The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1896-02-18
No. 30
THE NATIONAL FARMERS ALLIANCE.
The Sub-Treasucy Abandoned as a Deman
looming IN the Ftohttor Silver

4 The Sub Treasury Abandoned as a Deman
--joinna IN the Flohttor Silver,
Mr.. j. w. Bowden, of Ande ON
County, was recently in attendan o
upon the annual meeting of the Natton-
al FaFmers' Alliance In the city of
Washington, aud gives an interesting
account of what took place while he
was there
When asked about the National Al
lance meeting, Mr.. Bowden replied !:
We'll, to be- candid, the meeting
was much better than expected, both
In point of attendance and the general
condition of the organization. Seven
! teen States were represented and
several others reported, showing the
treasury in good condition, whichis q
good indicator of the life of the or
ganization. Major Mann Page of Vicss5
ginia, who was elected the new presi-i
dent, Is strong man and we'll known
TO Ailiancemen everywhere, as he has
been connected with the order since
its incorporation. Mr.. !Southworth, OF
Colorado, the new secretary, will also
make very competent official. The
majority of the delegates regretted
very much to give up Col. ID. u. Duncan
as secretary, as his efficient work was
highly appreciated, but it has been
the unwritten law to divide the Offices
What about the political signiii-
cation of the meeting 2"
~ don't know that it had any special
political significance, but from the
anxious inquiries Of Washington re-
porters, it seemed that it WIS expected
to create some kind of ~ hiatus or slap
somebody in tho face. OF course no
political action was taken, ala The only
thing that showed tendon. To touch
politics was sCmo small changes of the.
demands. 1t seems very hard ior some
of our friends to understand how an
organization can be Interested in poll.
tical affairs and yet take no part in
partisan politics."
What changes were made in the
demands 2"
"Well, the only significant change
in the demands was the'eliminatiop Of
the sub.treasury, and also the demand
for $50 per capita. These parts of the
demands had come to be looked on as
details of legislation and did not have
q place in the demands of the farmers
organization. The land plank and
railroad plank were made to rc ad as
they did originally. In reality, the
financial demands of the Alliance per-
fectly accord with the views of all
currency reformers."
ence?"
Yes, | attended the sessions through
the two days and was very much
gratitied at the earnest determination
OF those present for a straighht, square
fight for the white metal and govern
ment issue of currency without regard
to party. The conference was com
posed of Republicans and Democrats,
the organized Populst taking no part
In 1t. 1t was determined to organize
silver fight in every State at once. A
national convention was called to meet
in ST. Louis on July %, the same date
and place of the meeting of the Popu-
list national convention, as the opinion
is that there will be joining of forces
then. A national committee composed
Of one member from each State was
appointed ana q chairman, who is DR..
J. j. MoCt of North Carolina, was put
IN charge of headquarters at Wash
ington. This national committee will
only act until the meeting Of the ma
tional convention when one will be
elected in its stead"
Did the South Caroline Congressman
attend the conference ?
Q" None but McLaurin. Ho took
very prominent part in the delibera-
lions and was on the committee that
wrote the declaration ana resolutions"
Will South Carolina be organized?
Yes, | was placed Oh the national
as representing this State,
and will proceed to get in touch with
all those in sympathy with tho ehiects--
Of the movement. [ will only at,
however, until u State chairman can
be selected; when chairman is
selected there will probably be head
quarters established and the work
pushed. For the present l
will answer all inquiries from nv
home Office
Mr.. Bowden was asked what effect
would this have on the May Demo
cratic convention.
Il do not know. We do not intend
that body ir ny way. We only intend
to build use OF rcfugo for the lost
sheep when they are turned ont of the
Cleveland pasture"
Did you hear Senator Tillman's
speech
No. expected to hear it but on
going to tho galleries half an hour be-
fore he was to begin, found the men
standing ten deep around the doors
seeking admission. Before my turn
came the senate had adJournod. There
is no question, however. but what that
speech created the creates & s"sation
Sh1O pi' w tISI iu,5 l')li pbIlN EcF en-
joycd."
How about Tniman's and McLaurin's
personal relations
"Oh well don't know. 1t rather
seemed TO me to be cordial on each
side. McIaurin's strong and tactful
defense OF The Senator in the House
was very much appreciated The
fact Ii from MCl,Gurin's popularity and
influence he can be Il very useful lieu
tenant for Senator Tllman, and speak
ing on general principles, should
think that before this session is over
their friendship will be stronger than
itever was. The truth is, thoy mako
very strong team. II will be re-
membered how well they worked to-
gether on the stump in the campaign
of 1892"
The Mount Lebanon Shakers have
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