THE AGRICULTURAL WHEEL. 2OI 



A resolution was passed, condemning the system of mortgaging 

 stock and growing crops ; also petitioning Congress to prohibit, 

 by statute law, the dealing in futures, and demanding that the 

 State Legislature should enact laws, "granting equal rights to 

 all, without burdening any." It was a grand meeting, and 

 showed the power and judgment that might be brought to bear 

 through an organization of farmers. 



The next meeting of the State body was held at Sulphur 

 Springs, in July, 1884. Much work of a general character was 

 done at this meeting, including an attempt to formulate some 

 plan to nationalize the movement and extend the organization into 

 other States. The subject of consolidating with the Brothers of 

 Freedom was discussed. John R. Johnson was elected president 

 of the Grand Wheel. 



The State Wheel met next at Mount Carmel, in July, 1885. 

 This proved to be a very enthusiastic meeting. Many were 

 there from other States, and a general feeling obtained that 

 great things were in store for the order. J. R. Johnson was 

 re-elected President, and R. H. Morehead, Secretary. A thor- 

 ough revision of the secret work, constitution, and by-laws was 

 made at this meeting. 



A called session of the State Wheel, for the purpose of con- 

 solidating with the Brothers of Freedom, was held at Greenbrier, 

 October 15, 1885. After considerable discussion, the two orders 

 combined, with Isaac McCracken, President, and R. H. More- 

 head, Secretary, the Brothers of Freedom patriotically consent- 

 ing to drop their name. At that time there were 462 Subordinate 

 Wheels, and about 650 organizations of the Brothers of Freedom, 

 making a joint membership of over 40,000. New constitutions, 

 by-laws, and secret work were adopted ; organizations sprang 

 up rapidly throughout the State ; and other States, becoming 

 interested, began to call for organizers also. 



The organization had now reached the danger line. Educa- 

 tion had done and was doing its perfect work. The member- 

 ship could not refrain from giving expression to their views. 

 And this resulted in the usual abuse and misrepresentation from 

 the partisan press, which had the result of advertising the order, 

 so that it prospered and increased rapidly in numbers, as a con- 

 sequence. At its next meeting, at Litchfield, in July, 1886, 



