Newspaper Page Text
No More Politics.
I see the statement thnt the North
Carolina Alliance organ has “pledged
itself in the future to deal no more
in politics.”
I can not see the necessity of an
organ for the Alliance that does not
deal in “politics.” What can the
Alliance propose to accomplish for
the good of the laboring man, and
have nothing to do with politics?
Can a non-political organization,
with non-political papers, ever accom
plish anything for the good of the
tax-ridden and mortgage-burdened
toilers of the country, who are being
systematically robbed by a set of
vicious class laws enriching the few
and impoverishing the many ? And
thus it will continue until the people
awake and take a different and more
active part in “politics.” I regard
the whole scheme of keeping the
Alliance out of politics as a trick in
• favor of the professional politician
and against the people. If any re
form is needed, who is responsible
for the condition of things that
makes a reform necessary? Laws
that are just and right need no re
form or change. Had the great
body of the people kept a sharp eye
on our law makers, the reforms that
are determined upon and demanded
by the people would not now be nec
essary.
But what is politics? Does it not
embrace everything pertaining to the
State and national governments? To
the making and administering the
laws in the interest of all the people ?
“Politics,” proper, is far more im
portant than a mere scrambling for
oilice, embracing ways that are dark
ami tricks that are vain. The say
ing is quite current that “politics” are
corrupt, but a little reflection will
show that this idea is not correct;
for politics, as a science or an art, is
not corrupt; but men may be corrupt,
and resort to questionable methods
to accomplish their unholy ends.
“Politics, as a science or an art, is
a subject of vast extent and impor
tance?’ A certain class of men have
taken it upon themselves to rule the
country, President, Cabinet, Con
gress, and a else.
The silver legislation, since 1873,
is proof of this, and this same class
of men oppose the Alliance and all
other labor organizations going into
politics in order that they may have
an open field to accomplish their
selfish ends. Perhaps one or two
English capitalists will have more in
fluence in shaping the silver legisla
tion of Congress than the whole Al
liance es the United States. Why is
this ?
To make the Alliance a fraternal
and business organization, eliminat
ing the political element entirely, is
to make the chances of reform very
doubtful. The language in the
“declaration of principles” endorsed
by the Alliance is emphatically polit
ical. And consequently it has en
countered bitter and persistent op
position from foes without and pre
tended friends from within. Is not
this language somewhat political:
“To labor for the education of the
agricultural classes in the science of
economical government, in a strictly
non-partisan spirit.” * * * “To
develop a better state mentally, mor
ally, socially and financially. To
create a better understanding for
sustaining civil officers in maintain
ing law and order.”
The aims and objects to be accom
plished in the above language are all
laudable and prise worthy. And is
there no politics in it? If not, will
some one having more perfect knowl
edge of these things, and knows just
what politics, is, tell us exactly what
the language does mean ?
The agricultural classes are to be
taught the science of economical
government. How ? Not as a
Democrat or Kepublican, but “in a
strictly non-partisan spirit.” Has
any party ever put out a nobler
declaration of principles than the
Alliance? Is there any subject that
the people need instruction upon
more than they d> upon that of an
“economical government ?” The sub
ject of finance is intentionally mysti
fied, so that the great body of the
people can be kept in ignorance of
its workings, and thereby be kept in
subjection. But the Alliance pro
poses to teach the boy that follows
the plow the science of “economical
government,” including that wonder
ful thing—the “dollar.” This sub
ject, above all others, lias engaged
the minds of the greatest statesmen
and ablest thinkers of all ages ; and
perhaps never more so than at pres
ent. A prominent Democrat, who
went into Congress under Alliance
colors, said in a public speech that it
would not do for the great body of
the people to know the facts set forth
in Mrs. Emery’s little book, “Seven
Financial Conspiracies.” Though
people’s money was burnt up and
funded into interest-bearing, non
taxable bonds, and the silver dollar,
at the dictation of English bondhold
ers, was dropped from the silver
coinage lists, yet the people must be
kept in blissful ignorance of all this,
and much more, in order to keep
them in “party lines.” But should
not the people know these things ?
But what party is calling attention
to them except the Alliance and
other kindred labor organizations?
