Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1873-08-12
Asrrrultural.
Farmers Associations.

Thomas Wright calls the workinn'mcn
''our new masters meaning, for the
most part. mechanics and their helpers.
1t is folly to despiSe or diSpSrage the
working men in this limited sense. and
no wise or good man can fail TO wish
them all substantial emancipation and
welfare. But The largest and most i'm
portant class Of workers are the farming
class and their associates. The land is
our great heritage, and the true use OF it
is our most essential need. Our people
ought TO be trained for this more
thoroughly. and there are signs all over
the world Of the awakening of the farm
ing interest TO its rights and its duties.
The mechanics have made more mark
upon public opinion. perhaps, because
they hang together moro closely, and
live in towns and cities, where they
readily combine with fellow-leeling, and
have access TO the press and public agi-
tation. The mechanics have done =
great work for modern liberty, and their
guilds have been for ages mighty powers
in the struggle against the old feudalism.
Some OF the associations formed by them
still alarm the organs Of despotism. aud
the ultramoUtane papers speak with anN'
iely of the warfare Of the trowel against
the cross. and some sober moralists
share theiy solicitude. They that use the
plOw and the prunin. hook can not tend
10 any Suca warfare; and so far as we
have read the proceedings OF the oranges
of husbandry that ale rising by thousands
among our farmers. they promise well
for The future OF the tillerS Of the ground
and for the nation al large. Its well ioI
them to guard themselves against the
graspiug policy OF the middle-men, who
come between them and the markets,
and take more than their share Of the
farmers profits, and exact more than
their due for the manufacturers products.
Il is well that they seek to take their
crops more readily and chesply to the
market, or to bring the market nearer
their crops. What, perhaps. is the most
remarkable feature in their present
movement i their eargerueSS for more
fellowship. more connection with each
other and with the press, and all the
helps and incentives Of society. art. and
literature. 1t is great thing for those
who own and till the soil 10 bring true
soul to their work. and even in the SYM
bolS and costumes Of their associations TO
show their respect for themselves and for
their calling. II is well that women as
well as men Join in this movement, and
out OF all this ceremonial OF The crook
and pruning hook, the sash and pouch,
some substantial gain Tor agriculture in
ideal dignity and social refinement will
be won. Who knows how much the
Ceres. Flora, and Pomona OF the grange
may do 70 give woman style OF dress
that = good Tor Somethin. besides mere
show. and which may Join use with
beauty in the future Of the sex The
farm surely has al The elements OF the
beautiful il they are only sought out, and
orchards, groves. lawns, flowers. brooks,
rocks, hills, lakes. offer charms that only
need good taste and social sympathy to
eXalt them into agencies OF culture aud
festivals of Joy. How wise it is 10 give
the farmers the dressing OF the church
once year, rs is sometimes done, and
what haryeSt-homss our America would
show next November if every farming
village would DO lis best to adorn lis
temple with the fruits that crown the
year But this is great matter, and
we have only passing word for it now.
-HlJTer'> -V0Hhly.