The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1897-02-17

fers to ats Endorsement in the Late
Election --Secretary's Report.
Washington, Feb. 16-The annual
meeting of the supreme council OF the
National Farmers Alliance has opened
here. TIE council is the governing body
of the alliance and representatives from
over a score Of states gathered 10 talk
over the affairs of the greater organi-
eaton and the interests Of the agricul-
tural classes. The sessions were pre-
sided over by President Mann Page Of
Virginia, and were practically devoted
10 organization and the presentation Of
the annual reports of the officers Of the
council, President Page, Secretary and
Treasurer Southworth and Lecturer VIM
cent.
The decline of prices for agricultural
products and the consequent depressed
condition OF the farmers was the chief
topic of discussion.
PRESIDENTS REPORT.
The report OF President Page recited
that the past year had been one Of in
tense political excitement, which SO pre-
occupied the people that, though there
were no political dissentions within the
order, very little consideration was CIV
en- TO the upbuilding OF the alliance and
bringing into this great fold OF agricul-
ture those who by their labor, produce
all the intrinsic worth OF our land
He congratulated the order that its
members. who teach the principles OF
economic government in strictly nom
partisan spirit, have not labored in vain,
and he added: The governments first
duty should be the protection of the Cit
izen against the oppression of corpora
tons. Nor should the chartered rights
of corporations be subjected 10 the con-
troll Of a concentrated money power dom
mated by foreign influences"
The proposition to drop the word al
lance" on account of its political bias.
does not meet with much approval. SO
far as the national organization is con-
cerned. From the organization of the
National Farmers Alliance and Indus
trial union until now none OF my pred
ecessors ever has recognized the right
of any state. county or sub-alliance 10
foster the partisan politics into the or
der. For any one of them 10 foster the
success of any political party would be
TO violate our declara ton of principles"
The report strongly endorsed the
scheme of establishing cooperative I'M
ions in various products and TO over
come the stagnation in business caused
by the present system OF contracted
currency" and urges that the council
further promote these enterprises.
NON-PARTISAN POLITICS.
The report concludes: But l cannot
understand why this grand organiza-
ton should drop the name alliance which
has become the shiboleth of the produc
ing classes in their struggle for econom-
ic reforms; who. despite misrepresenta-
tons and prejudice engendered by hos
tile press controlled by the combined
money power, have in the late election
received the endorsement OF nearly one
half of tie citizens of this country. To
make the change might be construed as
an acknowledgement that the verdict rem
dered at the polls last November in favor
cf an administration controlled by a for
eign financial policy. hostile and detri-
mental 10 the rights and interests of the
wealth producers of America, had been
accepted by US as conclusive, and a sur
render Of the financial issue for which
the alliance has so earnestly contend
ed
THE OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES.
The report OF the secretary-trsasurer,
r. 4. Southworth, recommends a num-
Der OF technical changes in keeping rec
ords; the bonding Of each secretary
treasurer in a safe but reasonable sum;
amendments TO the bylaws making the
secretary-treasury one of the executive
committee by virtue Of his office; direct
ing that all payments by members for
all purposes shall be direct TO the local
secretary, hat all payment OF money by
states CT other parties snail be 20 the
secretary-treasurer. and shall not be
paid to others on orders, so as TO avoid
confusion and neglect; and that no state
be allowed voice or vote in the supreme
council or a place on the official staff,
that makes no report or fails 10 pay any
money into the treasury. The report |
says that a mortgage paying feature
should be started during this year. 70 |
redeem every home in the membership in |
twenty years. by simply paying S per |
cent interest for about sixteAn years. |
This, il is stated. VIII reimburse all ex-
pense and leave % per cent more IN the |
treasury when ii has been drawn.
AT the afternoon session number of
committees were appointed and then an