The farmers' alliance. (Lincoln, Nebraska) 1889-1892, January 28, 1892, Image 2
THE FA 11M IItS' ALLIANCE, LINCOLN, NEB., TIIUItSDAY JANT. 28. 192 OFFICIAL PR( OF TEE IEBRASTI STATE EES' ALLIANCE AT ITS ELEVENTH ANNUAL MEET 1MO HELD AT Liaeola, jTebraika, January 12th to 15th, 1892. Tuesday mornlrf session. Called to rder at 10 3Q by President Power. Opening prajer byC. A. Bradley, of Vhelps county. The president then introduced Mayor Weir, who welcomed the Alliance to the dry in the following address: Mb President and Gentlemen.' I have made toe atateroent a number of tinea, bat yet it will bear repetition, whloh it That there ia no duty which devolves upon me aa Mayer of the city sore pleasant to perform than to wel come to our city the various business, coda, benevolent, and political organi sations which have honored us with their presence during the past year; and this occasion is no exception to the rale, for when I look into the faces of och an intelligsnt body of men as gath ered here this morning I feel that your coming can only be of service to the my ana an aavamago vo una com asnalty. . I waa surprised to learn when the cemmittee called upon ma and asked me to appear here on behalf of tho city of Lin coin, that there was a feeling in this organization of prejudice against the city as tho place in which to hold poor innual sessions, because of some neglect or inattention in the past, of wbioh I know nothing, and the first thing I want to do, is to assure you that so far as I am concerned, while I am Mayor of the city, no respectable organisation of any kind of character whatsoever shall Knock at our gates without finding the latch tring hanging yard outside and the heartiest ar il nest cordial welcome awaiting them oa the inside, and I trust that tois noble organization, representing as it does, she honest and intelligent yeomanry of the state of Nebraska, will during my term of oflioe at least lay aside any pre-existing prejudices against this fair city and come here at any and all times seared of every courtesy and attention that I can bestow. I can pledge you this not only myself but for every o ni cer of tho city administration. The best we have in the house is yours from parlor to pantry come whenever you choose come in any number you choose come with your uncles, your cousins sd your aunts. Young men bring your sisters, or if ytn have no sisters of your own bring someone else's sister, and all will meet a generous and hearty welcome. lam proud of our beautiful city. Proud of her public and private enter prise her colleges and publio institu tions and business development her private residences and splendid hotels, cod more than all of her. publio spirited nd intelligent people, and certainly no city in the state is better able to re ceive and care for any organization within the borders of the state. We have the publio hails and Opera Houses suffloieut to aooommodate the largest of state gatherings, and our hotels and restaurants and lodging houses are more than sufficient, so with the honest feeling of kindness and courtesy on the part of the present ad ministration, if you do not come It will m your own lauit. : I I am glad to have yon come, not only because 1 believe we can accommodate yon and make your stay with us pleasant and profitable, but also for a personal reason. I am pleased to meet and be come acquainted with the men of all classes, who are interested in the or ganizations designed for the betterment ,f their own condition and the condi tion of those about them. Henoe I wel come with feelings of sincere pleasure, such organizations as the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias. Woman's Christian Association, the Medical Societies and even the Undertaker's Convention, for ooaeror later we all fall into their hands. If there is an organization de signed to benefit the masses ot the peo ple especially outside the cities in our state it is this '.Farmers AUianoe" as represented in this couvention here to 4ay. I do not propose to' take up (for It would not be proper that I should do so) the questions at issue between your selves and the political parties of the state, nor to defend you from any charges made against you, for while you have , doubtless made mistakes, who has notf They say that even Mo ses made mistakes, and ia consequence failed to get into the promised land. Let ns hope your mistakes will not re sult In a like lamentable condition. I was surprised, when preparing the cubic -t matter of this brief address, to Warn bat the "Alliance" was a non partisan Institution, and while more or leas ot a political sentiment and influ enoa attached to it, as must necessarily adhere to all strong organizations like this one, yef, its work and development was based on educational and social interests, rather than political dogmas. Education in the lines of political econ omy if you please, but educational just the same, and certainly no instruction ts more needed or desirable for the mas ses of the people than instruction on the great questions that are vital to our Tory existence as a Nation. No true "'American" can look with any but feel logs of alarm on the dense Ignorance of so many of our voters on the ques tions and interests which lie at the very heart of our National life. So I say "God speed" to the organization, what ever may be its name or character whieh has for Its objects the ' enlighten ment of its members and the people on these great questions of political eoon , cmy, Lincoln is interested In, and is the friend of every part and section of this great state, what is the state's inter est Is Linooln's interest. Whatever benefits Lincoln, benefits the state, and whatever advances the state's Interests This city Is pemUarly the creature of the state, for thestate made it bv wt nf Its Legislature, and hence in a peculiar sense it oeiongs to ine state, ao that la eomiBg to Lincoln the people are sim ply coming to their own, to the crea tors of their own hands. It was born in the travail of the states' Legislative body and suckled at the public breast in early infancy, but Eke all healthy children it has outgrown Us need of nurses and is able to rustle tor itself and is getting along pretty well now thank you, and is able to open Its house for the old folks when they esse in on s visit. We hope to make this state, (the par eat of "Lincoln") proud ether off spring. We arciproud of our parentage fed believe that the admiration should M mutual. - - I trust your deliberations will be pleasant and profitable, and that what Over the work may be before you, it shall be accomplished to the satisfac tion of all. . , Whatever I as the executive of the Uy can do for your comfort or conven Icaos will be gladly done, and I trust fee. will set fall to call upon me or any of the officers ef the city for aey service you snay seed. V Bus you are nere i mtu im iw vo show ymi any department of the city. Our system of Waux Works is inter esting and wortby or investigation w tooee wno in ouierciues are couwm- plating putting ia a system of water service. 