The Grange advance., 1873-12-31

Address before the Goodhue County
Council, held at Red Wing, Dec. 26th,
1873, by E. J. HOdgsOn.
Ladies and gentlemen Of the Goodhue
County Council:
You have assembled here to-day to delib
importance-not only to yourselves, but
also to those whom you here represent, and
who have entrusted their interests in your
hands.
In all ages of the world Of which history
takes note, men have been in the habit Of
meeti ng in council to consider and deliber
ate upon the great questions Of the day.
The Wittegamote. the Parliament, the Land
tag, the Reichstadt, the Congress, are but
great councils for deliberation upon ques-
tions Of public interest, and to determine
the proper course Of procedure.
The question before us at this hour for
discussion is: What are the means neces-
sary to success in attempting to correct
abuses, and make farming as successful as
other occupations. | answer first
HIGH STANDARD oE INTELLIGENCE.
Intelligence is the only basis Of all effect
ual union and combination. In my judg-
ment it is the NEST essential element in the
success Of the present movement. We must
thoroughly investigate and study the great
questions upon which we are going to act,
or we had far better not act all. Unless
our efforts are guided and governed by that
sound discretion which results from study,
and investigation, they will be unavailing,
or at least as liable to injure as to profit US.
We shall be simply sowing to the wind and
reaping the whirlwind. We shall be for
ever pursuing phantoms and shadows until
we are led into the bogs and sloughs of
hopeless failure, or until we are caught in
the nets spread for US by more intelligent
and more crafty men. 1t is already said
that we are fighting imaginary evils, while
weleave the real causes of our difficulties
unassailed and unnoticed. If there is any
truth in this-and have no doubt there is
some-let us see to it that we find the root
Of the Upas and dig it out.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.
It has been mighty engine in the hands
Of your oppressors, with which they have
crushed you to the earth. If you propose
to wage successful warfare with these
men, you must arm yourselves with a
weapon as sharp, as sure, as quick as
theirs.
Intelligence will enable us to make our
efforts effectual. A single, well-directed
blow will effect more than dozen hap
hazard strokes, although each be impelled
by equal power. Without intelligence w
shall be wasting our strength-expendin@
it upon that which is Of no Importance
merely beating the air like the leaky dan
our force will be spent where it can accom-
plish nothing.
IGNORANCE Is ROPE OF SAND
Ignorant men cannot permanently unite
and if they could it would be unavailing
Jealousies, broils and discords are the nat
ural progeny Of ignorance.
But knowledge is only gained by grea
and persevering labor. There is no roya
road to learning. Brain work is NOR
severe and exhausting than physical labo,
This is the reason why the masses are nc
more intelligent than they are. Men ar
not willing to make the effort by whic
alone the prize is gained. My friends, ar
we willing to come up to the work wit
heart and hand, with soul and body? Nj
thinks in this great movement Of the agr
cultural classes hear the answer. In il
mighty progress l hear the whirlwin
that will yet sweep over the whole lane
and the rumbling Of the thunder that wi
awake men to action and energy every
where.
But hear it objected, 'a&
HAVE NOT GOT THE TIME.
If l was preacher, or q doctor, or
lawyer, would study and read and thin
They have nothing else to do. This, n
friends, is q great mistake. 1 can spes
from experience for the lawyer A We,
large share of his time, if he is making