THE FARMERS* ALLIANCE 121 



The resolutions adopted by the National Alli- 

 ance in 1887 show that the political purposes of the 

 order had become considerably more comprehen- 

 sive than they were when it was getting under way 

 in 1881. First place was now given to a plank 

 favoring the free coinage of silver and the issuance 

 of "all paper money direct to the people." The 

 demand for railroad regulation was accompanied 

 by a statement that "the ultimate solution of the 

 transportation problem may be found in the owner- 

 ship and operation oy the Government of one or 

 more transcontinental lines"; and the immediate 

 acquisition of the Union Pacific, then in finan- 

 cial difficulties, was suggested. Other resolutions 

 called for government ownership and operation of 

 the telegraph, improvement of waterways, restric- 

 tion of the liquor traffic, industrial education in the 

 public schools, restoration of agricultural colleges 

 "to the high purpose of their creation," and popu- 

 lar election of Senators. The national body does 

 not appear to have attempted, at this time, to force 

 its platform upon candidates for office; but it urged 

 "farmers throughout the country to aid in the work 

 of immediate organization, that we may act in con- 

 cert for our own and the common good." 



The culmination of this general movement for 