1 be water prooiem is uie great problem of all large cities today, especially M it relates to Municipal or private control. Our schools and insti tutions of learning are wortby of atten tion. Our Polioe and Fire Dept. is open to inspection and criticism if you like, and in fact anything of interest to you is at your service. I do not teel tnat 1 can in mis oppor tunity Dass without some referenoe to this organization and its power and in fluences as I see them. As a general statement any organisation or combi nation of men united for the accom plishment of a purpose, possesses power limited only bv their numbers and the purposes for which tbey are combined. 1 bis is true whether their objects ana desires be good or bad, yet 1 believe that it Is r.n invariable rule, that com binations for evil or unwise purposes, and especially if against the Interests of the masses, or If designed for the bene lit of a class of citizens and not the com mon good, generally develops such op oosition as renders their defeat more certain than if no combination had ever been formed, and I believe, therefore, that it is all important to the permanecy and influence of this organization, that its plans and purposes bhonia do wise, consistent ana conservative. The first impulse which the known possession of power gives, is toward its despotlo and tyrannical exercise. When the masses rise from under the hosl of an oppressor, they overwhelm both the good and the bad in the first wild exu berance of their new found liberty. Thus organizations when tbey are suc cessfully formed and find themselves in r j . i i . possewiua oi new tuu uumcu powers, are apt to forget the rights and interests of others, and they think only ot se curing to themselves, privileges, inter ests and emoluments, which in their estimation, they have already been too long deprived of by the general wllL I! the "Alliance" in my- judgment nas made any serious mistakes in the past, it has been in the evident determina tion to make too sudden and radical changes in the existing order of politi cal all airs, without knowing definitely and satisfactorily, what could take the place of the interests set aside. ' And further. m Ibo development ot new leadership in these great move ments, the camp followers and political foragors of all the old organizations and political parties, aro so apt to fling themselves into tho breach and claim leadership because of their ostracism elsewhere, that great caution is nec essary not U be misled by the black sheep of other folds. In no element does success or failure more surely de velop itself, than in the leadership ot suoh great movements as this. Demagogues and political tricksters will surety bring wreck and ruin. A wise aud conservative leadership, with definite plans and purposes for the genera) good, will certainly bring suc cess and perpetuate your organiza tion. Perhaps this advice may be considered obtrusive, but the committee said to make such remarks as I pleased and my interest in and regard for your or ganization leads me to wish for it only the oest ana to nope to see it properly managed. Seek only the common good. Eradicate all known evils. Educate the maeses in a knowledge of the principles upon which our "American" institutions are founded. Drive from power all known corrupt officials, who are pros tituting their position and influence for personal advantage, and purify the po litical atmost'here of the country from the foul stenohes of "Boodlerism" and corruption, and your organization and all like it will oome as a benediction to our beloved country. Senator W. A. Povnter. of Boone Co.. responded in behalf ot the State Alli ance, and spoke as follows: . BROTHER POINTERS RErLT. . In behalf of eur order I wish to offer our thanks to his honor, Mayor Wolr, for his generous words ot weloonie to this beautiful oity, and the good wishes jpst expressed. Hhaspleasod some to cull us in derision the mud sills of so ciety, and though tho name has been givea wilh anything than by the way of compliment we accept the appella tion. We are at the foundation of all the prosperity in our country. No more can the superstructure of national prosperity stand without the solid foundation of a prosperous agricultural people, than can the great bridges bear ing the Immense train loads of com merce except thoy rest upon a solid foundation. In short, the mud-sills must be solid, sound and abb to bear the strain put upon them. Ours Is a great agricultural people. We are the read producers of the world. -Not alono are the minds of our own 64,000, 000 people turned upon the success of our farmers, but towards us are turned many eyes from accross the seas, and the productiveness of our farms and the energy of our farmers are looked to for food supplies. Agricultural de pression in this country means general business stagnation. Prosperous and profitable farming means increased activity in every branch of commerce. This is an age of combination. What the Individual Is unable to accomplish alone, associated with his fellows be comes an easy task. The small capital driven to the wall by fierce competition joined with innumerable other small capitals denes all competition, Because it can do away with it entirely, and hold the public at its mercy, controlling supplies, and compelling remuneration according to its own 6tandar,d. In