The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-07-08
The Patrons of IIusbandry.

The Patrons of Husbandry.
Our readers have been kept informed Of
the plans, purposes and progress of this
new and growing society during the past
three years. We have looked upon it with
entire confidence and favor from the start,
and time has but strengthened our eonvic-
ton that it is destined to succeed
grandly, and to be largely productive Of
good. The assaults recently made upon
it in certain quarters are mainly due to
profound ignorance of its aims and man
agement.
The abuses which it was designed to
remedy, also, resent its powerful and eff
fectiye blows. Monopolists, Insurers, and
the whole brood Of social pirates who
prey upon Industry, unite with played-out
political hacks in all parties to denounce
this rising sun Of a new day for the labor
ing millions, who till the soil or labor in
mine and workshop and so we hear the
cry that "the Oranges are only new
political party in Disguise. ;"
The order was founded by William
Saunders, superintendent Of the experi-
mental garden at Washington, in 1867.
Mr.. Saunders is one Of the most thoroughly
educated and practically skilled horticul-
turists in the world. With thorough
knowledge of his speciality he unites large
and profound general culture. AS a
thinker and worker he ranks high among
the great men Of his age. lie impresses
all who know him by his genuine man
hood, his simplicity, earnostness, and
enthusiasm. No man living is
less capable Of concealed or double
purpose. He saw that thorough and
vitalizng organization was needed by
farmers. He conceived the idea of a So
cIety combining the advantages of the
various secret organizations with just
enough of ritual to be attractive, and sufli-
Gent secrecy to be effective. He prepared
the ritual, infusng into it grace, beauty,
and use, in fairproportions, and..sent it forth
on its noble mission.
We were permitted to examine the Wit
ual and plan of organization before its
PRONUNCIATION. We know, therefore, the
spirit in which it originated. Its author
saw the impositions to which farmers and
fruit-growers were subjected in purchasing
seeds, plants, fertilizers, tools and ma
chinery Of all kinds. He comprehended
the enormous losses endured from the
exactions of greedy middlemen, and the
helpless dependence of the farmer upon
the buyer Of his products. He saw the
need Of cooperation in buying and selling,
and still more of a closer social union,
which should lend charm to the noblest
pursuit followed by man, but which has
been degraded by ignorance and by
shallow-brained upstairs and lilly-fingred
fools who despise toll. ~-----
The new order was designed, therefore
to bring men and women engaged in agri
culture and horticulture into pleasant socia
companionship, inspire them with new
ardor to learn the beautiful secrets Of ma.
ture, provide the opportunities as well as
stimulus to culture, and thus exalt and
dignity noble pursuit.
Designed for this beneiicient purpose, i
has slowly spread till it has become
poaoer in the land. It's good seed found
welcome first in the west, where a societ
freed from the slavery Of tradition, give
life and scope to new ideas. Thence it ha
gained mainly southwark. 1t has n
existence in New England, and is br
feebly represented in the Middle State.
1t seems likelyto enter Virginia from I'll
Carolnas, where it has already attaine
much strength. Mr.. Saunders and fe'
friends Of the order stood by it in its day
of weakness with heroic faith and tenacit
of purpose. At great sacrifices Of tim,
labor and money they have brought Il fro,
feebleness to strength. ~
destinations have been thrown Out tbat II,
central organization at Washington ";
gaining at the expense of the local grange
1t is proper to state that no officer of ii
National Grange receives or eve has r.
celyed a dollar Of compensation, exec
the Secretary, who gets two thousand dc
lars year. -
No funds are collected beyond the pres
ing needs of the order. For n long tin
a few generous men like Mr.. Sande
worked and furnished money besides. |
earnest has Mr.. Saunders been to keen