But, notwithstanding all these
•wrongs, there is a strong effort be
ing made even by so-called Alliance
men to keep the Alliance out of
“politics.” Alliance organs must
“deal no more in politics.” Must
they remain mute on all reform sub
jects lest they deal a little in “poli
tics ?” Is not tariff and financial
reform now demanded in the domain
of “politics ?” If they do not be
long to politics, then where do they
belong? Are not the demands of
PEOPLE’S PARTY PAPER, ATLANTA, GEORGIA. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1892.
the Alliance “political demands ?”
Aud if they are, why refuse to advo
cate them and urge their enactment
into law 7 ? Does any one expect that
the leaders of either old party will
bring about the reforms demanded
by the people unless the people press
the matter in away that the law
makers will plainly see that “reform”
must come ?
As evidence of this, note the sil
ver legislation since 1873.
Does Congress propose to settle
the silver question in away to bene
fit the American people ? We will
soon see. Has not the Alliance de
manded the coinage of gold and
silver at the present ratio of 16 to 1?
But no, say the banker and bond
holder ; we will consult Europe and
see what they have to say about the
matter. They seem to prefer to leg
islate in the interest of the money
lords of Europe rather than to the
interest of the toiling masses of
America.
But perhaps the Fulton County
Alliance has struck the right string
in resolving not to discuss “partisan
politics,” but to educate the people
so they will become more “proficient
in agricultural and mechanical arts.”
Do the declaration of purposes say
anything about educating the people
in “agricultural and mechanical arts?”
Wall street and the money bosses
will say “amen” to this resolution.
“You just take care of the agricul
tural and mechanical arts and we
will take care of the political arts.
We rich men, you know, have to
support the government, and we
ought to rule it, and to do this we
must control the politics of the
country and direct its legislation in
all matters; and you Alliance peo
ple can amuse yourselves in passing
‘non-partisan’ resolutions and in dis
cussing the ways and means of edu
cating the people in the all-important
arts of agriculture and mechanics.”
“No politics in the Alliance” is
the panacea of the bosses to cure the
ailments of the farmer. Well, we
will see if the patient improves any
under this “Regime.” But if the
Alliance wards to be on the right
line, let it go contrary to the instruc
tions of the bosses. “No politics in
the Alliance” is but to buck and gag
it, and in time it will die of the “dry
rot.” There is nothing -wrong in
politics. Politicians may be corrupt,
but politics are not.
But I wish to submit the following
proposition for the serious consid
eration of all whom it may concern,
whether Alliancemen or not:
The farmers, wage-workers and
all laboring people will never be
materially benefited until they take
a more active and intelligent part in
the politics of the country. Is it not
true that the great body of the peo
ple has paid but little attention to
the legislation of Congress for thirty
years past? Thousands know but
little of the financial legislation of
Congress since 1860. Multitudes
know nothing of the reasons why
the silver dollar w r as dropped from
the list of silver coins in 1873. It
was not done to benefit the farmer;
yet he must keep out of politics.
But Sub or County Alliances can
discuss the platform of the National
Alliance and not infringe upon the
rights of any one. The platform is
important, and should be discussed
until well understood.
G. W. White.
Hickory Grove, Ga.
Oconee All Hight.
McNutt, Ga., Dec. 9, 1892.
You can say to the people through
your columns that Oconee county is
one of the banner counties of the
State. In the two recent elections
we carried our ticket for governor,
State-house officers, representative,
congressman and president. Is there
another county in the State that can
claim more ? We are alive, and
strictly adhering to the principles of
our first love. While we realize our
defeat at large, we are not despon
dent or languishing one jot or tittle,
but are growing stronger and are far
from being conquered.
Mr. Watson is the idol of our
hearts. The more he is persecuted
the better we love him. And while
he has been fraudulently defeated
and counted out, he yet occupies a
place in the hearts and memories of
the people of Oconee county far
superior to any other Georgian. Mr.
Watson has stood by us and fought
our battles for us. Now I want to
urge every People’s party man in the
State of Georgia to feel an interest
to that extent in Tom Watson’s wel
fare ; to subscribe for his paper.
Stand to him, brethren, for he has
been a true and tried friend.
Mr. Editor, I am a Watson man,
and as a man should prove his faith
by his work, 1 got in ray buggy to
day, rode around about two hours
and succeeded in getting fifteen sub
scribers. J. N. Siieats.
Fulton County Aids.
