HISTORY OF THE FARMERS' ALLIANCE. 145 



Agricultural Wheel, which was holding its annual 

 National meeting at Meridian, at the same time. An 

 account of the consolidation is given in another chapter. 

 As the great event of this meeting was the consolidation 

 of the two bodies, the business which they transacted was 

 necessarily limited. Steps were taken with a view to 

 establishing a plan by which the cotton raisers could con- 

 trol the sale of their cotton. C. W. Macune was re-elected 

 President, and steps were taken to carry out the plan of 

 consolidation. Thus the organization had grown from 

 the single Sub- Alliance at Poolville, in 1879, to its present 

 magnificent proportions, representing thirteen States and 

 almost a million members. Of the grand work which it 

 had accomplished it is almost impossible to make any- 

 thing like an accurate estimate. 



Co-operation is the distinctive feature of the Farmers' 

 Alliance. The objects are fully and clearly set forth in 

 the Declaration of Purposes. Its principles are founded 

 upon equity and justice. It has entered the conflict 

 against monopoly, and on its banners is inscribed its 

 motto: "In things essential, unity; in all things, 

 charity." It can not afford to turn back. It is in the 

 fight. Its position is exposed. The enemy's guns are 

 turned upon every vulnerable point. It will not do to 

 stand still. Nothing but an aggressive warfare will win. 

 Monopoly and privileged classes are intrenched behind 

 fortifications which the farmers have builded for them. 

 The fight on the one side is waged to retain the privilege 

 to rob and plunder; on the other hand, it is made to 

 regain constitutional rights. The fight on the part of the 

 farmer is being made, not only for himself but for genera- 

 tions yet unborn. It is a fight for liberty, equality and a 

 just reward for his labor. To lose is to be dependent, 

 poor and miserable. To win is to be free, comfortable 

 and happy. To banish monopoly of every description is 



