The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-01-14
DIR. THOMPSON SPEAKS

Correspondence of The Progressive Farmer.
THURMAN, N. c., Jan. 2, 1895.
Pursuant to a call from the Presi
dent of the Craven County Alliance,
the folio wing Sub-Alliances reported
and were represented in county meet
ing at Riverdale Sab Alliance hall,
January 1, 1896: Cove, T%uscarora,
Clubfoot and Riverdale.
We had quite a good representation
from the above Lodges, and they spoke
encouraging words for the upbuilding
of the Alliance in ''old Craven" There
were quite a number of visiting breth-
rem from other counties with us. We
met in county session at II o'clock
a. m. Had quite an interesting meet
ing.
Our State President being present he
was asked to exemplify the secret work
of the Alliance, which he did to the
| satisfaction and pleasure of all present.
In a few words he told us what great
things we could accomplish, as farmers
and laborers, by unity"
How little do we realiz9 the great
Importance of the word unity" In
our greed for this worlds goods and
4, our great haste to become rich, we pass
by, unnoticed, the grandest treasure
that earth ever offered to poor, be-
nighted farmers, and all other labor
ers-that is, being united.
Just now I would like to write at
length my feelings on this great and
important subject; but I am drifting
from my subject, the county Alliance,
etc. 90 will say that Craven County
Alliance is on her feet again, and we
hone bv next county meeting to have
some of our old Subs. that are sleep
ing "awoke" up to join us in this grand
and noble work.
It was decided to have u next
county meetings at Riverdale. After
closing service, the room Of the
Lodge being too small to hold the
crowd, we adjourned, went out doors
where a platform had been erected on
the sunny-side of the building for the
speaker and others, and there Bro.
". 81. Smith Oecturer of R~iverdale
Alliance, introduced to a crowd of
about 400 the speaker of the day, Hon.
Cyrus Thompson, President Of the
North Carolina State Farmers Alliance
and Industrial Union, who held the
crowd with few EXCEPTIONS spell
bound for the space of two hours. He
would have spoken longer but it was
lust a little too cool to be comfortable,
standing or sitting in the open air.
Our president is a man that has good
Judgment, and knowing what was to
EsoHew he closed sothat the feast could
continue, which it did, with plenty Of
barbecue, baked meats, fowls, cakes,
pies, and plenty else good before our
eyes. The vast crowd seemed to en-
Joy the eating fully as much as they
did the speaking. All seemed to enjoy
the day very much and everything
passed off pleasantly.
We think the Doctors speech did
much good. 1t was mainly on the
condition of the times, and he spoke
very seriously on this matter. No
doubt there were some present who
have great faith in the government of
our liberties by king Grover" did
not agree with the Doctor in his talk
, along that line, but such men gener-
! ally leave their thinking to gold
bugs, or men directly under the inf1-
ence of goldbugs, and do not think or
know, nor care what our future may
be 80 long as they can keep going
even if it is from bad t. worse. We
trust that the effects of Dur worthy
presidents visit may be cen in this
county by our next quarterly meeting
in April, at Riverdale. Brethren please,
wake up. I call upon you as your
Secretary to please respond to this call
-~reorganize. If you can't wake up
without help, write me, and set a time;
call your people together, and we will
send our county lecturer among you
Ind stir you up. 1 will call upon the
following brethren and all others who
will join them to wake up:
Bros. Daniel Lane and Graham T.
Richardson, offspring Garden Alliance;
Chas. Sutton, John Allen Jackson and
Redding Smith, Vanceboro Alliance;
John Riddle, Fort Barnwell Alliance;
DR.. NJ. II. Carr, Bright Hope, and
brethren from Beulah and Lanes
Chapel Alliance.
We hope some one from each of the