Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1873-09-11
Address of the Executive Com
mittee of the State Grange
&c WiaoonaiD
The Object of the Order the Gen.
eraI Advancement Of the Ag-
ricultUral Classes.
The Farmer May Vote as He Chooses
Individually, but Politics Do Not
Enter Into the Organization,


WATERTowH, WIS, Aug. 27.-The
address of the Executive Committee
Of the State Grange Of Wisconsin,
and the Master Of the subordinate
oranges of the State together assem-
bed, ia as follows:
Developed by the exigeneies of
tire times, various organizations have
grown up Of late among the farmers
Of the country, partaking mostly of
o reformatory political character,
and looking forward to political ac>
tions as the means Of accomplishing
desired results Along with them
there seems to be tendency by the
public at large TO confound the or
der known as the Patrons of Hus-
bandry, the formation, objects, and
designs Of which are an essentially
different character. We also appre-
bend that from q want of proper and
correct information, or from hope
Of accomplishing their ends, design
ing persons may seek admission
within the order, with the intent of
endeavoring to commit the organiza-
ton 70 some line of political action
For the purpose Of correcting public
opinion and to prevent any miscon-
ception as TO the real objects and
purposes of the order; also to warn
the class of persons alluded to, or
thereby save the order a great deal
of VeXation and trouble, we deem it
advisable at this time TO make the
following statement TO our fellow Cit
izons Of Wis: The order was start.
ed in 1867, with the special objects
IN view of elovating farmers as a
class, and farming as an occupation.
The form of organization provides
for the admission Of both sexes To
membership, aud was designed as
medium for more social intercourse
to provide n refuge from overwork
TO relieve the occupation from the
feature Of constant ard unintermit-
ting toll, thus creating within the
sphere Of action of farming life much
needed sources of rational, Vecrea~
tive enjoyment. 1t was designed
with view to general educational
and instructive purposes, by esLab-
ilshing within the grange reading
rooms and libraries, and for the de-
livery of popular lectures IL was
designed as medium for frequent
consultations and discussions upon
matters pertaining to tho occupation
i.s members We're engaged in, and
upon all business relations connected
with it, thus aflording opportunities
Tor the same united action, commer-
cially, constantly practiced by other
occupations, and which had not here.
tofore been taken advantage of by
the craft, st the same time correct
ing the abuses of an exclusive terri
torial agency system, which has
grown into proportions felt TO be OPP
pressive. These were some of the
meansscontemplated by the provi-
SONS of the organization to help tho
farmers, as q class, TO work their
way 10 position at least upon
level with others, if il did not win
the lead. Ii is believed that no fra
ternal organization occupies q situa>
tlon so comprehensive in its scope or
offers such material benefit TO its
members. With elevated social or
educational features it combines that
OF business cooperation, the grow
ing extent and magnitude of which,
as now indicated, no adequate con-
ccption has heretofore been enters
tanned. What field for benificent
human effort here presents itself TO
view. But, sustained by the fratern-
al and business features of the order,
1t Is TO it's provisions for permanency
that We must look with hope for ul-
innate success in elevating the craft.
obviously, to accomplish the objects
OF the order, permanoncy was indis-
pensable To secure this, the only
elements which might lead to intern.
al discussions, and consequent disins
Legration, were specially provided
against by the founders Of the order
IN the restrictive provision of article
Il OF the Constitution, to-wit: Gre
ligious or political questions will not