The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1897-08-17

@OO "a "a IAN NSAS&
ment established alike by both the old
parties, has built up m~onopolies; and
these monopolies have in tIrn preyed
upon the material interests of the
country until there is great destisution,
oppression and want in this land OF
plenty.
And the cry of distress has reached
the ear and heart of the American peo-
pie.
In 1892, a long suffering people re-
iected at the ballot box the Republican
party which had ineugurated a revenue
and financial system fostering trusts
and combines. But the Democratic
party being in power, fed the people
on broken promises while they carried
out the policy of the Republican party.
And now that the Republican party
is again in control of National affairs,
there is but little grounds to hope for
better times.
It is growing more apparent each
year, that if relief is ever given by ma
tional legislation, it must come through
the Peoples party.
In view OF the facts and the logical
conclusions to be drawn therefrom, the
duty of the hour is clearly seen.
The battles which we have so gal
Iantly fought for the last few years
must be continued until all organized
opposition to good government shall
have been overthrow.
To accomplish this much desired end,
there must be the utmost harmony,
united action and persistent effort.
Those who are not for us, are against
us; and all these who stand upon the
Peoples party platform are Populists.
Ne petty differences on local policy
OF personal pIque, should be allowed to
mar the harmony in ranks.
The Peoples party is a young giant
scarcely five years old.
It's achievements in this State in re
storing the right of the people are equal
to those Of the Barons of England at
Ruanymede, in extorting from King
JOnn Ln9 magma ChaCSa.
That we should have made mistak g
is but human. No conquering army
ever came out Of battle without some
thing to regret, and no victory was
ever won without mourning urjuet
criticism from the varquiehed. With
this showing OF the work done and Of
the work yet to be done, and our will
ingness and ability to do it, and in con
sequence Of the fact that the principles
and measures embed led in the Peoples
p8rty platform, State and National,
are finding Judgment in the minds Of
the great mass of people, we earnestly
believe that every true Populist in the
State will actively push the work of
organization, our party will attract to
it's ranks thousands Of others who are
disgusted aud dissatisfied with the con
duct of the two old parties. We be-
lieve the sentiment Of the people of the
State to be in favor of a reduction Of
frelghts and passenger rate s to a low
figure, corresponding with prices pre-
vailing under the single COLA standard,
which was foisted upon the people Of
the country by means of fraud and
bribery.
We re-efirm the condemnation OF
the "99 year lease of the North Caro-,
lima Railroad, and we shaI use or
best efforts to have said lease annulled,
until it's validity shall nave been passed
upon by our State courts.
For a more effective and equitable
control and reduction of the encroach
ments Of railroad corporations, we sug-
gest that the Railroad Commissioners
should be elected by a direct vote of
the people.
In National matters, we shall con
tinua to LABOR zeaiously for the com
plete reconciliation of silver at the
legal ratio OF Is TO l, for the destruc
ton Of monster trusts that are to dav
sapping and undermining the life of
the Republic; for government owner
ship of the railroads under a rigid Civil
Service law, to the end that the peo-
pies rights and liberties shall not be
trampled upon, as under present man.
! agement, by said corporation for the