90 HISTORY OF THE WHEEL AND ALLIANCE. 



But our enemies were only preparing for a more 

 deadly encounter. Their redoubts were being strength- 

 ened and their agents busy sowing seeds of discord in the 

 ranks of our organization. Much good work, was done this 

 year. Business -agencies were established in several States. 

 In persuance of a resolution passed by the State Wheel at 

 Litchfield the previous year, the delegates chosen by that 

 body met the delegates of the Farmers' Alliance and Co- 

 operative Union, in convention at Slireveport, in October. 

 Delegates from other State Wheels were also present. The 

 Alliance plan of co-operative trade was adopted by the 

 Wheel; the Alliance degree was also conferred upon its 

 members. Decided steps were taken towards uniting the 

 two Orders. In November the National Wheel met at 

 McKenzie, Tennessee. Much important business was 

 transacted. The importance of a united effort upon the 

 part of the agricultural and laboring people was becoming 

 more apparent each day. . The fanners were suffering from 

 combinations on every 'hand. The price of their cotton 

 and other farm products was subjected to the manipulations 

 of speculators and gamblers. A resolution was passed that 

 the next annual meeting of the National Wheel be held at 

 Meridian, Mississippi, "for the purpose of meeting with 

 the Farmers' Alliance and Co-operative Union of Amer- 

 ica," with a view to consolidating the two bodies. 



The next meeting of the National Wheel was held at 

 Meridian, Mississippi, in December, 1888. The States of 

 Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Ala- 

 bama, Kentucky, Wisconsin and the Indian Territory were 

 represented. The meeting of the Farmers' Alliance occur- 

 red at the same time and place, with a full representation. 



The utmost enthusiasm prevailed at this meeting dur- 

 ing the entire session, which lasted four days. A commit- 

 tee consisting of W. S. Morgan, B. M. Nolen. and H. W. 

 Hickman, were appointed by President McCracken on the 



