North Carolina Newspapers

PROGRESSIVE r T1 1 J ft i THE INDUSTRIAL AND EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS OF OUR PEOPLE PARAMOUNT TO ALL OTHER CONSIDERATIONS OF STATE POLICY. RALEIGH, 1ST. C, AUGUST 25, 1891. Vol. 6. No. 27 FARMEE. - j- THE NATIONAL FARMERS' ALLI ANCE AND INDUSTRIAL UNION. President L. L. Polk, North Caro lina. Address, 314 D. St., N. W., Washington. P. C. Vice President B. H. Clover, Cam bridge, Kansas. Secretary-Treasurer J. II. Turner, Georgia. Address, 339 North Capitol St., N. W., Washington, P. C. Lecturer J. II. Willetts, Kansas. EXECUTIVE BOARD. C. W. Maeune. Washington, D. C. Alonzo Waruall, Huron, South Da kota. J. F. Tillman, Palmetto. Tennessee. JUDICIARY. II. C. Demming, Chairman. Isaac MeCraeken, Ozone, Ark. A. E. Colo. Fowlerville, Mich. NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. The Presidents of all the State organ izaiions with L. L. Polk Px-ojjicio Chairman. SOUTH CAKOLIS.l FAHMEHS' STATE ALLI ANCE. President Marion Butler. Clinton. N. C. Vice-President T. B. Long, Ashe vi-le, N. C. Seeretarv-Tivasurer W. S. Barnes. Raleigh, N. C. Lecturer J. S. Pell. Brasstown, N.C. Steward O. C. Wright, Class, N. C. Chaplain Rev. E. Pope, Chalk Level, N. C. Door-Keeper W. II. Tomliuson. Fayettrtville. N. C. Assistant Door-Keeper II. K. King, Peanut, N. C. Scrgeant-at-Arms J. S. Holt. Chalk L?vt-i. N. C. State Business Agent W. II. Worth. Uideigh, N. C. Trustee Business Agency Fund W. A. Graham, Machpelah, N. C. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH CAROLINA FARMERS' STAT15 ALLIANCE. S. B. Alexander, Charlotte. N. C, Chairman: J. M. Mewborne, Kinston. N. C. ; J. S. Johnston, Rufim, N. C. STATE ALLIANCE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE. Kilns Cam A. Leaser, N. M. Cul breii M. G. Gregory. Wm. C. Council. North Carolina Reform Press Association. O -lifers J. L. Ram sea. President: Marion JJ'itltr, Yiee-l'residrnt : W. S. Barnes, Secretary. rAi'Ei;. rn.yr.--iv t- Iy r?u-. r, .State ")i can. I! iui-U. N. ('. ' ;i. ' !i?tli, X. '. i:u::il Hum-, WL -;.., N. Watei.siKUi, Salisbury. N. V. FariiA-r-" .nlvCiirc, '1 ;ii m ; , X. ( Muiunain Iloiin-.!niri:i'i. Aj-hevil'e, N. '. Alliam-e Si-nt ii.il, .olds! "!!. N. '. Country Lite. Trinity 1'ollt N. ( '. 3Iercurv, Hickory, N. K;ittk-i Wlutaker.-, N. C. Each of lhv above-named papers are requested to keep the list standintj on the Jirst pje and add others, jtrovided they are duly elected. Any paper fail ing to adroctite the Oeala jilaffona will be drop.ptd from tlulist promptly. Onr people can now see what j tapers are itnblish'.d in titeir interest. GRAND ALLIANCE PIC-NIC Of Davidson County Farmers' Aliiance at Thornasville Baptist Orphan age, Aug. 7th, 1S91. The morning was inauspicious with a heavy fog forming a canopy over head and causing all to fear Toast the liquid clouds would pour out copious showers ami mar the pleasures of the day. But Davidson County Alliance men and women are in earnest and do not permit such obstacles to dampen their ardor. They began early to ar rive upon the grounds in large num bers until by 10 o'clock the crowd was immense. The enjoyment .of the day was increased by the presence of the Pilgrim Band an Alliance Band which discoursed delightful and in spiring music under the leadership of their accomplished director. Prof. P. J. Leonard, of Lexington, N. C, who is widely and favorably known and ad mired' as a most accomplished musi cian. As the hour of 11 o'clock arrived the crowd assembled under the spacious arbor upon the Orphanage grounds. The stand ccupied by the speakers and invited guests, had' been beautifully decorated with wreaths and festoons of cedar, and ornamented with varieties of the different products of the garden and field, with lovely flowers scattered here and there lending added beauty to the scene. The effect was charming and reflected much credit upon the ex quisite taste and skill of the Alliance men and women under whose super vision the adornment of the stand was arranged. The vast crowd of eager, expectant people were impatient to hear the dis tinguished speakers, and their enthusi asm was increased under the inspira tion of the soul-stirring music of the Band. Bev. Mr. Hunt, Chaplain of the County Alliance, opened the services with an earnest and appropriate prayer. President Green, of the County Alli ance, introduced the great national champion of the rights and liberties of the people and President of the National Farmers' Alliance and Industrial Union the eloquent and able Col. L. L. Polk who for two mid one half hours held the vast throng of attentive and inter ested hearers in spellbound admiration by his powerful and masterly exposi tion of the principles of the xVliiance order and magnificent flights of oratory. Col. Polk's allusions to the ladies of the Alliance were gems of charming poesy, and the hearty rounds of ap plause which followed the utterances of these beautiful sentiments well at tested