Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1915-01-08

retary of the Union, and Mr.. B. Har-
ris, a former president, were present
in accordance with previous an
nouncement, and Notwithstanding the
weather, which was rough enough to
keep most people at home, some
eighteen or twenty people, all farmers
but two or three, were present.
Mr.. Harris spoke at some length
on the general subject Of organization,
cooperation and diversification, dis
cussing the advantages that the Union
had been to various classes of produc-
tive labor, and arguing that If the
farmers Of the south would organize
and cooperate, they could vastly i'm
prove their industrial, social and A.
nancial condition, and secure for tenn
selves more nearly equitable share
of the proceeds of their labor.
Mr.. Reid followed Mr.. Harris in a
short address in which he reviewed
the history Of the Farmers Alliance,
and told Of the fortunes Of the Far
mers' Union. Referring especially to
the Union, he said that some Of the
county Unions had become defunct;
but others had held their own, while
still others were growing stronger, and
the organization In the state as a
whole is in good, sound condition, and
bidding fair, especially in view Of the
stress Of present circumstances, to
take on new life that will contribute
to increased power and usefulness.
Since the York county Union Is de-
funct, he said, the most practicable
way to secure rehabilitation will be
through complete Reorganization.
Old memberships could be re-instated
under the constitution and bylaws;
but that would involve the paying up
Of back dues, the same as If there had
been no suspension, and that would
cost the members a great deal more
than II they should begin anew. The
best way, therefore, would be to
start from the beginning.
1t requires not less than fifteen
members to constitute a local Union,
he explained. The initiation fee Is 81,
and the dues 40 cents a quarter or
$3.50 a year. A charter could be is
sued for less than fifteen members;
but in that event the charter members
must put up the entire SIS for the
selves out Of the initiation fees Of the
additional members necessary to make
up the minimum Of fifteen required
for the organization Of local Union.
He suggested that II there were
present a sufficient number Of pros
pective members to encourage the or
ganiZation Of a local Union, the or
ganization could be effected at once.
or If 1t was preferable. a temporary
organization could be effected now and
a permanent organization could be ef-
fected at subsequent meeting when
the attendance would be more repre-
sentative.
Twelve Of those present signified
their willingness to become members
Of the proposed Union and a tempo
rary organization was effected by the
election Of M. C. Willis. temporary
president; John M. Williford. tempo
rary vice president and Frank c. Rid
die, temporary secretary.
The next regular meeting is to be
held in the court house on Saturday
afternoon, January 16, at 2 o'clock
p. m. and the special object Of that
meeting Is to effect a permanent or
ganization by the election Of perma-
nent officers, and select delegate to
the state convention to be held in Co.
lumbia. beginning January 19. After
the meeting on the 18th, provided a
permanent organization Is effected,
the probability Is that the Union will
hold its regular meetings on the first
Saturday afternoon in each month.
Both Mr.. Reid and Mr. Harris dis
cussed the desirability Of re-organizing
the local Unions over the county and
forming a new county Union, which
can be done so soon as four local
Unions are organized. The sentiment
Of those present was strongly favora-
BILE to these suggestions, and there is
reason to believe that whether the
Yorkville Union perfects permanent
organization or not, the work Of re-
habilitating the various Unions
throughout the county will soon be
under way.