SOME farmers' organizations. 291 



the doors, and proceed with the discussion of what really 

 interested those present. The Farmers' Alliance has been, and 

 should continue to be, a very useful body. It has manifested 

 far more energy than the Grange has of late years, resembling 

 the Grange in its early days, when it was marching from one 

 victory to another. Its tendency must be to lose some of its 

 effective force as its members become more familiar with the 

 difficulties attending some of the subjects with which it deals. 

 It has created a national party, to which most of its members 

 probably belong. It has, however, lost its initial enthusiasm, 

 which it can never regain. Its membersliip has fallen off, just 

 as that of the Grange fell off, after its first flush of success. In 

 the case of the Alliance there was the additional disadvantage 

 of its dealings whh. practical politics, which will, and should 

 destroy any secret society. It is probable that this is now 

 disappearing from the meetings of the Alliances. But where 

 it has a hold, its organization should be maintained. While I 

 am unable to accept all the economic theories of the Alliance, 

 I fully recognize the value of the social and educational work 

 w^hich it has done, and may do, and have no fear of the outcome 

 of discussion. If the more radical doctrines of the Farmers' 

 Alliance are right, we shall all of us, in the end, become con- 

 vinced. If they are wrong, they will, in the end, be aban- 

 doned by those who now hold them. The educational and 

 social w^ork of the Alliance is identical with that of the Grange. 

 Its opportunities for useful influence in local affairs are also 

 the same as those of tiie Grange, and are as certain to be wisely 

 used. If its membership can become satisfied to exert their 

 political influence wholly through other channels, its doors 

 will become open to those who differ with the majority of the 

 members upon some things, which is the best thing which 

 could happen. In most matters the Grange and the Alliance 

 can heartily work together, and exert their combined influence 

 for the welfare of husbandry. When farmers have organized, 

 they should never let go their organization. 



Farmers' clubs are later forms of organization, differing 

 from the ritualistic societies in that their meetings are open, 

 and tha.t no particular stress is laid upon the principle of 



