THE LEAVEN OF RADICALISM 201 



a declaration of a political independence which the 

 farmers throughout the West have maintained and 

 strengthened. Each successive revolt took addi- 

 tional voters from the ranks of the old parties; and, 

 once these ties were severed, even though the wan- 

 derers might return, their allegiance could be re- 

 tained only by a due regard for their interests and 

 desires. 



