Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1873-09-20
WHAT Is A GRANGEi p
Something Our Farmers Want 70 Know

We have not seen nor heard any
thing that better explains the subject
of Oranges than this taken from the
Field and Factory, and we are sure it
will be read with interest by farmers
everywhere as explicitly setting forth
their objects and aims: L. "a
IA Grange is an organization of far
naers, with their wives, daughters and
sons, intended to enlighten and elevate
them and better qualify them for their
God-given vocation 1t aims to bring
about these objects by association. 1T
unites those of the same calling into
one grand brotherhood for the protec-
ton of all.
1t establishes in every neighborhood
alecture room, which is Grange itself,
in which the most important truths are
unfolded and discussed. It dissent
mates valuable information, that all
may be benefited; it receives knowl-
edge as well as dispenses il. aa
1t is an intellectual institution, for it
calls for an exercise of mind it brings
mind in contact with mind, and by
contact and friction all are frightened
and Illuminated
1t draws outlatent talent, and makes
active and tangible what has been be-
fore unseen and dormant.
1t demonstrates the fact that as rich
harvests are developed by brain cul-
ture as by soil culture
The Grange is social institution; it
makes one grand brotherhood and sis
terhood. 1t unites by the strongest
ties those who have before been stran-
gers; it heals up the wounds of the I'M
fortunate it administers comfort TO
the sick, and alleyiates suffering and
distress. 1t is "a husband to the wild
ow and father to the fatherless. 1t
makes every neighborhood as if it were
one kind and affectionate family.
The Grange is also financial insti-
tuition. 1t seeks to obtain for its men,
bers the best market for its products !;
If looks to the interests of all; it cuts
the Gordian Knot that bound the agri-
culturists to the extorti0ners and spec
ulatOrs who have absorbed the chief
profits of their labor. 1t buys the nee
essaries of life where they can be had
the cheapest and best; it brings about
the cash system of dealing; it throws
its protecting arms Overland around all,
and will aim to make them more indie
pendent.
And believing this organization to
be the best yet devised for the protec-
ton of the farmers, we will, as hereto
fore, labor diligently and faithfully to
effect its objects. We will encourage
its growth, because we are satisfied its
tendency is for the welfare, dignity and
elevation of the producing classes"
If the farmers mean to do any thing
they will not act upon honeyed sug-.
cushions of the Judges and Colonies
around the Court-houses. The first
requisite to success in securing reform
in the State and National Government
is the smashing" of the small rings
about the county towns. There are
enough men of character and intelli-
gence whose honesty can not be ques-
toned, to fill all the offices to be filled
in each county. Let them be called
out and asked to serve the public in
terests by accepting office. The stars
would not fall, and the sun would not
be darkened, if the tribe of place
hunters in every county should be
quietly retired by vote of the people.
The existence of the universe does not
depend upon them--iS Louis Repub-
ttcdR. q.