the approval of his hearers and the jealous regard in which they cher ished the ladies of this noble Order. "The talk alout a woman's spere As though it had a limit. There's not a ilac e on earth or heae:i: Tli. re's not a tasK to mankind uiveii: There's not a blessiuy or a o ; There's not a u hisier yes or no; There's not a life, or lU Mh, or birth. That ha a IVatiu r's weL'hl of worth, "Without a woman iu it."' Col. Polk, pleaded earnestly for the rights of the farmers and workingmen, and the fair, equitable and honest ad ministration of the legislation of the government upon principles which would secure justice alike to all classes or our citizens. e ueuuniKvii nit; ina uuii lu . ratio and Republican parties LViif. which keeps from the people the bene fits which a good government should bestow up-,.:) po. m!o and stated that the objects of the-Mlianee was to secure as speedily as possible the prompt enact ment of such laws as will insure to the farmers protection in all their rights equal with the more favored classes. He stated that the whole trouble with the people lies in the iniquitous and un equal financial s stem of the govern ment. lie advocated principles, not parties; measures, not men. The de votion of public and political morals, the recognition of merit, honor and true patriotism as the standard of avaihibil ity to positions of trust. Under the fervor of honest indigna tion he arraigned in scathing language those who unjustly abuse the objects and purposes of the Alliance through ignorance obtained from the garbled and mis stated reports of partisan newspapers. At the conclusion of Col. Polk's speech, Mr. Clay Thomas in a beautiful picture of gorgeous word painting pre sented him with a most exquisite basket formed of the rarest variegated, sweet scented 1 lowers, a gift from the Pilgrim Band. Col. Polk responded in a few remarks which were laden with that thrilling eloquence for which he is so famous all over this bright land of ours. A com mittee was appointed to take up a col lection for the Orphanage. The people responded in a liberal contribution amounting to 29. r0. After this an intermission of one hour. By invitation from the Alliancemen and ladies, the orphans and all con nected with the Orphanage were taken in charge and most generously and sumptuously feasted upon the bounti ful .supply of tempting victuals which wre spread oat in such profusion be fore then!. What mere beautiful and expressive exhibition of that charitv which under lies the work of the Alliance could be manifested .' Commencing by invoking God's bless ing, proclaiming love for their fellow man, feeding the poor. Non-Alliancemen. look at this pic ture and let your hearts be filled with charity as you contemplate this great reform movement of the Alliancemen and ladies. Dinner being over, once more the crowd assembled, this time to hear Col. Long, the State Lecturer of the Alli ance. Co. Long has been recently suffer ing from an attack of acute rheumatism, and stated that he was on his way to Morehcad City to resign his position as State Lecturer because of his fear that he might not be able physically to attend to the duties of the oliice. What a commendable spirit to sacri fice self upon the altar of the interest of the great cause in which he has so faithfully engaged. Col. Long's speech was full of cogent reasoning spiced with original humor and was well received by the people. At the conclusion of Col. Long's speech there was some singing by the orphan children, who have a well deserved reputation as being among the best singers in our State, and on this occasion they sustained their record as their cheery young voices floated out upon the air in softest tones of sweetest music. Their singing was one of the most delightful and enjoyable features of the day, and the spontaneous ap plause from the audience after each song was a fitting tribute to the merit of these Jbeautiful orphan children. And now the Band renders the dox-ologj-, the Rev. Mr. Morton pro nounced the benediction, and thus closes the second annual meeting of the Davidson County Alliance. Long may this Order live to promulgate the principles advocated at this meeting. JlMPLICUTE. NOTES FROM FINCH. Finch, N. C. Mr. Editor: I want to say God bless the lecturing system and Bro. P. H. Massey. He is doing a grand work. Keep him going, don't let him go home but once a month. He was with us to day. I think he waked us up. We received two petitions before he could get out of the house. I wish Bro. B. Cade could have been with us, I think he would have been converted. Our Lodge endorses the Sub -Treasury plan and all the demands. Please send Bro. Massey to lecture for us again in Aug ust. We will pay his expenses and give him a grand pic nic. We are having abundant rains for the past two weeks. Crops are looking very well considering the recent cold snap. I will close with success to the Alli ance cause, The Progressive Farmer and its editor. Fraternally, M. T. Joyner. Tin llt us clasp hands .c;;o.