our age private enterprise is oonsiacrea oi littlo account unless backed by wealth that should aggregate a great number of individuals. The old laws governing In the days of early political economy are now obsolete. Supply and demaud are alike controlled by vast combina tions of capital. In all this combina tion and agrlgatlon of wealth the single Industry remaining dependent upon single Individual enterprise is the one which we have to-day represented. Ail iL. U . ' Al ! uim guiuen stream i gram uuwiug through the great arteries of commerce filling the vast store-houses in our sea board cities, flowing into the great steamers plowing the billows of old ocean, is the prodaot of the lone toller. In days of lonely labor has all been pro duced, and not until he found unusual difficulty in making support for self and those dependent uuon him did he beirln to cast about him for the reasons for the agricultural depression of which he read in his weekly paper. And now for a few years past the farmer, as he plows me icig furrows, as be reaps the wav ing grain, or gathers in the golden ears, has been thinking' out this problem. With the example sot him on every side of combination, beholding their vast success, what could you expect but that ne too snouia aesire at least a closer re lationship with those of his own class. While, of course, a combination of their cap-.tal under existing circumstances would be impossible, alwtteriag of con ditions could bo effected bv counsel and co-operation. Our order is the offsprirg oi too economic eonoiuons existing in our country. , Realizing that the prosperity of the fansters Is the first necessity for the prosperity of every other class ia our country, they have sot about the task of ringing about that prosperity so no ticeably Isckiogfor the past decade. Our order is not a band of Ishmaellius whose hands are sirainat every man. neither anarchists seeking the overthrow of law and order. No class of citizens of our country are more conservative, none look with greater suspicion upon aay radical change in our government than our farmeis. None are more patriotic; neither have any demonstrated that love of country more clearly in time of our country's need. Many a plow left standing iu the furrow, many a farm left no'illed, many a field left unreaped, many a farmer soldier left en southern plains, attests the loyalty of our farmer citizens. Our order seeks not the overthrow of government, but its prosperity, and that it shall accomplish the end for which all goversments are instituted amongst men, the protection ot each citizen alike. We seek to create a better condition socially, morally and finan cially. WVaim to educate the members of our order ia such a way that they they may have a better understanding of their duties as citizens, and under standing them, be enabled to discharge them. We are asking no special favors for our class, but are demanding a fair held, and having that tbe farmers oi America are able to take care of them selves and tbe balance of mankind who may be unfortunate. Our order seeks to inculcate good fellowship and brotherly love amongst its members to the end that a higher standard of moral obligation than mere human greed may prevail, ine vivine injunction, "Lock not every man on his own things, but also upon the tmngs oi others," belongs to the code of ethics governing every true member of our order. We are a political organization, but In ne sense partisan. 1 be careful study of the soieece of government is the duty of every citizen of our republic The Biultum In parvo ot our politics as an order is ' Equality before the law." The growth of our order has been phenomenal. From end to end and side to side of this great country our principles have extended. Objects so grand, principles so noble, and demands so just as ours have found myriads of supporters amongst those who were not engaged ia agriculture. But for misun derstanding of our claims and false rep resentations of our oraer oy loose wnom a personal interest makes enemies to our cause, there is not a laborer of any kind in this broad realm but would join glad hands with us for the speedy accomplishment of our purposes. That we shall ultimately triumph and agriculture occupy the possition in the minds of the people, that its importance in the prosperity of the nation demands, there can be no reasonable doubt. Uome was not built in a day. We, my brothers, should never grow discouraged. "Be not weary in well doing, for in due time we shall reap if we faint not." It is the constant dropping of the water that wears away the stoue. Line upon line, and precept upon precept, here a little and there a little will ultimately instruct all in the right way. Extend our membership. Single individuals caa do each a little. Added together make a mighty whole. In numbers there is strength. Push our doctrines. Let the world know our position. Good Henry IV. of France made It the helgth of his ambition that every farmer In his kingdom should have a chicken In h's pot on Sunday. In this glorious country, with no wars devasta ting our rich fields, with climate the most salubrious of any on the globe, a soil so diversified as to produce everything for man's comfort aud enjoyment, should not the farmer here have every luxury for himself and family and be enabled to educate his children for any position in lifef Ours the noble task of bringing about such a state. With such a state of sericulture! prosperity, every in dustry ot our land would take o n new are. The laboring man of whatever kind Is deeply interested in thh prosperity, for it creates for him oettjr employment at moro remunerative pnees. ine ousi ness man of whatever branch should hope for and help along this prosperity, for prosperity opens up new wants and supplies the means for their gratifica tion, buoh prosperity would give the manufacturers more sure market for his product. For some wise reason the Creator has made us dependent in greater or less degree upon each other. Then, how much wiser for every de partment of our great commonwealth to assist every other. When the pro ducer becomes educated to understand that union of effort lathe only sure road to prosperity, tbe great battle