Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1873-09-05
Address Of the Executive Committee
of the State Grange Of Wisconsin,.
WArERTowN. Angnst

WATERFOWL, August 27.
The address of the Executive Commit
tee of the State Grange of Wisconsin, and
the Master of the Subordinate Oranges of
the State together assembled, is as fol-
lows:
Developed by the exigencies of the times, various
organizations have grown up of late among the
farmers of the country, partaklng mostly OF re-
formatory political character, and looking forward
to political action as the means of accomplishing
desired results. Along with them there seems to
be tendency by the public at large to conf0und
the Order known as 1.-THE Patrons of Husbandry,''
the formation, objects and designs of which are of
an essentially different character We also appre-
hend that, from want of proper and correct in
formation, or from hope of accomplishing their
ends, designing persons may seek admission within
the Order with the intent of endeavOrlng to COM
nit the organization to some line Of political ac
ton. Fer the purpose of correcting public Opin-
ion, and to prevent any miscOnceptiOn as to the
real objects and purposes of the Order; also, to
warn the class of persons alluded to, and thereby
save the Order great deal of veXation and trou-
bic, deem it advisable at this time to make the
following statement to our fellow citizens of Wis
consin:
The Order was started in 1867, with the specia
objects in view of elevating farmers as class ana
farming as an occupation. The form of organlza-
tion provides for the admission of both sexes to
membership. 1t was designed as medium for
more social intercourse, to provide refuge fol
overwork, to relieve the occupation from the fea-
ture of constant and nOn-intermittlng toll, thus
creating within the sphere of active farming life
muchneeded sources of rational recreative enjoy
ment.
1t was designed with a view to general educa-
tional and instructive purposes, by establishing
within the Grange reading-rooms and libraries and
for the delivery Of popular lectures. 1t was de-
signed as medium for frequent consultations and
discussions upon matters pertaining to the occupa-
ton its members were engaged in, and upon all
business relations connected with it, thus afording
opportunities for the same united action CONNER
cially constantly practiced by other occupations,
and which had not heretofore been taken advan-
tage of by the craft, at the same time correcting
the abuses of an erctust0e teaTtoredt agency Sgs-
tenn which had grown into proportions felt TO be
oppressive.
the provisions of the organization to help farmers
class to work their way to a position at least
upon level with others, if it did not win the
| lead.'
1t is believed that no paternal organization oc-
cupies situation so comprehensive In Its scope,
or which offers such material benefit to It's mem
bers. With elevated social and educational fea-
! lures it combines that of business cooperation,
the growing extent and magnitude of which, as
now indicated, no adequate conception had here
tofore been entertained What field for benefi-
cent human effort here presents itself to view e1
lures of the Order it is to its provisions for peT-
Rency that we must look with hope for ultimate
| success in elevating the craft. obviously to ac-
complish the objects of the Order, pe'rndnency is
indispensable. To secure permanency, the only
| elements which might lead to internal dissenslon
and consequent disintegration were specially pro-
vided against by the founders of the Order in the
restrictive provisions of Article IL of the Const-
| tuition, to-wit
Religious or political questions will not be tol-
Grated subjects of discussion in the work of the
Order, and no political religious tests for men,
bership shall be applied"
There is no mistating the spirit and intent of
this provision. The Order of 1.-The Patrons of
| Husbandry'' contemplates for itself field of
labor amply comprehensive for any one organiza-
! ton, and one which will tax its working abilities
| to the fullest extent. l@ s sa
The Order was expected to, and does include
men of all political opinions; it was to be expected
that with the advent of time questions of public
tention of members; while imperative restrictions
for preserving the integrity of the Order were
bodied in its organic law yet independent, intelli-
gent political action ''outside the gate'' was ex-
pected from the members individually as good cit
izens, taking practical interest in the general
welfare. Indeed, as there arise questions exciting
public attention generally but in the just and equi
table solution of which, farmers, as a class have
direct and absorbing interest, it would seem want
ing in proper appreciation of our duty citizens
and farmers, not to throw influence in such di
| rectlon as would best seem to correct the abuses
complained Of We are not unmindful that the
sympathies of our members with those efforts
! at organization having in view the restraining by
political action the oppressive power of capital,
combinations and corrupt laws pSssed at Its bid
ding through venal representatives, has reduced
the producing classes to a condition approaching
that not inapty and tauntingly termed white sla
yery'' power which silently but surely appropri
aes to itself large moiety OF the products OF tina
TOLL the enjoyment of the whole Of which Is among
these inalienable natural rights with which al
men are endowed by their Creator.
These and many other abuses and complains ar
among those enumerated and complained OF D.
associations formed for the express purpose OF cor
recting them by political action. 10 all tnes
movements are extended the warmest sympatme
of all true patrons of Husbandry;.' nay, more
their active participation individually as citizens
: as members of those Farmers Associations, con