Iowa voter. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1867-1874, 1873-07-31

the HELD.
"Grange and Politics."
Space is cheerfully given In oul
columns this week for communica'
ton from the pen of our friend, Esq
Lucas, whom we may suppose fairly
represents the Grange view Of thu
question upon which he writes. He
is member of the Order, and also
of the County Central Committee o1
that party. We are glad to heal
from him, and no less so because ne
sharply criticises our utterances
We want the views Of those inside
the Order, because we feel an earn
est desire to understand as fully a.
possible the causes of the great com
motion now prevalent all over oul
country-and in no State more than
our own-among the farmers. 1t II
a commotion of no mean proper
tions, and deserves the careful, hon
est study Of every man and woman
| who has an interest in the welfare o.
our country.
Our friend will pardon few words
of courteous criticism upon some
points in his article. The Patrons
profess to be opposed to "rings," es'
pecially political rings; yet he &C
knowledges the Grangers have 8
ring which he claims they have
right to run to suit themselves. Nc
one disputes the right, or would de
prive them of it. 1t is true, as l.
says, that lawyers have their con
ventions, as do physicians, edfsofs
merchants, shoemakers, miners, cab
men, and men in every profession
or business. They have their associ
ations, trade unions, clubs, etc.. [; but
| who ever heard of the cabmen or the
lawyers magnifying their club into
| political party and declaring they
would not support any man for
Office who was not practical lawyer
or a cabdriver? Farmers should
have their organizations-clubs,
rings, or Oranges, as you please, for
purposes similar to those for which
other classes associate themselves to.
gether; but If they presume TO claim
that the Creator made them any bet
ter, wiser, more honest, or gave
them any more rights than other
men, simply because they chose to
be farmers, or Changers, they simply
place themselves in veryridiculous
position. Now, there is no question
as to the right Of the Patrons
to make of their Order poiit-
ical party if they choose; this paper
will not protest, though it claims the
right of speech and Independent crit
icism. What it sees in the Grange
or any other party that is in its opin-
ion right it will commend upon oc-
casion; and what it conceives to be
wrong in either 1t will not hesitate
to oppose.
Mr.. l.. thinks we were mistaken
in our assertion that thousands have
united with the Order under the
belief that it would never be made
political organization. Possibly;
but we still think not. II the
Grange had been started in this
county as a political party it could
never have gained a respectable hear.
ing or following. Through the bal.
lot box the members expect to gain
redress for their wrongs; but they
have held the same right and power
to protect themselves ever since
"1776." They should have made
their "strike" long ago. When
they blame the old parties they
blame themselves. The parties are
made up of individuals. The people
were all members Of one party or the
other. IL a-party was deceived by
an official, a majority OF the people
were deceived. If party elected q
dishonest man, knowing him to be
dishonest, then . majority Of the
people were dishonest. While the
world stands there will be dishonest
leaders in every party. That party
il most fortunate which has the
smallest proportion Of them. IL the
Grange party expects exemPa4p jtl
will find itself mistaken.