The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1873-06-19
From the Southern Farm and Home.
Letter from John Plowhandles.


Letter from John PlOwhandles.
PATRONS OF OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES o-oP-
GRAFTON AMONG FARMERS.
Mr.. Editor: For the past two years, I have
watched with interest and close attention the
growth and development of the agricultural
order known as patrons of Husbandry." l
admit that at first, the movement having orig
mated in that modern Sodom, Washington
CITY. looked upon it with disfavor and dis
trust I thought that it might be dodge of
designing men to form ring, by which to con-
troll and defraud the agriculturists of our coun-
try, and use them as tools for some iniquitous
political purpose. did not like the secret
feature of the organization, and was strongly
disinclined to favor the spread Of the order in
the Southern States.
have come, however, to find that my fears
were groundless-that the aims and objects of
the patrons of Husbandry" are all praise
worthy benevolent and wise, and from having
been an opponent of the movement, am now
one Of its most earnest advocates.
Having seen your candid and straightforward
avowal of your opinions on this subject in your
last issue, and judging therefrom that if you
are satisfied that this agricultural combination
is for the good of the farmers, you will advocate
it, venture to give you and your many readers
my humble views in relation to it, in the belief
that whether you and they agree with me or
not, you will at least give me credit for honesty
and sincerity.
In the first place, / can assure you that the
order of Patrons of Husbandry is in no sense
political organization. Party politics are en-
tirely excluded from the discussions in the
"Granges," or local lodges. You need not,
therefore, feel any apprehension that they can
ever become political associations or clubs, to
be moved and directed by what are known as
political leaders. These Oranges, which now
exist in nearly every county of every State in
the Union, are simply cooperative associations
of farmers, the members of which combine to
promote the best interests of the agricultural
population, protect them against cxtortion and
imposition, enable them to procure what they
need of the best quality and at the cheapest
price, point out the best and most advantage
Gus markets for their produce, advance their
social enjoyment and culture, and thus by unity
of purpose, harmony of action, and combina-
ton of strength, constitute power in the land
which legislators and politicians must respect,
and which rings and monopolies dare not as
sail.
In the beginning, these Oranges were formed
for the purpose of emancips:ing the farmer
from the thraldom of the middlemen and en-
abling them to purchase what they needed, and
sell what they had produced by direct inter-
course with the manufacturers and consumers.
This you will agree is "consummation de-
voutly to be wished" Next, these associations
have combined for protection against the cruel
and crushing exactions of the railroads in their
discriminating schedules of freights by which
the profits of the farmers toll is swallowed up.
This too is benevolent and wise purpose.
Then these associations, by the intercourse of
their members, and their members families
for the farmers wives and daughters are ad-
mitted to membership-and the constant inter-
communication of the Oranges, one with an
other tend directly to the mental improvement
and general enlightenment of the members,
and bring about intimate social relations, pro-
motive of increased happiness and comfort.
The secresy of the organization and the for
malities of initiation and advancement in the
order, serve to bind the members together in
closer brotherhood and separate their interests
and purposes from those of the outside world.
1t is amazing what progress the order has
made. The Patrons of Husbandry cannot now
number much less than million of the sons
and daughters of the land, and day by day this
number is increasing by the formation of new
Oranges.
The movement is very popular at the South.
The best, wisest and most earnest of our farm.
ing population have joined in it, and the day
cannot be far distant when power so formida-
BILE by its numbers, by its influence and its
extensive ramifcations, will be felt throughout
the land, impressing itself upon the legislation
of the various States, and remedying the abuses
and corruption which now disgrace the country
and waste its resources. Necessarily before
long this organization will exert itself in favor
of free trade, inasmuch as every agricnlturist,
whether he resides in the Northwest or in the
South must realize the fact that all protective
duties are burdens upon agriculture and clogs
upon its progress.
Thus far, see nothing but unalloyed good
in the order. 1t is my purpose to devote all
my energies, feeble though they be, to promote
its spread and firm establishment, and should
be fortunate enough to secure for it the infiu.
ence and support of the Farm and Home, l
shall feel that have done an important SER
vice to cause which firmly believe to be the
promotion of the happiness and prosperity Of
the numerous and worthy class for which you
and 1, Mr. Editor, have labored, and with
which we have been identified for so many
years You know that am not easily capti-
waited by novelties-that my approval is always
the result of careful examination and an honest
Judgment. I have examined the working of
this order with patient deliberation, and though,
as have stated, strongly prepossesscd against
it at first am now among its most active ad-
vocates, and hope to see Grange established
in every county of every State of our beloved
South. Yours respectfully,
JOHN PLowHANDLEs.
WHAT A NEW YORK POLICEMAN THINKS
A -.a..s- H. ,>a.,or,n ,,ha nrriuod nt Erannh q