The purpose of this alliance was political, and as its stronghold was Kansas, the contest began in that state in 1890.  At a convention of Alliance men and Knights of Labor, a “People’s Party” was formed, which elected a majority of the state legislature.  Five out of seven Congressmen were secured, and one United States senator.  Before Congress met (in December, 1891), another member of the House was elected elsewhere, and three more senators.  The support of fifty other representatives was claimed.  Greatly elated over this important footing, the Alliance men marked out a plan for congressional legislation.  They demanded

1.  A bill for the free and unlimited coinage of silver.

2.  The subtreasury scheme.

3.  A Land Mortgage Bill.

%551.  The Subtreasury Plan of the Alliance Party.%—­The idea at the base of these demands was that the amount of money in circulation must be increased, and loaned to the people without the aid of banks or capitalists.  It was proposed, therefore, that the government should establish a number of subtreasury or money-loaning stations in each state, at which the farmers could borrow money from the government (at two per cent interest), giving as security non-perishable farm produce.

%552.  The Land Mortgage Scheme% provided that any owner of from 10 to 320 acres of land, at least half of which was under cultivation, might borrow from the government treasury notes equal to half the assessed value of the land and buildings.

%553.  The People’s Party organized.%—­That either of the old parties would further such schemes was far from likely.  A cry was therefore raised by the most ardent Alliance men for a third party, and at a conference of Alliance and Labor leaders in May, 1891, a new national party was founded, and named “The People’s Party of the United States of America.”

%554.  Party Candidates in 1892.%—­When the campaign opened in 1892 there were thus four parties in the field.  The People’s party nominated James B. Weaver and James G. Field.  The platform called for

1.  The free and unlimited coinage of silver and gold at the ratio of 16 to 1.

2.  A graduated income tax.

3.  Government ownership of railroads, telegraphs, and telephones.

4.  The restriction of immigration.

5.  A national currency to be loaned to the people at two per cent interest per annum, secured by land or produce.

6.  All land held by aliens, or by railroads in excess of their actual needs, to be reclaimed and held for actual settlers.

The Prohibitionists nominated John Bidwell and J. B. Cranfill, and declared “anew for the entire suppression of the manufacture, sale, importation, exportation, and transportation of alcoholic liquors as a beverage.”