Is more than half won. The dawn of a better day is dreaking. They are receiving this education and already the in dustrial classes are making themselves a power. Soon with clear understand ing, with fixed purpose and united ef fort the objects of our order will be acheved and undreamed of national prosperity will result. Recess taken until 1:30 o'clock. TUESDAY AFTERNOON SESSION. Meeting formally opened by the Presi dent. Prayer by acting Chaplain C. S. Bradley, of Nuckolls county. The report of the committee on cre dentials showed 671 Alliances represent ed, ana over uu credentials were re ceived by the Secretary where delegates could not come on account of the severe storm. Seventy-one counties were rep resented. Moved and supported that all mem bers ot the Alliance in good standing who may present themselves, may, on proper proof to door-keeper be admit ted to all sessions of the Alliance but not be allowed to vote. Program of the day was then an nounced by the President. President Powers then delivered his annual address. PRESIDENTS ADDRESS. Brothers and Friends: It is with feelings ot pleasure and sincere grati tude to God that I greet you to-day as a State Alliance. I congratulate for the continued and increasing prosperity of our noble so ciety. During the past year Providence has smi.ed upon our farms and has given us the rain from Heaven in due season, which has been followed by tbe natural results In a soil so fertile and a sunshine so vivifying, a bountiful harvest In field and garden. Our members, Instead of being as many were last year, depending oa as sistance for the necessities ot life, have taken their accustomed places as almoners of God's bounties for the sup port of the world. . It is true our labors on the farm have been especially arduous. The Provi dential failure ot last year's crop made the necessity for success this year the more imperative The same causes. which produced a vigorous growth of grain, produced tne same enect on the natural enemies of the farmer, the weeds; and they must be subdued or failure was certain. The going out ofj many ot our workers during the previ ous autumn, many of whom did not re turn, rendered employed labor scarce, so that seldom in the history ot man kind has more labor been performed by to few, as dnritg the past year by th J fanners of Nebraska. But while Divine Providence and tb farmers have worked together for the prosperity of our noble state, other in fluences and efforts have been brought to bear to make all this bountiful re turn for the year's labors inure to the prosperity and enrichment of foreign and domestic capitalists and corpora tions and a few unprincipled speculators iu our midst. That they have to a great extent succeeded is but too apparent , The reports of the immense business : and profits of the railroad companies, the large receipts of interest, and the numerous foreclosures of mortgages by the basks and loan ana trust companies oa the one hand, stand right over against general financial depression, and numerous failures among our farm ers and merchants; while the immense foreign demand for farm produce, ! especially wheat, is in striking contrast to tbe almost unorncedentea v low 1 prices of most of the farm products of our farms. It is becoming more and more ap parent every year that the objects whica the Alliance is intended to ac complish are absolutely necessary to preserve the business and interests of the farmers of the state from complete overthrow and raia. Overtures were made to the officers of tbe State Alliance during tbe past summer looking to the co-operation ot the farmers of this state with those of the other wheat-producing states of the country to withhold tbe crops from mar ket until a fair price should be paid. These propositions came in so un pro pitious a time, when many of the state were entirely helpless financially, that. aside from the principle involved, which it is charged, would seem to give count enance to corporation trusts for the ex aotlon of exorbitant prices, it was not thought best to euter Into such combina tion. But the indications now are that self preservation will force us into suoh a measure. I would, therefore, suggest me propriety ot senaing a memorial to. congress stating the facts in the case and asking that' 'he commissioner of agriculture bo instructed to consult with actual farmers in the several wheat pro ducing sections of the country to ascer tain what would be a fair m niniom price for the production of wheat, and also for its transportation to actual on sumers; and that a report of the same be made to congress and to tbe publio as a basis for such legislation by con gress and tbe different state legislatures as may be necessary for the protection of farmers and the citizen consumers from the extortion of corporate and Individual speculators in this the "staff of life" of the people. As the efficiency and usefulness of our Alliance depends primarily on the wis dom and intelligence of its members I would respectfully recommend that pro vision be made for a more- systematic and energetic carrying out of the educa tional features of our society. To this end I would recommend that the num ber ef assistant state lecturers be in creased to five; and that the executive committee divide the state between them as shall seem to them from time totimo'the most convenient tor suc cessfully and efficiently instructing and encouraging the Alliances of the state. I would aiso recommend that tbe state lecturer and assistants, together with the other officers of. the State Alliance bold a conference at the beginning of each quarter of the year to compare their experiences and to secure, so far as possible, uniformity of the aims and woiw ot the Alliances throughout the state. This plan, I think, preferable to the formation ot district Alliances, which has developed a tendency to array the different districts in the state agaiuf.t each other, and, in one instance at least, has endangered the stability of of the State Alliance, I fear that there is not enouzh energy displayed in organizing new Alliances, ana iu convincing outside farmers of the truth of our principles and their duty to unite with us in maintaining them and