1 8 AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS. 



all save the president. Their peculiar functions have been for- 

 gotten. 



This Grand State Alliance held another meeting, in 1879, 

 which proved to be the last. This body adopted a declaration 

 of principles, which forms the basis of those upon which the 

 Alliance stands to-day. It adopted a constitution which con- 

 formed to the times, and the three degrees of the order. Had 

 it not been for an unwillingness on the part of the members to 

 wait the results of education, it might have prospered instead of 

 being a failure. Politics was permitted to creep in, and the usual 

 disaster followed. The Greenback campaign of 1876 started a 

 movement in Texas which culminated in 1878. Our pioneer 

 brethren mistook the dangers of agitation for the real fruits of 

 education, and some of them cast their lot with that reform 

 movement. This made bitter dissensions in the order, and led 

 to its immediate destruction. These brethren were actuated 

 by right motives, but their methods were unfortunate. As soon 

 as their determination to enter politics was known, the domi- 

 nant party took effective measures to crush the life out of the 

 movement. This disaster has served a good purpose, as a warn- 

 ing to the present organization. 



There are many incidents that might be given, in relation to 

 this initial movement, that would no doubt be interesting, but' 

 space will not permit their relation. Suffice it to say, that these 

 pioneer brethren were honest, earnest, and brave ; that they laid 

 the foundation upon which the present grand superstructure has 

 been built. This first effort was necessary, and no doubt its 

 failure was a blessing in disguise. When the final triumph of 

 ultimate truth shall be proclaimed throughout the land, no one 

 will refuse to render to these brethren the full meed of praise to 

 which they are so justly entitled. 



In the spring of 1879, W. T. Baggett, a member of one of the 

 first alliances in Coryell County, moved into Parker County, 

 taking with him some of the printed matter connected with 

 these organizations. He began teaching school at Poolville, and 

 also to discuss matters relating to the Alliance in the section 

 from which he came. The failure in Lampasas County, and 

 the political tendency of the order, made it very difficult to do 

 anything in the way of organization. Finally, in connection 



