The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1899-10-17
CORRESPONDENCE.
THE ALLIANCE AS AN EDUCA-
TOR

never DoLOEO W bu0 dOSOlugo AOOOSSASJ
of education. Many reasons have been
given for this general awakening, and
the credit thereof has been unjustly
assigned TO sundry individuals. This
educational revival began among the
whole people of the State twenty or
more years ago, and has been gradually
developing aver since.
No individual or class Of men is en-
titled to a monopoly Of credit for our
improved condition. Our various
Christian denominations, benevc-
lent associations, the immortal George
Peabody and many of our own citizens
have battled nobly against ignorance.
NJ more powerful and practical infI.
ence for the batserment Of u educa
tional facilities has been exerted than
that OF the Farmers Alliance. This
association of oppressed producers OF
wealth, from its organization, has ever
been the sincere advocate Of popular
education. They have realized as no
other class has the utter helplessness
Of ignorance and Innocence in a confess
with the educated employees of cor
porations, who teach their employers
how to rob under the forms Of law. No
body of men has ever given economic
questions more thorough study. Self
preservation has been the stimulus
that urged them on in their struggle
for relief.
Real zing the needs OF the masses of
the people, the Alliance has used its
influences in favor Of u common
schools with the result that the per
capita of taxation has been raised from
twelve cents to twenty cents. 1t is
not the fault of the Alliance that this
increase has not resulted in longer
school terms. TIE State is indebted to
the Alliance for the Agricultural and
Mechanical College and its continuous
support. The Safe Normal and In
dustrial College would probably have
neve been but for the Alliance. It is
true that individuals and associations
these colleges, but it was the Alliance
with It's educated voters that made
them possible. The Alliance has used
and is using it's influence to lessen aud
remove the IN visa opposition to our
State University. Ths University ie
indebted to the Alliance in great degree
for its present high position. We need
all Of our educational institutions, and
especially do we need a university in
deed as we'll as name.
From It's iucipiency the Alliance has
been an educator. Who can estimate
the amount OF good done in the Subor
dinate Alliances where the educated
and successful farmer gave his less fer
tunate neighb0rs the benefit of his
education and experienced H)g many
neighborhood ;hools have been organ
lied By Advancement How much has
the attendance upon our common
schools been increased through the
influence of the Alliance7
The Alliance was organized to be q
political teacher in the interest of the
producers of wealth.
It has taught that six per cent. in
terest for the loan Of money is sum 2ient,
and that capitalists do not shuu safe
investments at that rate of interest.
1t has taught that the State can and
should protect it's citizens against the
ur Ist inpositions OF the owners of its
railroads, built and eqIipped by the
State and its people. This is especially
true Of the North Carolina Railroad,
the Western North Carolina, the Raj
eigh and CASTOR, the Cape Fear and
Yadkin Valley, and the main line of
the Wilmington and Weldon.
The Alliance has pointed out the
great dangers Of the consolidation of
our railroads in the hands of one giant
corporation that furnishes money for
campaign purposes regardless of party,
and dictates candidates regardless of
character.
Two great political parties have
espoused it's fight against the single
gold standard and trusts, and the same
parties have allied themselves with us
In u fight for an income tex Is re-
mains to be seen whether sensible men
who think alike will act together for
the attainment of a common good, or
whether they will have to go another
term to the bitter school OF experience.
The Alliance has been outspoken in
its opposition to the encroachments Of
the Federal Judiciary, and to alien
ownership OF land.
1t hes emphasize id the great danger
OF delegating to National Banks the
governmental function o. issuing
money.