52 HISTORY OF THE WHEEL AND ALLIANCE. 



"But how did all this come about? To tell all would 

 require much space. It is a long story, and, in many of 

 its aspects, as discreditable, to some of the parties con- 

 cerned, as it is long." 



But it is useless to continue to multiply evidence of 

 the sad and deplorable condition of the American laborer. 

 It might be continued indefinitely, but it seems so apparent 

 and "plain that a wayfaring man, though a fool, cannot 

 err therein. ' ' In vain has the farmer pleaded ; in vain has 

 he sought that relief which his common sense convinces 

 him he is justly entitled to. He has been put off, on one 

 pretense and another until u forbearance has ceased to be a 

 virtue;" and having learned, to his sorrow, that in combi- 

 nation there is strength, he is seeking through a counter 

 combination of his fellow laborers to consummate that 

 which he knows can never be accomplished in any other 

 manner. Their appeals to the Legislatures and to the 

 Courts have been met with the corrupt use of the money 

 of corporations. The farmers are calling a halt. Hereto- 

 fore they have asked for that which they should have had 

 without the asking. It is a peculiar condition of affairs 

 that the most important class of society the producers 

 have received less consideration at the hands of the 

 Legislative and Judicial departments of the government 

 than any other. u They have asked for a fish and been 

 given a serpent, for bread and been given a stone. " u Woe 

 unto him that buildeth a city in blood!" u Whosoever 

 soweth to the wind shall reap the whirlwind." The 

 prayers of the oppressed have l ( entered into the ears of the 

 Lord of Sabbaoth." The farmer and the laborer are 

 marching on to victory. A great general was once asked 

 why he did not at once move upon the enemy. He 

 answered: "I am organizing for victory." The farmers 

 and laborers of the United States are "organizing for 

 victory." They are preparing to move upon the enemy. 



