38 AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS. 



of each County Alliance, and he shall report the same to the secretary of each 

 Sub-Alliance in his county." 



Bonds of treasurer fixed at $500. Rules were adopted to 

 ascertain the efficiency of each lecturer, and regulating their 

 commissions. This meeting, though small, did some good work, 

 and made arrangements to recover lost ground. 



The next meeting was held at Chico, Wise County, February 

 5, 1884, President W. L. Garvin presiding. Previous to this 

 meeting the condition of the Alliance became alarming to the 

 friends of the order, and vigorous means were used to bring 

 about a reaction. Brother S. O. Daws was sent into the field 

 as a travelling lecturer. His work proved a success, so that 

 delegates from more than fifty Sub-Alliances took part in the 

 meeting. As the " Trade Store " system was proving a failure, 

 and for the purpose of encouraging co-operation in trade, the 

 following resolution was passed : 



" That we encourage the formation of joint stock companies in Sub and 

 County Alliances for the purpose of trade and for the personal benefit of^nem- 

 bers financially." 



The president and secretary were allowed $10.50 for postage, 

 etc. Brother Daws was continued as travelling lecturer, at $50 

 per month. The secretary was required to give a bond for $200. 

 Meeting adjourned to meet at Weatherford, August 5, 1884. 

 This meeting was rather a disappointment to the brethren, and a 

 strong desire was manifested to push the work more thoroughly, 

 which was done. 



The next meeting of the Grand State Alliance was held at 

 Weatherford, Parker County, August 5, 1884, President W. L. 

 Garvin presiding. The good work of the previous six months 

 was plainly seen, and the brethren were much encouraged. Over 

 one hundred and eighty delegates were present, and the best of 

 feeling prevailed. It was evident to all present that the Alli- 

 ance was once more on the up grade. It looked as though the 

 farmers of Texas had at last decided to give the Alliance a trial. 

 Many new faces were seen at the meeting, and more than ordi- 

 nary interest was manifested. Several amendments to the con- 

 stitution were made, and the secret work was amended in a few 

 minor particulars. The system of Alliance trade stores, or agen- 



