The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1900-08-21
THE STATE ALLIANCE
AND ITS WORK.
ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT GRAHAM
To the North Carolina Farmers State ALI
ance.

for several preceding years, has not
been as great as was anticipated F;
this WAS caused to some extent by
the severe weather of the winter,
and the ~earliness of the opening Of
the recent political campaign and
the warmth with which, it was prose
cuted.
The formation of the Tobacco
Growers, the Cotton Growers and
the Truckers Associations IN n
State during the year are evidences
of the recognition by the farmers OF
the benefits of organization. These
organizations, if they accomplish
the objects desired, must lead to
membership in the North Carolina
Farmers Alliance, or the formation
of some association with similar
aims. An, association solely for the
sale of products, will with difficulty
be kept up in efficient order for the
entire year, and must be to a con-
siderable extent recognized each
year.
If there is advantage in co-Opera-
ton for sale, is there not also benefit
in cooperation and conference as to
cultivation and preparation of crops,
and the purchase of fertilizers and
other necessary supplies?
The Alliance offers the necessary
machinery, through its Business
Agency, with twelve years expert
ence in it's operation, to accomplish
these ends. 1t is hoped now that
the animosities engendered among
former members of the Alliance ON
account of difference in views on
political questions, are giving way
to calmness and consideration that
the adaptabiIity of the Alliance to
answer the requirements of the
farmers will be acknowledged and
that it will be chosen as the means
to promote their interests.
7 have had considerable CORE
spondence with former members
during the year. OF these only one
thought the time for re-organiza-
ton i~nopportune.
THE PROGRESSIVE FARMER.
Under the editorship of Bro. G. H,
Poe, the paper has been conducted
as an Alliance paper, free from par
tisan politics. Tt is a valuable farm
and family journal. ] cordially
recommend it to the patronage of
the brethren, feeling assured that
the larger circulation we shall give
our organ, the better paper Bro. Poe
can and will furnish to subscribers.
HOW TO INTEREST RE-ORGANIZED SUB
= ALLIANCES AMI KEEP THEM IN AC-
TTvE CONDITION.
It is frequently said that it will
be much more difficult to keep alive
than to re- organize the Sub-Alli-
.ances. The economical questions
which were formerly so interesting
to the membets have been explained
until all who desired have a mOr CT
less well formed opinion concerning
them, and there is practically moth
ing new to present as argument or
illustrations. The Lecturers must
therefore seek other topics.
IRention as available, the current
news of the dayin all parts of the
world, at least once a quarter.
The value, use and purchase Of
commercial fertilizers.
The use of commercial in comb
nation with homemade" fertilizers
for the permanent Improvement of
the farm.
Preparation for cultivation; fer
tilizing and marketing of particular
crops.
The management of public schools
Of their respective localities.
Furnishing school books free, at
cost, or at a slight profit to schools.
The Improvement of the public
roads.
Where are our crops sold and the
prices received? Is any change in
manner of marketing or the place
likely to yield greater profits?
The charges for transportation of
different crops on different routes.
. How is any named trust operated
and how is the farmer injured there
by? The injury and the remedy.
Many other matters Of equal in
terest and Importance viii suggest
themselves, and a committee on
topic for next meeting, could arrange
the matter for consideration. Let