Cornell, Ga., Dec. 12.
After Cornell Alliance, No. 1552,
closed its deliberations on last Satur
day night, an informal meeting was
called for the purpose of taking some
steps to aid Mr. Watson in contest
ing the election in the tenth district.
It resulted in selecting Mr. W. H.
Simpson to act as a committee of one
to solicit funds for the above object.
All present responded quite liberally,
and we can assure the friends of re
form that quite a respectable amount
will be raised in this section ; at the
same time asking all who wish to see
the rights of the people vindicated
to lend a helping hand, thut we ;j|iay j
assist to some extent in lifting the
burden from the shoulders of the
distinguished champion of the rights
of the people. J. P. A.
Sentence of Tom Watson.
Chicago Express.
Thomas Watson I You are charged
by your political enemies with hav
ing boldly deserted the ranks of the
Democratic party, because its time
honored principles were no longer
respected or practiced by those who
claimed to be its leaders.
You are accused of fearlessly stand
ing forth in the halls of Congress and
telling some of your associates to
their teeth that they are a get of un
mitigated scoundrels, and, worse than
all, of backing up your assertions with
the most indisputable proof.
It is further charged against you
that, refusing to be cajoled, bribed
or bulldozed, you gallantly led a band
of devoted followers against the mis
guided hosts of Tyranny, and plant
ed the Banner of the People under
the very guns of the citadel of op
pression.
The proof sustaining these charges
and accusationsis overwhelming; be
sides, it is understood that you plead
guilty. .
Tom Watson, stand up!
You are hereby sentenced to polit
ical exile from the national halls of
legislation for the term of four years,
commencing March 4, 1893, but if
you remain true to the principles you
have so gallantly advocated, you will
go only to return laden with well
earned honors and receiving the
plaudits of a mighty people.
Tom Watson, stand firm right
where you stand ; ere long your own
beloved Georgia—aye, the whole
Union—will steadily advance and
stand in line with you.
The million patriots whose pulses
always beat quicker at mention of
your name, will see that this sentence
is duly carried out.
“ Al Farmee,”
Judge Advocate.
After passing the House, the bill
to have the State of Georgia accept
and maintain the soldier’s home at
Atlanta was indefinitely postponed
in the Senate. This probably ends
the matter till next session.
From a Prohibitionist.
I notice in a late number of the
People’s Party Paper a move
ment to consolidate the People’s and
Prohibition parties. 1 have been
thinking about this ever since the
election. I think it could be done
very easily, as the two parties differ
very little. Ido not think, though,
that there -will ever be a party in the
country advocating the total prohi
bition of the manufacture and deal
ing in liquor sufficiently strong to at
tain supremacy im government. I
think that the best method to con
solidate the two parties would be to
call both in a national convention to
incorporate in their platform a de
mand for the repeal of the internal
revenue altogether, substituting for
the same an income tax or an in
crease of taxation, upon the land, the
standing wealth of the .country.
I think a party advocating such
principles would have unlimited
ground for argument as the most of
the people of the country will have
stimulant liquors even in prohibition
parts. In the shape they have most
general and State laws now the peo
ple of the country are extortionately
discriminated against by removing
their rights from them to incorpora
tions on railroads, compelling them
to pay high prices for what they get.
The people of this place are selling
corn for 35 or 40 cents per bushel
and buying adultertaed whiskies at
$2 to $3 per gallon. Will the people
ever rise and blot out such a legal
ized tyrannous, extortioning robbery
monopoly as this?
If there can be no other remedy
found, I am a full fledged prohibi
tionist. E. B. B.
Montezuma, Ga., Dec. 8.
Frauds Tn Georgia.
The vote of Georgia in the recent
election, if all other evidence was want
ing, would convict the Democracy of
that state of the grossest frauds. In
1884 the aggregate vote of the state was
143,291 —Democratic, 94,687; Republican,
48,604. In 1888 the vote was 140,895 —
Democratic, 100,449; Republican, 40,446.
The returns for 1892 places the vote of
the state at 220,509—Cleveland, 129,230;
Harrison, 48,549; Weaver, 41,741; Bid
well, 989. This shows a net gain of 89,614
in the voting strength of that state since
1888, or an increase of 64 v per cent.