-n tiu; !!I..o!y .iasm."' llovre toe-ley anlie-iv..U-u In all th.e broad field of our iiobl conception, or more benefh.vnt in its possib' declare to the world that henceforth, there may undertake, as on organization, if we sha unnatural estrangement which iias uyifort won for ifsdf immortal glry rtud ha,'' and ono country. ( 'm! rorited ;v a oom:i.uv people ot ivansas ana irgmi.v, oi rennsylvanui ana lexas, or .vnehigaa ana Soutti Uarouna, ;na;ce common cau-e in a common interest. It recognizes the important truth that the evils which oppress the agricultural interests of t:.e country are national in their character, and that they can not be corrected by sce'ional effort or sectional remedies. It recognizes the fact that the war ended in lSt. that chattle slavery is gone, and chat the preju-.lie.es and divisions, born of its existence, should go with it. Community of interests between the great States of the Middle. Southern and Western Sections is the mighty natural force which will draw them togotner in solid array in the impending struggle between the people and pluto cratic power. Causes other than political (potent and effective as the latter have been) have conspired to propagate and per petuate sectionalism. The rich, powerful and densely populated Fast must needs have an outlet for its aggressive enterprise, its rapidly accumulating wealth, and its growing population. The dense forests and fertile plains of the magnificent and inviting West were transformed into rich ana powerful States. Lines of immigration and enterprise, of wealth and of general development, were pushed forward with marvelous rapidity and success to the shores of the Pacific. Along these lines were transplanted from the Fast the prejudices and animosities engendered for a half century. Tire South traversed by no transcontinental line of communication sullen and humiliated in her great and crushing losses and by defeat in war, most naturally nursed the sectional animosities and prejudices of the past. What an inviting condition was thus presented for wicked sectional agitators and how assidiously they utilized it, let the shameful sectionalism of the past quarter of a century answer. But the people of the awakening South and the people of the great agricultural West aroused and inspired by a common danger have locked their hands and shields in a common cause, the cause of a common country. The lines of sectionalism have been cut in twain. The Alliance has planted its banner, on which is inscribed in characters of golden light'' Equal rights to all and special favors to none" from the State of New York on the East to the golden gates of the Pacific on the West; from the Gulf on the South to the Great Lakes on the North, embracing within its territory the great staple crops of the country the center of population and the center of political power. We can not fail to see the opportunity of the hour, and recognizing that opportunity Ave must not forget that it carries with it corresponding responsibilities. The opportunity is for the great conservative, law-abiding, patriotic masses -o assert and establish a perpetual union between the people. The sequent obligation is, that these great masses must discourage, discountenance and discard from their councils the wicked demagogical agitators, who for the last twenty-five years have sought to foster discord and dissension that they themselves might thrive. Ordinarily they are the men North and South who were "invisible in war and have become invincible in peace."' Divided, we stand as a Sampson shorn of his lock ; united, we stand a power that is invincible. Cato fired and thrilled the Roman senate with the fierce cry, "Carthage must be destroyed."' Must we. as citizens of this great re public, emulate such, a vengeful spirit? Hannibal, while yet a tender youth, was placed by his father on his knees, and made to swear eternal vengeance against the Romans. Must we, as Christian parents, entail upon our children the bitter legacy of hate? Hundreds of thousands of noble, aspiring, hopeful, and ardently patriotic young men all over the land are manfully enlisting in the responsible duties ot American citizenship. Born since the war thank God, their infant vision was first greeted by the light of Heaven, unobscured by the smoke of battle, and their inf nt ear first caught the sweet sound of hallowed peace, unmingled with the hoarse thundering of hostile cannon. Shall they be taught to cherish and foster and perpetuate that prejudice and animosity, whose fruits are evil, and only evil? "Let the dead past bury its dead," and let us, as an organization, with new hope, new aspirations, new zeal, new energy and new life, turn our faces toward the rising sun of an auspicious and inviting future, and reconsecrate our selves to the holy purpose of transmitting to our posterity a government "of the people, by the people and for the