Smyrna times., 1873-08-13

nual and yearly advertisers.
PATRONS OF HUsBANDRY.-An organiza-
tion that is now sweeping over the Western
States and coming towards US like q rushing
mighty wind is the "Patrons of Husbandry."
These words, above quoted, are now in every
newspaper we pick up, and either sdorn the
telegraphing reports, head the editorials or
figure in the political or agricultural items
The public has finally become so much inter-
ested in the organization, its origin and its OBJ
jects that the leading daily journals are laying
Its history before their readers. Last week
the New York Herald sent reporter to Wash
ington to gain the necessary information from
the Secretary of the National Grange, a Mr.
Kelley, who occupies en- Office there in build
ing fitted up as the grand headquarters of the
order. The organization has been in existance
for six years, the first lodge, or grange" hav-
ing been formed in Washington in Aug. 1867.
Ii is secret order among the farmers, design
ed to accomplish for that large class of the
community what they have heretofore been
unable to accomplish by their agricultural So
reporter says it is called by some 1.-THE farmers
David, destined to plug the giant monopolies
which have so long hindered healthy growth
of our agricultural resources"
The motive in making a secret society of the
organization is thus explained by circular
furnished to the reporter. 1t sets forth that
unity of action is the great necessity, and to
secure permanent success this unity must be
made permanent and solid; it then argues the
question thus: when we reflect that certain
societies have stood the test of centuries-as,
for example, the Masonic Order--we may vel
pause and ask in what does their permanance
consist2 We can find but one satisfactory an.
swer to this question, and that is their rituals
secrecy, fraternity and mutual benefits If
then, these are the efficient elements of exten
sion, permanancy and success, why not employ
themP"
The object of the order is briefly this t
elevate the social character and intellectual
condition of the agricultural class, and to enrict
1t by bringing it in direct communication will
manufacturers and freighting corporations, il
order to save the farmer from the exactons o
the army of middlemen whose commission
and profits so seriously enhance all he buys
while they reduce to the lowest figure his re
turns for grain and fruit sold. Its great mott
is cash. 1t buys tor the farmer his mowin
machine and for his wife her sewing machine
for much less money than he could procur
them from agents; and for him it makes cor
tracts with railroads and steamboats, to carr
his grain and produce to market at rates tina
will greatly enhance their value. Mr.. Kelle
told the reporter that they did not propose
fight the railroads, but to negotiate With then
and instead of warring against capital the
would use diplomacy. They would meet it O
even grounds, cash in hand Every grange
In close communication with the other grange
in State, and all report to State oranges. an
these in turn to the National Grange in Wasl
ington. This close organization, with a lar,
accumulated capital WILL the Herald think
give the order moving power in the constru
tion and control of those great trunk lines
railway now recommended to the country. I'll
Secretary told the reporter that the isolate
condition of the farmer is one of the great o
stacles the order was designed TO meet.
1t takes no stock in politics, which, the Sc
retary says, sis the handmade of the devil
All religious or political discussion 10 ignor
it the order; nor does IT solicit the patroHa
of any sect, association or individual, upon al
grounds whatever except upon the intrin.
merits of the order. ~.
The oranges, or lodge rooms, are nicely
ted up, and have library, list of newsp
pers, an organ or piano, etc. Women are a
mitted, and young persons of both sexes, abo
the ages Of sixteen and eighteen. The des
for amusement and excitement is grati6ed
love for rural pursuits encouraged. Mu
is prominent feature in the ritual, and cf
rades, readings, lectures, etc, charactsrize t
proceedings. Everything that can raise I
aesthetic tastes of the members is brought il
Although the order has been in operati
for six years, it has not awakened much int
est until quite recently. It's election of JUG
in Illinois who was opposed to railroad mon
oily, arI r. recent demonstration in 10,
when it got up a procession six miles 10
survived to awaken public interest. II n
numbers membership of over three hund
thousand, with over FIVE thousand oranges.
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How THE OYSTER WATCH Boar rs ]
PL0YED.-A correspondent of the BreakuC
Ltght, writing from Little Creek Landi
saws the Oystar xra fch hoaf EI,a W:ao raoa,