The entire vote of the southern states
for 1888 amounted to 3,296,000. If all
these states have increased their voting
strength on the same ratio as Georgia
the vote of that section has increased
2,109,4-10 in four years. If each voter
represents five people, which is the
adopted rule, the southern states have
increased in population 10,547,200 during
this same period. To show the fraud
more plainly let it be remembered that
the population of the United States, ac
cording to the census of 1880, was 50,-
135,783.
The census of 1890 disclosed a popula
tion of 62,000.000 in round numbers, or a
gain of 12,000.000 in ten years for the
whole country. But the returns from
the south based on the vote of Georgia
show that this section alone gained over
10,000,000 in the past four years. The
evidence is too plain for contradiction.
—National Watchman.
TSow ruasc xseaay.*
The smoke of battle rolls away. A
survey of the field shows a glorious vic
tory for the people. The labor of the
past two years has borne abundant fruit.
Let,the good work go on. We have four
vears in which to raise a grand army for
•he battle to take place in 1896. The en
emy will be prepared with all their
forces of corruption and ignorance to
rivet more firmly the. chains of labor.
Shall we not make ready for them? Let
none flatter himself that the victory is
won. We have won, but it was only a
skirmish. The fight in four years from
now will be fiercer and the enemy more
cunning than any that can be pointed to
in the political history of the country.
If we would be ready we must imme
diately prepare for it.—North Dakota
Independent
PARTIAL PRESS.
The Newspapers Misrepresent the Actual
Happenings and Distort the Truth.
The Farmers’ Alliance and the Peo
ple’s party have held conventions in
many cities of this country. In no
place, except in Cincinnati, has the local
press shown any fairness in its treat
ment either of the Alliance or of the
new party. Everything has been dis
torted and perverted with a view of de
ceiving the people and appealing to their
prejudices rather than their judgment.
True as this is of former meetings, it is
emphatically so of Memphis. At no
other place has a meeting been held
where there has been equal bitterness
manifested by the local press. At no
place has there been an equal amount of
falsehood and misrepresentation either
in the columns of the local press or in
the associated press dispatches.
It is hardly necessary to inform read
ers of The Advocate that scarcely a
single truth was published in the Mem
phis papers or sent out in the dispatches
respecting the meeting of the supreme
council. Everything was distorted and
misrepresented. Os course there was
another “split.” A meeting of the Alli
ance without a “split” would be a fail
ure. Like former splits, however, this
one is limited to a single individual.
The mistake that is made by the opposi
tion respecting this movement is in re
garding the influence of single individ
uals as of more importance than facts
will justify.
There is no man in the movement who
is large enough to injure it by his indi
vidual withdrawal from it. The sooner
the opposition comprehends this fact the
sooner it will cease to be deceived in its
estimate of the importance of these
trifling affairs. Let no man think of
forming anything like a correct opinion
of the proceedings of the Memphis meet
ing from any of the reports published in
the opposition press.—Advocate,
Timely Definitions.
Nonpartisan Populists who vote
against Populist principles.
Partisan —A man who is for the Popu
list demands on election day.
Republican—A man who wants the
Democrats to stick to their party.
Democracy—A sort of paste that holds
the Republican party together.
Politics—Forbidden fruit to third
party men.
Bribery—Brilliant management.
gonorable —Skinned the public for
over a million.
Crank —A man who believes that hu
man life is a standard of all values.
Tramp—What is left of “melican”
man after he gets through the mill.
Prosperity Mountains of wealth
where honest men can —see it.
Sound Finance—Let your brother keep
enough to keep alive; gather the rest
to yourself, and do it according to the
statutes.
Electioneering—Setting up the cigars
and bug juice to the boys, in the hope
that the boys will mistake you for a
good fellow and the county foot the bill.
Keeping Out of Politics —Throwing up
your hat and yelling in the Democratic
or Republican procession.
Honest Dollar —sort that made
John Sherman a ?Aillionaire on $6,000 a
year.
Tariff—Something that always needs
fixing when congress has something else
to do.
Gold —The only material in the bowels
of the earth that can make bread and
meat worth eating.
Silver —A metal on which the govern
ment could print good money, if it wasn’t
too handy.
Paper—A substance on which laws are
printed for the management of the com
mon herd.
Government—You turn the crank and
let him feed and look after the spout.
