The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1896-02-19

COLUMBIA. S. c., Feb. 10.-Mr. }.
W. Bowden, who has been in attend
ance on the National Alliance meeting
in Washington was in the city yester-
day on his way home to Denver, in
Anderson county. When he was
seen, he gave the following interest
ing interview:
wv hat about the National Alliance
meeting.' Mr.. Bowdeu was asked.
well, 10 be candid, the meeting
was better than expected, both in
poin. of attendance and the general
condition OF the organization. Seven
teen States were represented and sew
eral others reported, showing the treas
ury in good condition, which is a good
indication of the life Of the organiza-
ton. Major Mann Page of Virginia,
who was elected the new president, is
a strong man and we'll known to ALL
ancemen everywhere. as he has been
corrected with the order since its in
ception. Mr.. Southwortn of Colorado,
the new secretary, will also make
very competent official The majority
OF tie delegates regretted very much
to give up Col. D. P. Duncan as secre.
tacy, as his efficient work was highly
appreciated, but it has been the uu-
written law to divide the officers
among the various sections represent
ed.
What about the political signii-
cauce Of the meeting
II don't know that it had any spec
ial political significance, but from the
anxious inquiries of Washington re-
por,ers, it seemed that it was expected
to create some kind OF a hiatus Or slap
somebody in the face. Of course, no
political action was taken. and the
only thing that showed a tendency to
touch politics was some small changes
IN the demands It seems very hard
for some of our friends to understand
how an organization can be interest
ed in political affairs and yet take no
part in partisan politics.
What changes were made IL the
demands"
"Well, the only significant change
made in the demands was the elimi-
nation 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 a place in the demands
of the farmers organization. The
land plank and the railroad plank
were made to read as they did origi-
nally. In reality, the financial de.
mands of the Alliance perfectly accord
with the views of all currency re-
formers"
Did you attend the silver confer
ence::n
Eyes Iattended the sessions throu g
the two days and was much gratifed
at the earnest determination Of those
present for a straight, square fight for
the white metal and government issue
of currency without regard to party.
The conference was composed of Re
publicans and Democrats, organized
Populists taking no part in it. 1t was
determined to organize a 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 meeting as the Popullst ma
tional convention, as the opinion is
that there will be joining Of forces
there. A national committee, COM
posed of one member from each State
was appointed and chairman, who is
DR.. J. J. Mott of North Carolina, was
put in charge OF headquarters as
Washington. This national commit
tee will only act until the meeting Of
the national convention, when one
will be elected in its stead"
will South Carolina be organized?'
Yes, was placed on the commit
tee as representing this State and will
proceed to get in touch with all those
in sympathy with the objects of the
movement. I will only act, however,
until State chairman can beselected.
When chairman is selected, there
will probably be headquarters estab
lished and the work actively pushed.
For the present, will answer all in
quiries from my home Office"
What effect will this have on the
May Democratic convention2"
Il do not know. We do not intend
to fight against or try to interfere
with that body in any way. We only
intend to build a house of refuge for
the lost sheep when they are turned
out OF the Cleveland pasture p"
Did the South Carolina congress
men attend the conference"
None but Congressman McLaurin
He took very prominent part in the
deliberations and was on the commit
tee that wrote the declaration and res
olution. State.
Uncle Sam Particular.
Tha nnrernnnnnt l. rsttinr more