in building up our organiza tion. Tho work , of organizing is not well dono in any neighborhood so long as one honest and intelligent farmer, or farmer's wife, son or daughter, remains out of the Alliance fold. There seems to be a disposition in some ot our subordinate Alliances to turn their meetings Into mere literary entertainments or debates, with no other object in view but to attain a faculty in expression of ideas, and read iness wielding arguments. This is well as far as it goes. But where the subjects discussed are vital to the welfare of our whole people, and the earnest aim is to arrive at the truth in regard to such subjects, uumlxod with prejudice or error, it ts thus, and thus only, that the Alliance can carry out the education it was designed to accomplish. A demaud is made by some members of the Alliance of this and other states for a more elaborate and complicated secret work, so that the time of our meetings may be mostly occupied with mysterious forms and ceremonies Now, while 1 do not Ignore the attraction which secrecy has for the human minds and while such a waste of time might do for the pampered sons and daughter, of luxury and wealth, the members of tbe Alliance have no time to waste. It is wel and necessary to so conduct our meetings as to -awaken and sustain an abidlag interest in our m Jtubers. But it should rather be reached by such ex ercises as will rail out and make per manent no ilest powers of the mind, and the best impulses of our natures; in earnestly seeking to know the truth in regard to every question which ef fects t he welfare of the farmers and laborers, and especially those questions which affect the interests of the whole people; and In patiently seeking to know our duties as members ot f amiles, as workers, and as citizens of our state and nation ;and then we should devise the best methods to perform all these duties. Tho aim should be In the Alliance to supply all tLe deficiencies in our educa tion which are not provided for outside of the Alliance, are which are beyond the reach of tbe farmers and laborers and their families. Especial attention, I think, should be given to prepare the membership for intelligent and right political aotlon, both as respects the great social ques tions which agitate the publio mind and occupy its attention, and also tne ar rangement of the business by law, so far as may properly be done, so that those who work shall own the product of their labor and those who earn shall enjoy their reward. The enemies of our principles and or ganization, though not one whit abated in their opposition, have lately been rapidly changing their methods of at tack and their alleged grounds for con tention, although composed of the same material viz: all , the combinations for concentrating the wealth produced by the workers of the country into the hands of a few schemers and speculators, including the most of those who are known as Capitalists in this country and backed by mny in Europe; but all these oepending for thoir active opposi tion on all the talent and shrewdness among the people which money can buy or patronage ana inuuonoe can control, including to some 'extent the state and general government. In the early history ot our Alliance our numerous resolutions were met by good natured ridicule and our petitions with "advice to be content with our in evitable lot. Bat when it became man liest in 19M that our resolutions wera bringing forth fruit in political action, and our petitions were changing to de mands backed by ballots; when they' saw the majority of the people were be ginning to recognize tbe truth of our principle and to make our cause their own; then a change was inaugurated. Sophistry has taken tbe place of ridicule and patronizing advice has given place to fierce calumny and detraction. All the shrewd talent they can control is employed to diligently examine our armor ot truth to see if some flaw or fracture cannot be- detected, or some point where the joints do not perfectly meet. Those principles which from their nature are easily understood and which, mainly through tbe influence of the Al liance, have been adopted by a m tjority of the people, have been openly accepted by our plutocratic foes, as the Australian ballot system, or opposed only by secret bribery and corrupt political manuever ng, as ia the control of tbe railroads tnd the suppression of trusts by law But the right of the workers (who ompose probably at least nine-tenths f the people of our country) to their proportional share in the composition ind control of our government, and the lutyof our government to furnish a medium for the exchange of property for ur people, whose government it is; aud o see to It that such - a medium, or noney, be seenred to the people for the purposes for which it is created and ne other; against these all the batteries of the enemies of the Alliance are directed, ''very mystery which sophistry could i. 'ent has been thrown around them, ant' every political prejudice which par 'tan influence could create has beet arranged aginst them. Against thest they have massed all their forces and concentrated their attacks, Nor is this to be wondered at. Grant to tbe milliouairs capitalists and their servile tools the contrel of the peoples' gov ernment and the first possession of the ;peoples',money, and all the opposition to the other forms of oppression will be but as the squirming of the worm on the fisherman's hook, or the buzzing of the fly in the Spider's web. Prudence and wisdom dictate that we should be well prepared for these new modes of attack. Wo must see to it that every principle is well fortified by argument, and that every plan of prac tical application be wisely constructed and prudently and persistently carried out. Our membership seems to be nearly unanimous In regard to the general principle ot the government issue of money directly to the people and for their benefit. But when the means by which this shall be practically carried out come te be considered there is still some difference of opicion. Some still claim there is no practical way but that which is known as the sub treasury plan. Others say that plan is impracticable in the northern states, and the