CHAPTER III. 



HISTORY OF THE ALLIANCE IN TEXAS. 



HAPPILY for those who may desire an authentic history of 

 the early days of the Alliance, I have been so fortunate as to 

 obtain possession of the original record books of the State Sec- 

 retary, dating from December 27, 1879, to February 5, 1884, 

 containing full and complete data concerning those early times. 

 It is a matter of pleasure as well as of curiosity to note the 

 incipient efforts made, seemingly with but little forethought, 

 that have finally culminated in the grand movement for agri- 

 cultural reform, that is to-day the wonder of the age, and the 

 admiration of all who labor in production. 



Shakespeare says : -r- 



" There's a divinity that shapes our ends, 

 Rough-hew them how we will." 



In contemplating the inception, the first failure, the second 

 attempt, the trials, repulses, dismal prospects, and final triumphs 

 of the Alliance, all must admit that the hand of Omnipotence 

 can be clearly discerned. No cause unaided by God could have 

 withstood the mistakes, bad management, vicious foes, and trai- 

 torous friends, and come out purified, stronger, and better for the 

 ordeal, as has the Alliance. Whatever its future may be, what- 

 ever may be the results of its teachings, those of the present, as 

 well as those who are to come after us, are and will be inter- 

 ested in its early history and methods. 



The record that lies before me states that " The Grand State 

 Alliance met at Central, December 27, 1879. President J. N. 

 Montgomery called the house to order, and declared the body 

 ready for business." No further minutes of this meeting are 

 recorded. Immediately follows the statement that the Grand 

 State AMiance met at Poolville, January 10, 1880; at New Hope 

 Church, January 24; at Central, February 21 ; at Shiloah, March 

 1 3;, at Shiloah, April 10. The next meeting was at Jasper 



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