THE ALLIANCE IN TEXAS. 35 



" contributing members of any Alliance the right to vote in electing members 

 in any Alliance, but no other vote as visiting members." 



This proved a wise measure. Brother A. B. Woodward was 

 appointed general lecturer at large for Northern Texas, for the 

 purpose of extending the work in that direction. 



One of the early members, writing of this meeting, says : 



" From its inception, women were admitted as members of the Alliance. 

 As it grew in numbers, the social feature became a strong bond of union. In 

 order to preserve this, without even a pretext of disapproval, the Alliance at 

 this meeting inserted an amendment in its constitution, restricting its mem- 

 bership to white persons only. The wisdom of this measure is now admitted 

 by all, both white and colored." 



Heretofore the secret work of the Alliance had consisted of 

 three degrees and three obligations. It was deemed by this 

 body impracticable with a farmers' organization to make any 

 distinction between members ; that the work should be so sim- 

 plified that the humblest members of any and all Sub- Alliances 

 could enter the meetings of any County or State Alliance, and 

 participate in the enjoyments and benefits to be derived from 

 these meetings ; therefore a committee was appointed to com- 

 bine the three degrees and three obligations into one, placing 

 all members upon an equal basis ; which was reported and 

 adopted by this meeting, and the work thus simplified remains 

 to this day, admitting any member to the meetings of the State 

 or National Alliances. Thus the Farmers' Alliance became the 

 first secret order having no privileged classes, controlled by 

 different degrees of advancement ; but any of its members can 

 enter even its national meetings, and have a voice in their 

 deliberations. 



The Ritral Citizen of Jacksboro was adopted as the official 

 organ. That was probably the first official organ of the order. 

 Also, on motion, Brothers Dunlap and Wilcox were appointed a 

 committee to confer with the State Grange in regard to the sale 

 of cotton. Here was doubtless the germ of the system of the 

 State business agents, ao prevalent at the present time. By 

 resolution, the presiding officer of each Alliance was to be 

 addressed as "President," and the word " Alliance" substituted 

 for "Lodge." Arrangements were made for a more perfect 