Patriotism—Getting youself skinned
and then bragging about the dexterity
of the operator.—Pointers.
Sectional Issue Dead.
The People’s party feels in exception
ally fine fettle. It has achieved extraor
dinary success. lam more than pleased
at the result of the election. You ask
what did it? Why, the fact of a third
party. Os course I mean the People’s
party. See what it has secured. It has
had a boom out west. We have got
Kansas. Nevada, Wyoming, South Da
kota, Oregon and Colorado, and we feel
we can rightfully claim several of the
southern states. We did not expect to
elect the president, but we feel that we
can be sure of a People's party president
in 1896. The spirit of the People’s party
is revolt against monopoly and the money
power of the country. As to the Repub
lican party, it will have to take up some
of the radical issues brought to the front
by the People’s party if it expects to live.
I question whether it will ever be a
party of power again. In the future it
will have to adopt the national issue of
money—that is, greenbackism as opposed
to the Democratic idea of state banks.
Os course this will mean a divorce be
tween the Republican party and the
capitalists’ power, but it will have to
come if the party is to live. To do this
would be eating crow, but between this
and utter extinction of the party is there
no choice. The Republican party has lost
New York, and it can never recover the
western vote unless it comes in touch
with the people. There is no hope for
it. The sectional issue between north
and south is dead.—Edward Bellamy.
The Spoils System.
President Elect Cleveland is said to
be determined to observe the civil serv
ice reform plank in the Democratic
platform to the greatest possible extent.
The impression seems to prevail that
Tammany will receive but little patron
age from Cleveland’s administration.
The spoils system has grown to such
huge proportions that no candidate can
ordinarily be elected to the presidency
without making promises to place all
patronage at the disposal of certain po
litical bosses.
This pernicious system should be abol
ished. No man should be turned out of
a purely clerical position simply because
his political convictions do not coincide
with those of the dominant party. Ex
cept for purely advisory and administra
tive positions all capable officials should
be retained in office. If Mr. Cleveland
carries out his civil service reform con
victions he vol! do much to purify party
politics.—Cleveland Citizen.
They Bought the List.
It seems that the Atlanta Journal
is sending it’s paper to subscribers of
the late Alliance Farmer in this
county, which includes some Peo
ple’s party men. Please notify the
Atlanta Journal through your
columns that the People’s party men
in Paulding county do not desire the
Atlanta Journal on any terms, at any
price, as lies and misrepresentations
are much cheaper than the subscrip
tion price of said Atlanta Journal.
The People’s party in Paulding
county is not dead by any means,
and all aspirants for office in the
county must get off the fence.
Paulding Co., Ga. Straig htout.
Alliance Christmas Tree.
To the Alliancemen of DeKalb County :
The Alliance of Redan desire to call
your attention to a grand rally of Alli
ancemen of Redan Farmers’ Alliance.
We most cordially invite you to come and
take part with us in a Picnic and Christ
mas tree on Tuesday after Christmas day,
the 27th day of December, at 10 o’clock
a. m. Come one, come all, and bring a
well filled basket, and let us have a re -
union and a good time generally, and re
joice together and strengthen ourselves
and the Alliance cause. We will have
good speakers and music for the occasion.
By order of Redan Farmers’ Alliance,
No. 749. J, B. Holland, Sec’y.
December 12, 1892.
Remember, that the price of Tom
Watson’s book, *‘Not a Revolt; It Is a
Revolution,” has been reduced to 50
cents. It goes to the getter-up of a club
of five full-paid annual subscribers.
Geo. J. Fargo,
Mure, Carpets, Rup, Mattings,
WALL ZPA-HPIELd,
Household Decorations
AND BABY CARRIAGES.
60 3 BROAD ST., A_TTGrI'STA, GA.
You are invited to call and examine my large line of CARPETS and
FURNITURE and HOUSEHOLD GOODS now being offered at ROCK
BOTTOM PRICES.
Read the list and see if there is anything you need. If you cannot call,
write for samples and prices.
