114 HISTORY OF THE WHEEL AND ALLIANCE. 



were represented by delegates. Mr. N. E. Reed, of 

 Huron, was chosen Chairman and W. F. Eastman, editor 

 of the Dakota Farmer, Secretary. After adopting a ser- 

 ies of resolutions, the meeting adjourned, to meet in Hu- 

 ron, February 4th, 1885. 



At this meeting a Territorial organization was per- 

 fected. The following officers were elected. President, 

 J. L,. Carlisle; Vice-President, S. R. Montague; Secre- 

 tary, W. F. T. Bushnell; Treasurer, A. D. Chase. The 

 work of organizing local Alliances went on rapidly and 

 the growth has been constant and healthy. 



At the beginning of the year 1890, there had been 

 upwards of 900 Alliances organized in both Dakotas, the 

 membership ranging from seven to one hundred and more. 

 The year 1890 has witnessed a remarkable revival in Al- 

 liance work in Dakota. The oppressions of monopoly 

 and the extortions of trusts have aroused the people to the 

 necessity of united action. 



The prospect of an early union with the great Na- 

 tional Alliance and Industrial Union has had a beneficial 

 influence. The Dakota Farmers' Alliance has saved 

 many thousands of dollars to the members. They have 

 attempted several lines of business with a marked degree 

 of success. They have a corporate company with an al- 

 lowed capital of $200,000. They are handling nearly all 

 kinds of farm machinery, twine and coal. They have 

 made a marked impression on the price of these articles. 

 They have organized insurance companies, and are now 

 carrying fire, hail and life insurance risks. The reputa- 

 tion of their insurance companies is second to none in 

 the State. The losses have always been promptly paid 

 and their adjustments given such entire satisfaction that 

 they have never yet been obliged to resort to litigation. 

 Their plan of insurance has been indorsed by the National 

 Farmers' Alliance and Industrial Union, and it is ex- 



