The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-07-29

These demands expressed at different
times IN slightly varying phraseolgy raised
the ISSUE 1t was met by organized capi-
tai with strenuous effort to fasten on US
the blight of the gold stanard. Our de-
mands, ignored at first by the political par
ties, steadily gained strength among the
people as the educational work Of the Alli-
ance unveiled their justice and fairness TO
them. Now we witness the unparalleled
sight Of strong forces in ali the political par
ties striving to shape their political course
; in harmony with US. The reform forces are
, gathering. Parties are being rent assunder,
and new political alignment is being form
ed. The national Democratic convention,
which lately met at Chicago, by an over
whelming vote embodied our financial de-
mands in its platform, thereby aligning it
self with the masses of the people upon
Democratic principles against the dangerous
encroachment of pfutocratic power that
threatens the perpetuation special privileges
on the gold standard. VIM. j. Bryan or
Nebraska, the nominee of the Democratic
party, is an exponent of true reform. We can
fully trust him. His election next Novem-
ber will bring into sight the relief for which
we have been contending for years. have
too much faith in the wisdom and patriotism
of the political parties that meet at st. Louis
today to doubt that he will receive their COR
dial endorsement. Our political hope now
rests in concentration of the reform forces.
The efforts of all patriotic men should be ex-S
erted to secure it. The Alliance has accom-
plished grand work in forcing the issues TO Z
the front, and deserves the thanks and con-
gratnlations of the industrial world. While
great good has been accomplished, let us not
believe that the mission Of the Farmers ALI:
ance is ended. 1t has just begun. Its misss
Sion is easSsSSs.nsl. eternal vigilance Is thes
price of liberty" Tclnuss endure until
rights no longer need enforcement,S
there are no longer grievances to be redress
ed.
l congratulate you, brethren, upon the
favorable auspices under which we meet in
this our ninth annual session. trust that
we may have an enjoyable meeting, and that
your deliberations may materially conduceT
to the permanent welfare of our organization.
A committee was appointed to whom
was referred the presidents address. Il
DESERVED PRAISE.
The following letter was then read
DENVER, COL, July 10th, 1895. ~
WlSu W yoo PcoPAo oA sAAO 3
efficient secretary of your State Alliance.
The law of the order requires reports to be /
made to~the national secretary twice year;
January and July lst. Brother Reid re-9
ports the first of each month. By so doing
he has been great help to this Office. HeS
has q model form for reports where they are
to be made monthly, as he makes them.
Sister Fannie Leak of Texas made the first.
semi-annual report. News received from
different States is generally good. Minne- {
sofa promises to organize State Alliance
this year. We hope to get Idaho and Nom
tana in line.
Fraternally yours,
R. A. Southworth, ssgj
Secretary and Treasurer.
State Lecturer Wilborn then adj
dressed the Alliance giving an account
of his work during the past year and
speaking in detail of the condition OF
the Alliance. Among other things he I
said that the membership OF the order
in this State had increased GO per cent
during the year just ended. BE stated
that the farming people Of the State
seemed to take more interest Ia the orr
der and seemed to be more determined
than ever to keep up their organiza-
tons and work for the best. The fol-
lowing committee on press reports was
then appointed: j. D. Douthit, An-
derson; J. G. Wilborn, York; j. b.,
Bailey, Union.
AS TO THE EXCHANGE.
A committee consisting of DR.. j..
VIM. Stokes, M. L. Mum and O. J.sss
Allen was appointed to examine int0s
all the affairs OF the State Alliance ex:
change and submit report to the
body at today's session ~
Speeches were then made by Presi-
dent Keitt, DR.. Stokes. DR.. Walker OF
Spartanburg, w. 81. Edwards, W. II. Z
Bryant, Col. D. P. Duncan, and the
Rev. J. A. Sligh. president OF the
board of directors of the State Alliance
exchange. These speeches dealt with
the workings OF the exchange and it
was developed that the exchange Wa
universally endorsed. The reports IN
dicated that the exchange had during
the past year done $3.50, 900 worth OF
business for the members OF the order
at cost of less than 2 per cent. Tor lts
maintainance. -, ~ ~
The executive committee OF the State
organization submitted report to the
effect that the books of the secretary
and treasurer had been examined and
found to be in trst-class condition.
TIE COTTON TIE BUSINESS. -
The matter of the cotton tie trust and
the method of dealing with it was
then taken up. Col. Duncan of the
exchange made full statement in re-
gard to the formation of the trust, and
quoted the figures showing what the
farmers had to face this year. He I'M;
formed them that the price had been {
increased from ~ cents bundle, de-:
livered, to $1.30. There had, twas
true, been slight increase in the price !.
of iron, but it did not guarantee an
increase in price of over 10 per cent
He recommended a fight all over the
United States against the trust, and
urged that the South Carolina ALI:
ance take the initiative, inviting all
other State Alliances to join 1t In light
ing the common enemy. The sugges
ton was received with universal ap.
proval, and a committee, consisting OF
Mr.. J B. Douthit, @. A. Plyer and !.
w. Shannon, was appointed to look
carefully into the whole matter, re-
porting to the Alliance today the most
feasible plan for fighting the trust.
The Alliance has in view steel tie
substitute in the shape of new wire
tie, which can be bought at the rate OF
e cents a hundred feet. This will re.
l,,o thu ooet of tstieino" hale of cot.