land security plan is tbe only one which will admit of universal ap plication. Others again object to both these plans, and claim that some form of postal savings banks with powers ex tended to loaning government money to the people is the most practicable way. 1 confess that at one time I viewed with alarm these differences of opinion. Bat the spirit which is manifested in our Alliances to discuss and examine each of these, and other plans which have been suggested, in a spirit of ean dor and f airiiets. has led to such a modi fication and bleiding ot the different plans that there is no doubt that a com plete agreement will soon be arrived at. Tbe advocates of the subtreasury plan arc becoming convinced that it would be of but little benefit to the conductors of what is called mixed farming which prevails to so large an extent in the northern states; while the advocates of the land loan plan begin to realize that the land is so nearly absorbed by the plutocracy that it Sione would not be sufficient to distribute the money so widely as it is needed. It now seems evident that a combination of these two kinds of security with some system of government banks including the essen tial features of the postal savings banks .plan may be so arranged as to oblviate every objection, and be acceptable to all. Tho objection urged by some that the issue of money oa such security would be unsafe, falls to the ground when we consider that those two forms of security iucludo all the permanent security the people can give, and that .tbe soourity is from the people to their government and not from the govern ment to the people, or to the world. They forget that any limited socutity on the part of the government, aside from the merchantable value of the ma terial of which the money is manufac tured only eetracts from that complete security which an unqualified issue of money involves; and tnat the cheaper tho material, provided it is such as ex perience has proved to be suitable and convenient for circulation, the greater financial advantage to the whole people. A secret and untrammcled ballot is now insisted on by all our Alliances, and accepted as law by the people of the state; and so vital is tt to the liberties of the people that it cannot be too carefully guarded, or too completely carried out. And any defects which experience should discover, in the present law snouia be promptly remedied. Government ownership of the whole railroad system of the country is also generally accepted by our Alliances as the only way to settle the difficulties which always have existed between the railroad companies and the people, especially the producers of the country. The only question now to be determin ed Is, how to bring this about and still respects the equal rights of all. The security by law to each honest and Industrious family sufficient land for a home and for , cultivation if re quired and the assurance of perpetual possession of the same, is recognized, not only by our Alliances, but by all in telligent patriots, as being absolutely necessary for the stability and perpet uity of our government. The necessity for education in a free republic is al most universally recognized. Yet de prive an intelligent and educated man or woman of the influence, restraists and responsibilities incident to the own ership and occupancy of a home, and they become fitted for tramps and an archists, and their education but rend ers them the more dangerous to the welfare of society and the supremacy of law. Tho principle of laying the heaviest burden of taxation for the support of our government on those who are finan cially best able to bear it is now, I be lieve, accepted by all our people as tbe true theory and system for creating the publio revenues. When all these principles which I have mentioned are fully developed and agreed upon by the .Alliances and other industrial organizations in this state, if they prudently exert tbe influence and power which they possess, they will be speedily endorsed by a majority of our whole people. But it is for the continued possession ct the political power of the state and county that every energy is directed, and every dollar si aked by our determ ined foes. Sometimes it is proclaimed that all the demands ot the Alliance (modified somewhat by the superior wisdonand experience of the pluto cracy) will be granted to the farmers, if the Alliance will only keep cut of poli tics. Our members are appealed to in dividually and collectively by every consideration which caa be brought to bear to prevent their political co-operation. They say it stultifies the non partisan character of our constitution. That it endangers the supremacy of tbe republican party, which has done so much for the cause of liberty; and on the other hand, that it will be equally de structive to the democratic party, whose very same indicates the rights of the' people, and whose long connection with the history of our country should en title it to respect and support. Thus they appeal to all the partisan prejudice which iseupposed to linger in the hearts of our members. They have uaed all their iafluence, backed by promises of political preferment and support, and In many instances, no doubt, by finan cial inducements, to create divisions in our Alliances and discord in our coun cils, sometimes by inducing our secret enemies to join our order and act the part of spies and traitors, and some times by corrupting those who are not well grounded in the principles of honesty and truth. - But in spite of all these machinations thuir combined effort on our member ship has been so slight that the few that have been effected by them have had no influence, except ;to call forth the con tempt and pity of their fellow mem bers. Jur Alliance now stands throughout the ?tate a solid bulwark against the peo les oppressors, and their determined and unanimous voice promises speedy political death to every tool of the plu tocracy in our stale. Our membership now fully under stand that while the Alliance is not, and cannot be, a political party, the inevita ble tendency of the systematic educa tion which is its chief object, is to bring about united and effective political action in support