The Progressive Farmer

NOTES FROM MIDDLE CREEK ALLIANCE.
Mr. Editor:—I have seen nothing as yet in your paper from this section, from our Alliance. We have been in working order now since the first of September, 1887. Our lodge has increased until at this time it numbers some sixty members. We number among our brethren some of the most substantial farmers and mechanics of this section. We are situated in the midst of a fine farming country, a section capable of producing everything known to the Commissioner of Agriculture at Washington. Why then is it that for years the working men have been oppressed? The answer is, "Because of speculation and monopoly." Down then with speculators and monopolists, and up with 16 ounces to the pound and 36 inches to the yard. In other words, simple honesty, and fair dealing is our motto.
There is an old adage, and true, which says: "There is strength in unity." Let us then stand together "With hearts for every fate, still achieving, still pursuing learning to labor and to wait." "We should trust no future, however pleasant, but act in the living present heart within, and God overhead." Acting then upon this motto, we should stand ready to assist each other in all laudable undertakings. We have no disposition to make war upon any class of men. We ask only simple justice, which for years has been denied us. Self-preservation is the first law of nature, this is admitted by all men, and we predict that in years to come the builders of the Farmers' Alliance will be recognized as the faithful guardians of a country, dear alike to all professions and to all classes of men. And may the Alliances now being organized stand like beacons on a long line of coast to warn us of the dangers ahead.
The many candidates now being pressed for office in our State are worthy, without exception, and far be it from me to utter one word of detraction in regard to either of them. No one has a greater admiration for the noble sons of North Carolina than your correspondent, but all things being equal, why should not Alexander be our next Governor?
X.