136 AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS. 



by the entire brotherhood from the National Economist. This 

 paper, under the guidance of Brother C. W. Macune, exerted a 

 wide-spread influence for good throughout the entire nation, 

 and demonstrated the fact that reform papers, in order to obtain 

 and retain a standing among intelligent people, must take a dig- 

 nified, conservative position. Education being the foundation 

 stone of the order, everything possible was done to make prog- 

 ress in that direction. Newspapers, pamphlets, tracts, etc., 

 were sent out in great numbers, and eagerly read by the breth- 

 ren. The new principle of government loans direct to the peo- 

 ple was thoroughly and intelligently discussed. The result has 

 demonstrated the fact that the people, as a rule, are willing to 

 learn the truth, and when once learned, are quite apt to act 

 accordingly. This wave of education on economic questions 

 spread with great rapidity, and its effects have been truly won- 

 derful. The Sub-Alliances, through the discussion of financial 

 and other matters, have brought men and women to public 

 notice who are destined to fill important positions in the future 

 conduct of this nation. The reform press is filled with letters 

 from members of these subordinate Alliances, which are not only 

 sound in principle, but full of good sense and practical ideas. 

 Men and methods are no longer taken for granted, but must 

 first pass through the ordeal of a thorough analysis in the Alli- 

 ance. By this means, the trickster is discovered, the demagogue 

 exposed, and the scoundrel avoided. 



During the entire year, nothing but educational methods were 

 considered. Every point in this regard was strengthened, and all 

 undertakings encouraged. The national officers were continually 

 at work endeavoring to show the people the necessity of under- 

 standing their own situation. The result was highly satisfac- 

 tory to all concerned. The order grew rapidly during the year, 

 in numbers and importance. It became more unified and accus- 

 tomed to the methods and usages of organization. The necessity 

 for united action became more apparent each day, and a general 

 desire to work harmoniously for the good of all seemed to per- 

 vade the entire order. The success at the elections disclosed 

 the power of united action, and gave universal encouragement. 



The year began with a large organization, with untried ma- 

 chinery, considerable differences of opinion, and in some cases 



