86 HISTORY OF THE WHEEL AND ALLIANCE. 



that State, January ntli 1887, with seventeen charter 

 members. This number soon increased to over forty. 

 The growth of the Order in this State has been rather 

 slow on account of a want of efficient organizers. The 

 organization, however, is reported to be in a thriving con- 

 dition and rapidly spreading. No State Wheel has yet 

 been organized, and but little done in the way of co-oper- 

 ation. 



THE NATIONAL WHEEL. 



Early in 1885, the propriety of the organization of a 

 National Wheel was freely discussed. It was not, how- 

 ever, until July, 1886, at lyitchfield, Jackson county r Ar- 

 kansas, that the organization was accomplished. The 

 States of Tennessee, Kentucky and Arkansas were repre- 

 sented by regularly authorized delegates to this meeting. 

 Members of the Order from other States were present and 

 encouraged the organization. A Constitution and By-L,aws 

 was adopted and ratified by the State Wheel of Arkansas, 

 which was in session at the same time and place. At this 

 meeting the question of eligibility of the colored race 

 came very near proving disastrous to the organization. 

 But cool heads and wise counsels prevailed and it was pro- 

 vided that the colored people have separate organizations. 

 The Wheel was now assuming proportions that would en- 

 able it to reach out and grasp opportunities which it had 

 hitherto been unable to do. The prospects for the future 

 were growing more encouraging. A new impetus was 

 given to its growth. The wisdom of a National organiza- 

 tion was proven by the rapid strides of progress which fol- 

 lowed. Hon. Isaac McCracken was elected President of 

 the National body; A. B. Gardner, Secretary-Treas- 

 urer, and Isom P. I^angley, Lecturer. Within twelve 

 months from the organization of the National 

 Wheel the States of Missouri, Mississippi, Alabama, 

 Texas and the Indian Territory were chartered 