people," and which shall be unto all generations the citadel of refuge, for civil and religious liberty. Extract from the address of President ltlk before the Oca la convention last December. A GREAT GATHERING OF THE FARMERS IN HIGH JOHNSTON. E levatiox, N. C, Aug. 8, DL Mr. Editor : To day, Saturday, Aug. 8th, was a day which will be long and pleasantly remembered by the good, quiet people ot Mill JJraiich Alliance and surrounding country. The writer was there, but will under take only a brief outline of the pro ceedings. At 10:45 C. Stephenson, a highly re spected citizen of the community, as cended a richly-decorated stand and called the vast assembly to order, and after a, few pointed remarks, intro duced Mr. Major Langdon, who read the programme for the day's exercises. At the conclusion of the readiug he in troduced J. W. Stephenson, Esq. Mr. Stephenson is a young man and although not accustomed to public speech-making, still he had not pro ceeded far before it was known that no mistake had been made by placing him on the programme. His subject, 4 'Causes which lea to the Impending Revolu tion," and the manner in which he treated it was well received. lie handled it in a masterly manner, reflecting credit on himself and the occasion as wen. lie traced pacK each evil complained origin national banks, tariff, etc., and showed of to its grants, ruinous land the MfesnP ,. ., A l. mmM ,7 w fi a a ., i a, I , ... tejiasasi sr i - : Bi.ui:; and the giiy. auce take.i h-.3 burden twenty jcvs ufter Le luiU endeavor as an Order, the; e is no purpose graiider in design, more t suits to the whole country and fiali be no seetinal lines across i! accomplish only a restoration of fraternity arid unity, and obliterate the rudely so long divided the people of tie's country, the Alliance will have ' ; h? s ;-'"''' ' l a broad and liberal patidotism. it recognizee lut one flng ange: - --arriietc-j effects of each on the producers ; that the revolution impending was the re sult of investigation on the part of the farmers, who had risen up in their might to free themselves of these evils. Next introduced was the writer, whose remarks on "Relation of the Alliance to Politics" were short but were well listened to. Said in the declaration of principles upon which the Constitution of the Alliance was founded it claimed the right to labor for the education of the agricultural classes in the science of economic gov ernment in a strictly non-partisan spirit. No one could deny that right. The declaration implied the right to make an application of that science to politics, otherwise education would do no good. The partisan press and ignorant members said the Alliance was out of place in politics. It is ad mitted that some are out of place, hut this application must be made. The ruling element is conservative. The Alliance is after measures and has no right to urge its members to vote for either political party, hut if the Alli ance should endorse the Third party, this' education would of necessity be come partisan. We don't need it. All our good people, whether members or not, acquiesce in our movement. The Railroad Commission would save the State $150,000 annually. This State is Alliance, proven by the Fuiinerb' Ain- it. uo.vii. I tl 1 i , . i 111 a which we u pu.s'erity thtUi the or,- Alliance territory. Failing m r.W else xve . mi: lie ! I v a conmv ti liope U;o Democratic party incorporating in its platform the Alliance demands. Some of the Northwestern Republicans seem to be turning over, but the Republicans are responsible for every evil of which the Alliance complains every one national banking, contraction of the currency, bestowing land grants, fund ing -debts and all. Alliancemen do not want all the offices as shown by their electing others just as readily outside the order, but they do want men elected to the legislative departments of the government whom they can trust. The writer remembers more of his speech than the others, the reason why he comments on it more. In a beautiful speech J. W. Stephen son, Esq., introduced Capt. J. A. Wel lons, of the Smithfield Collegiate In stitute. Capt. Wellons is County Lec turer and was the great orator of the day. To those who know him, and they extend over the length and breadth of the county, comment is useless. The people know him to be tried and true, and of his oratory as well. He poured forth his eloquence for upwards of an hour while that vast throng of humanity drew nearer and unconsciously caught up the spirit of patriotism which was pulsating and throbbing within him till all, yea every eye saw alike the alarming conditions of our country and were alike deter mined to stand by the laborers of this tlio inevitable. Th country till the last enemy was dowuej IBs subject, "The Demands of the Al liance." were rliseiivso, in nviVv It. .