw an excellent press