The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-04-18
Patrons of Husbandry.


Assistant Steward.--A. s. Moss, New ork
Chaplain.-Rev. A. B. Grosh, Pennsylvania
Treasurers-wm. M. ireland, Pennsylvania
Secretary. H. Kelley, Minnesota.
Gate Keeper.-Ed p. Faris, Illinois.
NATIONAL GRANGE, WASHINGTON, d. U.
In response to numerous inquiries in regart
to the organization and objects of our Order
lied, after much labor and preparation, by Q
number of distinguished agriculturaists, of va
rious States of the Union, at Washington, In
December, 1867, and since then has met with
most encouraging success, giving assurance
that ii will soon become one of the most useful
and powerful organizations in the United
States. Its grand object is not only general
improvement in husbandry, but to increase the
general happiness, wealth and prosperity OF
the country. 1t ia founded upon the axioms
that the products of the soil comprise the basis
of all wealth that individual happiness de-
ponds upon general prosperity, and that the
wealth Of country depends upon the general
intelligence and mental culture of the produc~
ing classes. The best mode of securing diff
fusion of knowledge, with view to its appli>
cation for the increase of the products of the
soil, is, therefore, one of the most important
questions that can be propounded, and we hope
to greatly facilitate its solution by the results
that will follow the work of this organization.
All existing popular modes of creating an in
terest in agricultural and kindred pursuits,
have been carefully scanned and studied. Ag-
ricultural fairs enlist attention, and, to GER
tain extent excite competition, but it is becom
Ing matter of history that these associations
are gradually losing their influence. The nov.
city and excitement of horse-racing, and other
means still less commendable, are looked upon
as essential to their success if not to their very
existence. Clubs for mutual instruction and
friendly interchange of ideas, seem, also,
to lose their interest as soon as the
first excitement of organization is passed.
Even Fruit Growers societies, with all
enthusiasts, whose efforts are scarcely felt
by the great producing masses of the coun-
try. The incentive to the formation of these
societies, results from the recognition of the
well known principle, that unity Of action is
necessary to secure success, but to encourage
and maintain progressive success, this unity
must be made solid and permanent, not trivial
and spasmodic.
When we reflect upon the fact that certain
associations have stood the test of centuries
as, for example, the Masonic Order-we may
well pause and ask "In what does their per-
manency consist ?" We can find but one salts
factory answer to this question, and that is in
their ritual, secrecy, fraternity, and mutual
benefits. If, then, these are the efficient ele-
ments of extension, permanency and success,
why not employ them for the dissemination of
useful knowledge, and more general and
effective organization of communities engaged
in rural pursuits2 And this we propose, not
only for their benefit, but also for the increase
of national wealth and power. If these are
available accessories for the permanent organi-
cation OF Husbandmen- all other means having
failed-wby not adopt them? If secret
organization of Husbandmen, with an appro-
pirate and impressive ceremony of initiation,
will secure fraternity, unity, efficiency, disci-
pline and permanency-as the projectors of
10 nr1a holt oil initial Mt oil o.I
especially those engaged in rural pursuits, will
approve and sustain our enterprise, and extend
to the Patrons of Husbandry their unqualified
approval and support.
Women are admitted into our Order, as well
as young persons of both sexes over the age of
sixteen and eighteen respectively. In its pro-
ceedings love for rural life will be encour-
aged, the desire for excitement and amusement
SO prevalent in youth, will be gratified, instead
of being depressed not, however, in frivoities
as useless for the future as they are for the
present, but by directing attention to the
wonder-workings Of nature, and leading the
mind to enjoy and appreciate that never-endiDg
delight which follows useful studies, relating
to the animal, vegetable, and mineral king
doms.
Young men are constantly being attracted
to the cities from the country, leaving behind
them the most certain sources of comfortable
competence, for precarious competition in
channels already OVERLOOKING. There are I'M
doubtedy good and sufficient reasons for this
migratory tendency :: want of attractions for
the mind-and the absence of organization in
rural pursuits.
We solicit the cooperation of women, be-
cause of a conviction that without her aid sue
cess will be less certain and decided. Much
might be said in this connection, but every
husband and brother knows that where he can
be accompanied by his wife or sister, no les
sons will be learned but those of purity and
truth.
With regard to the modes of instruction
adopted in the Order, mention may be made OF
the reading of essays and of discussions, lec-
lures, formation of select libraries, circulation
of magazines and other publications treating
directly upon the main subjects desired, name
ly: those intoxicating the principles governing
our operations in the field, orchard and gar
den.
The novelty of this organization, and the
manner it proposes of introducing a system of
special education, has hitherto prevented the
originators from calling public attention to its
work, but the great favor with which it has
been received, prompts to holder action,
satisfied that the noble purposes to which the
Order is dedicated, will command the respect
and serious attention of all.
We ignore all political or religious discuss
sions in the Order; we do not solicit the
patronage of any sect association or individ-
ual, upon any grounds whatever, except upon
the intrinsic merits OF the Order. 1t needs nc
such patronage, and would not be what it is il
it did.
Its objects, as already indicated, are to adj
vance education, to elevate and dignity the
occupation of the farmer, and to protect III
members against the numerous combinatio
by which their interests are injuriously
affected.
There is no association that secures SO many
advantages to its members as this.
The Order of the Patrons of Husbandry will
accomplish thorough and systematic ergani
zation among farmers and horticulturists
throughout the United States, and will secure
among them intimate social relations and ac
quaintance with each other, for the advance,
ment and elevation of their pursuits, with al
appreciation and protection of their true int,
rests. BY such means may be accomplished
that which exists throughout the country il
all other avocations, and among all Other
classes-combined cooperative association 10,
individual improvement and common benefit.
In the meetings OF this Order, all but mem
bers are excluded, and there is in its proceed
ings symboized ritual, pleasing, beautiful
and appropriate, which is designed not only tt
charm the fancy, but to cultivate and enlarg,
the mind and purify the heart, having, at tn,
same time, strict adaptation to rural pursuits
1t is an Order in which all persons will fnd
innocent recreation and valuable instruction
pecuniary profit and mutual protection. 1t is
in truth, need long felt and now required
The secrecy of the ritual, and proceeding
of the Order have been adopted, chiefly, fo