of the equal rights of all tbe people. The relation of the Alliance to the other labor organizations of the state is worthy of your attention. While I Ido not for one moment think it practi cable that the city and country organi sations should be combined in one so ciety, I do think that the brotherly feeling which now exists between them ehould be fostered and strengthened; Temembering always that the true in terests of the laborers in city and coun try are identical But I can see no valid reason why diff erent organizations of farmers having in the main the same objects and made up of those whose oc cupations ae well as interests are iden tical, should exist in the same locality. I am aware that in our own state there, is no other strictly farmers' organiza tion but our own and the Grange, that has developed any strength. But the Signs of the time admonish us that none of our energy should be wasted in the jealous strivings of rival organizations either in state or nation, and that every effort should be made to bring about that complete union of purpose and co operation in action which is necessary to defend and maintain our rights. The prospects of our Alliance were never before so bright as at present; The lull iu organizing incident to the arduous farm labor of the past season has given place to a waking up through out the state From every county comes the shout, "We are coming determined .to conquer," and all seem ready to build up the wails of the Alliance right over jagainst their own houses. It is yours to 'Derfect and nut into Dractice such niton and plans as will make the combined energies oi our aroused memocrsnip tne mon eilectlve for the advancement of righteousness and the maintenance of the liberties of the people. To this end. I trust, all your sessions will be direct ed. To this end, I trust, that all avail able funds of the Alliance, after dis charging existing obligations, will be expeuded. And I trust that any re-, visicn of the constitution which may have become necessary by the advance in the history of our society from a state of feeble growth to ono Of immense and increasing power, may be promptly made. Remember, it is one thing to build up, and another to wisely sustain aad permanently establish. Let these aims characterize rll your deliberations and I have no fear but tho result will be a mighty increase of the strength and efficiency of our order There are some offices in our society which are of such a character that the experience gained by efficient service cannot safely be dispensed with, and wisdom would dictate that the incum bent should be continued in office so long as he remains faithful to his duties. But there is nothing in the office of President to interefere with a judicious rotation of service. . If in carrying the sword of office your President has for gotten bow to perform the duties of a soldier in tho ranks, it is time it was km.wn. For three years I have borne the office, and in my imperfect way .performed the duties of President of this Alliance. I cannot express to you the gratitude I feel for the considerate manner in which you have treated my failings, and the kindness and efficiency with which you have sustained me in every effort for building up our noble order. I am proud of the wonderful success of our united efforts. My deliberate judgment is that you should choose another to the office, and may your choice bo wisely directed. A glorious prospect spreads before us in the future. God has gives us the numbers and the ability and Ho will give us the ultimate victory. The other states are falling into line. Our enemies show thoir fears by their; frantic efforts and their pathetic ap-i peals for protection from the wrath of the people. In God we trust; and through His help we wiU triumph over every oppo sition, until not only tbe rights of the farmers, but those of the whole people shall be vindicated and sustained; and liberty be proclaimed throughout all the land to all the inhabitants thereof. On motion the address of President Powers was referred to committe oa resolutions to be hereafter appointed. Report of Secretary-Treasurer was then read. AMTJAL REP0BT OP THE STATE SECRETARY. To the President and Members of the Farmers' Alliance : Brethren: It has again become my duty to submit an annual report ot the progress of the State Alliance for the year just dosed, so far as it has come under the observation of the Seoretary, together with the present condition of Alliance work, so far as the facts re lating thereto lie more especially with in my knowledge. The past year has boea one of import ance in tbe history of our organization in Nebraska. The Alliance growth in the year preceding was very rapid, and in some sections of the state the work of organization was but imperfectly done, so that tKe larger part of the labor of the year had to be spent in strength ening and building up tbe Alliances al ready organized. The efforts in this directioffbave resulted in great good, and never before in its. history have the principles of the Alliance held so large a place in the hearts of its members, or had in so large a measure their con fidence and esteem, as at the present time. The organization also occupies a larger place in tbe respect of the jreneral public, and its purposes and aspii aUuns are accorded a larger measure of sym pathy as they become better un derstood. The people of th state re cognize that the menjd life of the farm er was never more active than bow, that whatever may have been the case in the past, he is bow reading and thinking, and the study and rovestJ ga llon of the great problems connected with the wise administration of eouBo mical government, has a larger place in his mind than ever before. This thought and study is developing a determination that hereafter his interests and welfare must be equally considered with those of nis fellow citizens of all other classes. That the Alliance has bees the chief cause of this spirit of investigation, ot independence and tendency toward pro gressive citizenship, admits of no ques tion. The work oi organization has progres sed steadily daring thtfyear. We have organized fifteen new County Alliances, aud bow have organizations