-, ogical. powerful Aav lie showed both old and young, male and female, wiV bll,nu v, unv iuieau appeaieu in a souistirrmg manner to the young men. In conclusion he said: ""Grit aud goahendativeness were needing push and power were at their com mand; let them rise up in their power and do their duty to themselves, their country and to their God." After his speech he was asked to go up into Pleasant Grove an adjoining town ship and organize an Alliance. Dinner was then announced. The crowd was variously estimated at 1.500 to 2.000. but all were satisfied with the many good things which build up the inner man, bounteously prepared by the good women of "that quiet locality. The audience was again called hack, and Mr. A. D. Taylor, President John ston County Alliance, was introduced. This man, one of the pioneers in Alli ance work in the county, came forward in his usual earnest but happy style, saying he was not going to 'make a speech but a talk. His talk was timo h' spiced with jokes rich and rare. Said he wos of the opinion that Uie people were like the good woman who, with her husband, went to . John Smith's to borrow a cart, Smith did not lend the cart but insisted on their 'drinking various good drinks. The man and wife started home but got apart at the creek. When the husband returned the good wife had fallen asleep, the back of her head hanging over the edge of a rock, occasionally dabbling in the water, which, by the force above, jumped up into her mouth. She would swallow but would continue to say: "Not any more. Mr. Smith, even though it were sweetened." He thought after such good eating and speaking the people would not take any more, even though it were sweet ened. He congratulated th? young men who had so aly discussed the issue and urged them onward. Said beware of the professional politician. By the way of illustration he told of a certain negro who had a red steer named Ben, a go v' steer, but unfortun ately became infested with vermin. The negro was in trouble about old Ben. A neighbor told him to pour lamp-oil on Ben's back from head to tail aa t apply a match Accordingly he lu d 1; in i to a tree and made the ap plication, uul i-en inate a lug jump anU ore the rone the names rose higher ;iu her. He hollowed wo Ben! wo! but Ben, snorting and bel lowing. for the creek The eld negro pu. sta-a but could not catch !nn ; thought Ben gone for good. Some days after the x came back hut the negro did not recognize him. At length, however, the old lady suggested it was old Ben come back. "Well," said he, "if this is old Ben, I'm plagued if he ain't been used up. Jes lo k ; Ire's got no liar, no tail and wusof allnohons." The speaker applied this to the poli ticians, and as supplement told another. A man was asleep, riding, when, his mule, asleep also, became ireightened, wheeled around and set the rider on the ground. The rider sprang up and exckiimcd: "That's just why I don't like a mule." lie eulogized L. L. Polk, saying that among our illustrious men of the clos ing years of the 19th century L. L. Polk will illumine the brightest page of our history as a star. N. R. Poole, Esq., was next intro duced. He made an excellent bearing. His speech was well condensed and full of force. Said he must be further from home than he thought: that if "Pool"' had been called up in his coun try a half dozen Pools would have run up. He supposed he was the man called for, but was hot the pool by Silvan but N. R. We heard many re marks complimentary to his speech, and we ourselves think his hit on "taxation" capped the climax. 0,000, 000 farm mortgages. It is due him to say more but space will not admit. Last introduced was ex-Representative Gower. He it was who, as mem ber of the committee on education in the last sitting of the General Assembly, made a record that our people will not forget his faithful services. He has the full confidence of our people as legislator and gentleman. His con nection with a thing assures its suc cess. He made a telling speech, re ferred to the cutter trust in our own State piling in its coffers $3,000 every setting sun while the producers had to submit to it as slaves. Said our people were dissatislied waiting and deserving something they had not ; were as the potter's clay not yet molded. Assured the people that the evils complained of were not due to State legislation ; that it was the full intention of the last leg islature to do its very best for the peo ple. Space also forllids us giving this gentleman of our highest regard jus tice. This closed the exercise. Never has this quiet, good people had such a treat b -fore. And never have those who attended had a better one. Fraternally, "J. P. Caxapay. Bro. Edward Johnston, of No a ton Grove Alliance, Sampson county, writes that they believe in the St. Louis and Ocala "platforms and expect to stand by them to the last. Bro. D. J. Bullard, Secretary of Cape Fear Alliance, No. 109, Cumber land county, writes that they have 33 members, most of them being of the pure grit. They used the Alliance official guano this year and are well pleased with it.