The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1896-02-20
THE NATIONAL FARMERS ALLIANCE,
Tho Sub-Troasury Abandoned az Demand
--Joinins in the Fight for Silver.

Tho Sub-Treasury Abandoned as a DEMAND
--Joinins in the Fight for Silver
Mr.. j. w. Bowden, of Anderson
County, was recently in attendance
upon the annual meeting of tho Nation
al Farmers Alliance In the city Of
Washington, and gives an interesting
account Of what took place while he
was there
When asked about tho National Al
lance meeting, Mr.. Bowdcn replied !:
"Well, to be candid, the meeting
was much better than | expected, both
In point OF attendance and the general
condition Of the organization. Seven
teen Statcs were represented and
several others reported, showing tho
treasury in good condition, which is Il
good Indicator of tho life of the or.
ganizati0n. Maj jor Mann Page of Vir-
ginia, who was elected tho now presi-
don't, is u strong man and we'll known
to Alliancemon everywhere, as he has
been connected with the order since
its Incorporation. MIR. 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. =. Duncan
as secretary, rs his efficient work was
highly appreciated, but it has been
tho unwrittcn law to divide tho offices
among the various sections represented
What about tho political signii-
cation OF the meeting ?"
~ don't know that it had any special
political Significance, but from the
anxious. inquiries of Washington re-
pOrters, it seemed that it was expected
to create some kiud OF Il hiatus or slap
somebody in the face. OF course no
political action was taken, and tho only
thing that showed u tendency to touch
politics was some small changes of the
demands. 1t seems very hard for some
OF our friends to understand how an
organization can be Interested in poll.
tical affairs and yet tako no part in
partisan politics."
" What changes wero made in the
demands ,"
well, the only significant change
IN the demands was the'eliminatiou of
The sub btrensury, and also tho demand
for $50 per capita. These parts Of tho
demands had come to be looked on as
details of Legislation and did not have
place in the demands Of the farmers
organization: The land plank and
railroad plank were mado to read as
they did originally. In reality, the
financial demands Of the Alliance per-
fecty accord with tho views of all
currency refOrmers."
Did you attend the silver confer
oncc?"
Yes, attended the sessions throueh h
the two days and was very much
gratlhcd 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 Populist taking no part
in 1t. 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 the meeting of the Popu-
list-national convention, as the opinion
is that there will be q joining Of forces
then. a national committee composed
OF one member from each State was
appointed ana chairman, who is DR..
J. j. Mott 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 it's stead"
Did the South Carolina Congressman
attend the conference?
o" None but McLaurin. He took a
worry prominent part in the dclibera'
tiOns and was on tho committee that
wrote the declaration and rcsOlutions.'
Will South Carolina be organized
Yes, | was placed on the national
committee as representing this State
and will proceed to get in touch with
all those in sympathy with the objects
of the movement. | will only act
however, until a State chairman car
be selected; when q chairman il
| selected thcro will probably be head
quarters established and the work
actively pushed. For the present
will answer all inquiries from my
| home Office.
Mr.. Bowden was asked what effec
| would this have on the May Demo
cratic convention.
81 do not know. We do not intent
to fight against, or try to interfere will
that body in any way. We only intent
to build q house of refuge for the los
sheep when they are turned out Of th'
l.Cleveland pasture"
Did you hear Senator Tillman'
speech
| =" No. Lexpected to hear it but OF
! going to the galleries halt an hour be
fore he was to begin, found the me,
standing ten deep around the door
seeking admission. Before my turl
came the Senate had adjourned. Their.
is no question, however, but what tina
speech created the greatest sensation
that the Washington public ever en-
joyed."