The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-06-28
national GRANGE, wAsHrSeroS, d. c.

1t is evident to all intelligent minds that the
time has come when those engaged in rural pitr-
suits should have an organization devoted entirely
to their interests. Such it is intended to make the
Order of Patrons. 1t was instituted in 1867 its
growth is unprecedented in the history OF secret
associations, and it is acknowledged one of the
most useful and powerful organizations i'll the
United States. Its grand objects are not only
general improvement in husbandry, but to in
crease the GENERALLY happiness, wealth, and pros
perity of the country. IT is founded upon the
aNioms 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 a country depends upon the general I'M
telligence and mental culture of the producing
classes.
In the meetings of this Order all but members
are excluded, and there is in its proceedings q
symbolized ritual, pleasing, beautiful and appro-
pirate, which is designed not only to charm the
fancy but to cultivate and enlarge the mind and
purify the heart, having at the same time, strict
adaptation to rural pursuits.
The secrecy of the ritual and proceedings of
the Order have been adopted chiefly for the pur-
pose of accomplishing desired efficiency, exteil
sion, and unity, and to secure. among its mem
bers, in the internal working fy-rhe Order confi-
dence harmony, and security.
Women are admitted 10 fun membership and
we solicit the cooperation of women because Of
a conviction that without her aid success will be
less certain and decided. Much might be said i'll
this connection, but every husband and brother
knows that where lie can be accompanied by his
wife or sister no lessons will be learned but those
The Order of the Patrons of IIusbandry will
accomplish thorough systematic organization
among Farmers and Hortcultlrists throughout
the United States, and will secure among them
intimate social relations and acquaintance with
each other, for the advancement and elevation of
their pursuits, with an appreciation and protec-
ton of their true interests. BY such means may
be accomplished. that which exists throughout
the country in all other ayoeations and among
all other classes--combined cooperative associa-
ton for individual improvement and common
benefit.
Among the advantages which may be derived
procuring and disseminating, in the most expedi-
tious manner, information relative TO crops, de-
mand and supply, prices, markets, and transpor-
tation throughout the country; also for the pur-
chase and exchange OF stock, seeds, and desired
varieties OF plants and trees, and for the purpose
of procuring help at home or from abroad and
situations for persons seeking employment; also
for ascertaining and testing the merits of newly
invented farming implements and those not in
general use, and for detecting and exposing those
that are unworthy, and for protecting, by all
available means, the farming interests from fraud
and deception, and combinations OF every KIND
We ignore all political or religious discussions
in the Order; we do not solicit the patronage of
any sect, association or individual, upon any
grounds whatever except upon the intrinsic merit
iof the Order
The better to secure greater benefits 10 olr
members, we desire to establish Oranges IN
every city, town, and village in the United States
Information relative to organizing may be OBJ
t.tined by addressing the undersigned, or either
of the General Deputies
Secretary of the National Grange