GROWTH OF THE ALLIANCE. 297 



Another purpose of the order is to strive to destroy prejudice, local, 

 national, and sectional. In the effort to accomplish this, the progress 

 of the order has been greater than the most sanguine could have hoped. 

 By their reading, thinking, and discussing, they have found the true source 

 of trouble ; and, as the light of information breaks through the dark 

 cloud of ignorance, the prejudices are disappearing. It is not only these 

 prejudices between industrial classes that have been given their death 

 wound by the Alliance, but party prejudices have, in a great measure, 

 been destroyed. Against this the Alliance has done battle from the 

 very first, and great has been its victory. Its triumph is almost com- 

 pleted. Sectionalism is dead. With it there is no longer North, South, 

 East, or West. . We are one people, with one flag and one country. The 

 famous chasm has been filled up ; the scar is hidden by the beautiful 

 white roses of peace and good will. For this all lovers of the country 

 must say, " God bless the Alliance ! " If it had done nothing more, and 

 should die now, it would be enough to make one proud to have been a 

 soldier in its ranks. 



The progress of the order in its fight against prejudices of all kinds 

 will never cease until the shattered forces of that arch-demon are driven 

 from our beautiful and beloved country. Long may its pure white ban- 

 ner of peace and good will wave over the land of Washington, Jefferson, 

 and Lincoln, and may it continue to be the champion of equal rights to 

 all, and especial privileges to none ! 



