IOO HISTORY OF THE WHEEL AND ALLIANCE. 



August 5th, 1884. There were present at this meeting 

 one hundred and eight delegates. On the cloud that had 

 looked so dark the year before now began to appear a 

 silver lining. The farmers were becoming aroused from 

 their lethargic indifference and were inspired with new 

 hope. In most all of their attempts to deal directly with 

 wholesale establishments and manufacturers they had met 

 with a cool reception. They began to realize how com- 

 pletely they were in the hands and power of merchants 

 and commission men. The State Alliance recommended 

 to the farmers the importance of establishing cotton yards 

 of their own with a view to act in concert and sell direct 

 to the factories. This movement was met with great 

 opposition from those who had hitherto speculated on this 

 important staple. However, they succeeded to an extent 

 that demonstrated the saving of many thousands of dollars 

 to the farmers of the State. The next meeting was held 

 at Decatur, Wise county, August 4th, 1885. J. A. Culwell 

 presided, and C. M. Wilcox was Secretary. The Order 

 had now began to assume an importance and develop a 

 strength which was surprising, even to its most enthusias- 

 tic friends. Over six hundred delegates were present and 

 the greatest enthusiasm prevailed. Co-operative trade was 

 discussed in all its relations to the interests of the faruiers. 

 Resolutions were adopted recommending to the County 

 Alliances the importance of concerted action in the sale of 

 the products of the farm, and plans devised to further 

 perfect the system of co-operative trade. Provisions were 

 also made to guard against such a large delegation, 

 restricting the counties to three delegates. The next 

 meeting of the State Alliance was at Cleburne, Johnson 

 county, August 6th, 1886. At this meeting eighty-four 

 counties were represented. The Order had met with much 

 opposition during the year, but on the whole it had 

 redounded to its benefit. The farmer was brought to see 