in every county in the state. Two hundred and four new Alliances have been chartered by the State Alliance and a good many of tbe Alliances have been re-organized that had not been reporting and were suspended. The past season has been one of nnnsnal stress of work on the part of farmers in our s ate, and the ap parent lack of interest in local Alliance work was largely due to this cause, as the recent reports from Alliances all over the state indicate an increased activity on the part of Ibe members that promie great things for the future wel fare of the Alliance in Nebraska. While considering the growth and dealing with the statistics of the Alli ance, it would not be improper to state tbat we have sustained losses the past year, and indeed it would be strange if in a movement like ours none should fall by the wayside. A few charters have been surrendered during the year, in most cases, however, they have been given up for the purpose of uniting the strength of two or more Alliances, very fow of them indication a total loss of interest in . the Alliance and its work. Over sixteen hund red Alliances have reported dur ing the year, and as the dues from nearly a thousand Alliances have been remitted dunng 1801, a large number of western Alliances have neglected to send iu their reports, so that we cannot properly estimate or calculate our actual strength, but it must exceed that of last year by several thousand. . I cannot pass the work of organiza tion without referring to the labors of our State President and Lecturer. During the opening months of the year Presi dent Powers was largely engaged in work connected with the National Alli ance, his first Important active work in this state being in February, when a number ef the northeastern counties were visited and the foundation for aggressive work in Dakota and adjoiir ing counties was laid. About the mid dle of April he began a tour of visita tion and work that embraced nearly all the counties in the southern and western parts of the state, extending up to about July 10th. Another trip ouuu pving the months of September and October was made by him in which he visited all the northeastern counties and ethers along the line of the U. P. westward, and on this tour he put in fifty-two days active work. During November and Decem ber he has visited several counties and every where with good results. Our State Lecturer, Bro Hull, has also done very efficient work in his ca pacity during the year. During the first six months of the year be was al most constantly in the field, and the re cords of his movements show that he covered a large part of the state during his term of office. Some counties were visited at different times, owing to in clement weather and other causes inter fering with the success of his first meet ings. Reports from all places visited by him unite in commendation of his laoors, and the wise counsels given were well received by our members everywhere. The Assistant Lecturer, Bro. Pratt, visited a number of the northern and western counties also during the year. Two principal tours were made by bim: one from Clarks via Norfolk to Craw ford over tbe line of the F. E, & M. V. and returning by way of Box Butte county over the B. & M., occupying twenty -fonr days of actual work; the other westward from Lexington, Daw son county, by way of U. P. to the west ern part of the state, then north and east through Wheeler, Blaine, Loup and Garfield counties. Itemized accounts of these tours are on file in my office and show a record of faithful work oa behall of your state officers. the distribution of printed matter. The demand for printed matter ex plaining the purposes of the Alliance continued unabated throughout the year. Two large editions of the amend ed Constitution were distributed, also an edition in German and one in the Swede language. A large edition of the proceedings of the last annual meet ing were, also sent out together with largo numbers of the proceedings of tho National Alliance held at Omaha, and other supplies nd printed-matter fur nished inconsiderable quantity. The proceedings of a meeting of the various county liecturers of the state, held at Hastings in July were also sent out. Reasonable care was used in this distri bution that no unnecessary waste might occur, yet all requests so far as possible were complied with. educational work. The educational work of the Alliance has received during the past year a great deal of attention. In addition to the work of the State Lecturers the County Lecturers have been urged to adopt a systematic plan of work in the discharge' of their duties. In order to secure united and harmonious action all over the state in this direction a meeting of the various County Lectur ers and officers was called to convene at Hastings on August 19th. At this meet ing about two hundred were present ind the discussion of the Alliance and its educational work was of vast benefit to all wbo were present. A synopsis of this meeting was printed and distributed over the state as noted above. literature. The demand for papers and books on matters of interest to our political and economical welfare has largely increas ed during the past year. Our members show a disposition to support those pa pers that fight their battles, that is very encouraging, ana a uuuiuer oi local ana i other papers have been established dur ing the year and are now doing good service in defending the rights of the 1 producers of our state and nation. Re . form books have been purchased by Al liances and members, and in many Al liances circulating libraries have been secured that will proye productive of much good in enlisting the energies of our people in the maintenance of those rights so dear to the American heart. I have in this report but briefly out lines, me present condition of tne Am j ance and its work in Nebraska. In the 1 past year we have had much to eaoour age us. The organization is much more ' permanent in toe character of its mem bers than a year ago. Its educational system is improving In eulolency and its social features are more and more appreciated. It calls the attention of i all to the farm and Its interests, and I points to reforms that must be labored