HISTORY OF THE FARMERS' ALLIANCE. 



less raw material and more in manufactured articles. 



u ln our meetings and through our press we shall dis- 

 cuss and examine into the best and most approved methods 

 of farming; the preparation of the soil; planting, cultiva- 

 tion, harvesting, handling and^ marketing of crops and 

 farm and agricultural products generally; also the raising 

 of live stock, dairying, fruit growing, gardening, etc. ; 

 .and, in short, every branch of agriculture that goes to 

 make up the full line of farm life and render it pleasant 

 and profitable. 



" Through our organization we shall endeavor to fur- 

 nish facilities for and shall encourage the study of the laws 

 of business and trade, the best methods for buying and 

 selling, and the transaction of all kinds of business it may 

 be found desirable for farmers and laborers to engage in, 

 and under all circumstances shall discourage the credit 

 system. 



4 ' We propose to attend to our own business affairs in 

 our own way, and make no fight against any legitimate 

 business, but shall oppose methods found to be contrary to 

 justice and equity. 



"Believing that a strict observance and practice of 

 these teachings, principles and purposes will insure our 

 success, we submit our cause to a fair and impartial pub- 

 lic, invoking the blessings of heaven upon our undertak- 

 ing." 



In addition to the above declaration of purposes they 

 also made the following demands upon Congress: 



( l Resolved, That we, the National Farmers 1 Alliance 

 and Co-operative Union of America, in convention assem- 

 bled, advocate and indorse the following principles as in 

 accord with the sentiments and demands of the tillers ol 

 the soil: 



i. We demand, first, the recognition, by incorpora- 

 tion, of trades unions, co-operative stores, and such other 



