92 HISTORY OF THE WHEEL AND ALLIANCE. 



zation. From this organization the Order gradually spread 

 through Parker and adjoining counties. In a short time 

 twelve Sub-Alliances met at Central, in Parker county, and 

 organized a State Alliance. Several meetings of this 

 body were held during the year 1879, but the work of 

 perfecting a new constitution and ritual was not completed 

 until the close of the following year. Like all new 

 organizations, but little interest was manifested in the 

 Order by the public during the early stages of its exist- 

 ence. But strong, true-hearted and brave men nobly 

 battled for the principles it set forth. They were deeply 

 impressed with its importance and determined to impress 

 their convictions upon the minds of their brother farmers. 

 For years they had borne burdens and impositions, which 

 had taxed their patience to the utmost extent, and from 

 which they were determined to free themselves. It is 

 useless to recount their grievances, as they have already 

 been recorded in another part of this volume. Individual 

 effort could accomplish nothing. Organization was their 

 only relief. It was a noble effort, these few men battling 

 against such fearful odds. But a spirit of unrest was per- 

 vading the whole agricultural community. The yoke of 

 bondage was becoming more galling every day. The 

 Order at first grew slowly, but its growth was of a charac- 

 ter that gave it strength and respectability. The following 

 declaration of purposes indicate the principles upon which 

 the Order rests: 



1. To labor for the education of the agricultural 

 classes, in the science of economical government, in a 

 strictly non-partisan spirit. 



2. To indorse the motto, u in things essential, unity ; 

 and, in all things charity." 



3. To develop a better state, mentally, morally, 

 socially and financially. 