Furniture, Mohair Chairs, Blacking Cases,
Carpets, Furniture Covering, Tables,
Mattings, Pillows, Bed Lounges,
Oilcloths, Feathers, Rattan Lounges,
Wall Paper, Cotton & Wool Mattresses, Lawn Settees,
Smyrna Rugs, Hair Mattresses, Iron Beds,
Oil Cloth Mats, Dusters, Secretaries,
Cocoa Mats, Gimps, Folding Beds,
Wire Mats, Fringes, China Closets,
Shades, Cocoa Matting, Mantel Tops,
Crumb Cloths, Springs, . Hat Racks,
Easels, Cradles, Cribs, Parlor Suites,
Screens, Safes, Bedroom Suites,
Lace Curtains, What-Nots, Diningroom Suites,
Portieres, Bedsteads, Buffets,
Curtain Poles, Piazza Rockers, Sideboards,
Fancy Rockers, Chairs, Mosquito Nets,
Fancy Chairs, Bureaus, Awnings and
Brackets, Washstands, Baby Carriages.
And Everything usually found in a first-class establishment of the kind.
GEORGE J. FARGO, 603 Broad street, Augusta, Georgia.
THERE IS A WIDE DIFFERENCE
between a Piano that is not right in any one essential and one
that is right in all respects, particularly in tone, touch and
durability. Viewed apart you may not notice the difference.
Buy the one lacking in essentials, and compare it with
OIANO.
and then the difference will be apparent. The strange thing
about it is this: You are sure to be asked nearly as much
for the cheaper as for the better piano. This seems incrediblo.
It is true. Why?
THE JOHIT CHURCH COMPANY,
OIJSTOIITXTA.TZ, OHIO.
GEO. R. LOMBARD & We s Tu y y t n t i .ls^iJlo ?o^w° Uth ° f “
Foundry, Machine, Boiler engines. 4 to 75 horse power.
ano gin works, BOJLE RS, 6 to 150 horee power.
.wt uvl t.V'J mops, 1 Jping, Valves, [sizes.
~~~W'k'v rt it i n grs, Saws, ]p t y»q p «11
T 4’ 1 ki,)ds of • M ” < hinery Work, new, and Re-
A:' ' pairs prompt!v Ptlendeo to,
Write us before you buy and get our prices.
T, W. RIVERS, JAMES STAPLETON,
Formerly of Rivers & Arrington. Os T. D. Stapleton &Co Spread Ga
RIVERS & STAPLETON,
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL
GROCERS AND COMMISSION MERCHANTS,
Plantation. Supplies, Tobacco, Cigars, Etc
745 BROAD STREET, AUGUSTA, GA,
Will be pleased to have our friends and the public generally call on us.
We sell everything in the Grocery line at LOWEST CASH PRICES
We handle all kinds of COUNTRY PRODUCE on commission, and wil
be pleased to serve our friends.
WHEN IN THOMSON, GO TO
H. A. BURNSIDE’S,
WHERE YOU CAN BUY ANYTHING YOU WANT.
Best Shoe Stock in Town. Dry Goods, Shoes, Hats and Notions. Also
a Select Stock of Groceries. The Best Tobacco for the Least Money.
In fact, a dollar gets a hundred cents’ worth every time. Come and
see. We will be glad to show you our stock.
H. A< BURNSIDE,
THOMSON, GEORGIA-
The Duties of Man, addressed to Work
ingmen, by Joseph Mazzini. Reprint
ed ; 12 mo., paper > 146 pp., 15 c ‘outs.
New York, London and Toronto, runls
& Wagnalls Company.
With the advance of democratic thought
the name of Joseph Mazzini, the Italian
patriot and revolutionist, grows brighter
and larger. H’s was one of the strongest
and sweetest spirits that have ever blessed
our century by their presence and coun
sel While Mazzini was an ardent pat
riot and advocate of struggling national
ities, he also believed most emphatically
in the unity of mankind, and hence be
is a moral teacher for all men. All his
writings are permeated by an unwaver
ing faith in the people and a profound
religious spirit. The most chaiacteiistio
and important of his utterances are to be
found, ! in bis essay, “ The Duties of Man,”
now reprinted by the F unk and ignalls
company, and from which hundreds of
valuable quotations may be culled and
used to advantage by the writer, speaker,
student and all others interested in that
vital topic of the times, the ethics of
labor.
MULES MULES!!
I will have a car-load of
Kentucky Mules at Thomson,
Ga., by the first of January.
Will meet prices anywhere. I
invite friends in McDuffie and
adjoining counties to call and
examine before buying else
where.
E. W. HAWES.
6