The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1902-08-19
pvTs1DENT W. B. FLENINe's ADDRESS
TO THE STATE ALLIANCR.
n,,ivsrsd at the Opening Of the Sixteenth
Annual Session Of the n. C. warmers
state Alliance, HillsbOro, " C,
August IL, 1902.

August IL, 1902.
We are thankful that we have been
permitted to meet in annual session
the sixteenth time as a State Alliance.
We congratulate the sub-Alliances
that have furnished delegates to com
nose this body; it is evidence that
there is continued faith in the Order.
Nothing of special note in Alliance
matters has occurred since our last
meeting. A quiet has prevailed which
indicates that a large per cent of the
farmers are either contented in their
condition of poverty or they have no
confidence in union of strength and
organization as a means to better their
condition
The official reports of the several
departments will be submitted at the
proper time, which will put you in
possession of all necessary informa-
ton as to the condition of the Al
lance numerically and financially.
There are evils of a political nature
that aflict our State and reforms
needed which I shall not mention;
there are indications that each will
have the attention of the people be-
fore a great while.
\ For several years there have been
efforts which encourage the DISPOSE
ton on the part of many farmers to
organize and cooperate on different
lines to secure some specific object.
These organizations at best are tenn
porary, entered into under stress of
circumstances and are local if not
selfish in their nature. Those who en-
gineer them know that it takes an
immense amount of faith, courage and
hard work to convince their fellow
farmers that results beneficial to all
can be obtained. Oftener than other
wise such associations dissolve with
out accomplishing anything except
possibly to put some leader in a coun-
ty or State office. After awhile neces-
sity again rises t. organize for pro-
lection against low prices or some
other grievance and then the same
mount of work must be done again,
which is a trying and expensive pro-
ceedure and should be abandoned in
the interest of the Alliance which is
a non-political and permanent organ
ization differed by the voice and votes
of the Order, well equipped and al
ways available. At a critical moment
spent to create public opinion, but be-
ing in touch through sub-Alliances,
any emergency may be considered and
acted upon in a few days or weeks that
would otherwise require months or
years.
We will say, however, in passing
that every true Allianceman halls with
Joy the spirit of organization that
prompts such efforts for protection
and regrets that they have so signally
failed, for we believe that successful
organization on any agricultural line
would benefit the Alliance and the
membership of such associations final
" drift into its ranks. But every
time such efforts fail it is a victory for
those who wish to keep the farmers
scattered and the old song is repeat
ed, Farmers will not stick" We cor
daily invite u fellow farmers who
are or have been members of the re-
cent temporary associations to join
our Order and stand with US for mu-
tual protection. We assure them that
they will be received with warm hearts
and may have the machinery and ex-
p~erience of the Alliance to right their
grievances, though they may be many.
At last public education is first and
foremost in the minds of many pOliti-
cal leaders and prominent educators,
which is a pleasing thought, though
these men are years behind the Al
lance in this movement. The found
ers of our Order realized that to bet
ter the condition of the agricultural
classes education should be encour-
aged and fostered by the organization.
Therefore in the Declaration of Prin-
ciples the first clause reads: "To labor
for the education of the agricultural
classes in the science of economical
government in a strictly nOn-partisan
spirit Hence with the Alliance
sparng up an educational interest