The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-08-21
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE
ORANGES.

n L
The Grange system, so lately inaugurateh
in the United States, but having alreadB
grown beyond precedent in the history Of
organizations. is occupying a great part OF
the public consideration. The system is as
yet so new, that in this State, at least but
little is known of it, It is secret organi-
zation Of the producing classes, and the
first party Of its nature ever attempted in
this country. In existence in this country
but very short while, it already mum
bers its millions, and so far as we are able
to see, has as yet admitted nothing ike sec
tionalism into its organizations. This asset
tion is probably untrue to a. certain extent,
but the exception is one undoubtedly in its
favor. The Granges did not originate in
New England, nor do they meet with en-
eouragement there. Certainly a cold
shoulder turned rpon the system in.
that puritanical and cismaticdl quartet
speaks word in favor Of it, These assol
Citations number at present over FIVE thou
sand, scattered mainly throughout the
Middle, Western and Southern States, and
represent the bone and sinew of the land.
The purpose ofthe organization seems to be
the protection mainly of the farming inter
ests. The farmers, as class, have hereto
fore made no attempt to control Legislation,
and hence have, to great extent, become
the packs and beasts of burden of bond
ocracy, Office holders and political pirates.
They are opposed to grasping monopohes, /
and in favor of reduction. in tariffs,
cheaper transportation and a more. perfect /
equalization of trade; hence one OF tlle
reasons Why it meets with earnest oppo-
sition in Now England, where there
is this greatest concentration of such forces.
The Oranges of Kansas inthcit lateeeAven-
tion, in expressing themselves upon railroads
say: 1T is the duty of the Legislature, under
the constitution, to provide for uniform and
equal rate of assessment and taxation, and
VIC call upon the legislature to assess rail
roads as farms are assessed, according to
value, regardless of income. p Again they
say: SIN view Of the fact that e great por-
tionof the people of our State who labor the
hardest are unable to pay taxes, which have
become burden grieyous to be borne, we
are in favor of the strict, honest and econo-
mical administration of our national and
State governments, and of a reduction of
the salaries and fees of all National, State
and county oficers.n ....,..,''-. =, ~ - pa
We suppose Oranges will be organized in
this State, as elsewhere, though there isnot
that necessity for their existence here as
seems to be the case in other portions Of the
country, where high taxes and other causes
produce them. There care, of course,
dangers consequent upon the movement.
Though it is the aim to correct many fla
grant abuses, designing and dangerous men
will use all their efforts to gain influence
within the organization to further their am
bition and aims Political spectators and
habitual office-seekers Will do all in. their
power to insinuate themselves into the con-
fdence of the Oranges but if in earnest and
working really for the good and advance
ment of the country, these men win
be thrown aside. # intelligence and
reason control them itnis most posi-
BILE that much good can be effected
through the organization, but there
is certainly danger Of the reverse. It is
proposed to exert more determinate inau-
ence over federal legislation, and conse-
quently the headquarters of the organiza-
ton are to be Immediately removed to
Washington City, where this influence can
be more readily exerted, and more perfect
Of the organization maintained.
The Oranges are already very powerful and
we hope to see beneficial results brought
about through their influence. 5ae