Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1873-05-06
THE NEW RATES.
PATRONS OF HUsBANDRY.

In the spring of 1868 this Order was intro.
duced by the institution of grange at Itasca.
MINI. From this beginning it spread gradu.
ally through Iowa, Minnesota Wisconsin. and
Illinois, SO that about the beginning of 1872
the number of members in those four States
we're estimated at about $4,000. Later oc>
currences gave great impetus to the moves
ment, so that the membership in the four
States is now estimated at 45O, 900.
From western paper CLEAN some ac-
count of the Order. 1t is a secret society.
with regular degrees women as we'll as men
are admitted in the subordinate oranges, but
females cannot get beyond the fourth degree.
The members of the first degree are desig-
mated respectively as Laborer and Maid in
the second degree as Cultivator and Shep-
herdess; in the third degree as Harvester and
Cleaner, and in the fourth degree as Hus>
bandman and Matron. The other higher de-
grees are conferred upon men only, and be-
long to the higher lodges, or oranges, as they
arestyled. The seventh degree is the HIGHEST
that can be att'ined, and is only conferred
upon officials of the next highest order
The supreme executive authority in the Order
is lodged in the Master of the National
Grange, but each subordinate grange elects
its own officers. The lower oranges must
meet at least once month State oranges
once year, and the National Grange every
two years.
The Patrons of Husbandry, says an ex-
ment. 1t has long been matter of astonisk-
ment that combinations have hcen formed to
protect nearly all the industrial interests of
the country except that of the agriculturists
which is the very base and foundation of
others. Without agriculture no other trade
or profession could exist. It ustains and
feeds all the others. Yet the carpenters. the
hrlckiayers, the moulders, the shoemakers. the
printers and many other trades have their or
carnations to protect their craft or business
from the oppression of capital and other
powers and influences tina. could work to their
injury, while the agriculturist has heretofore
had none.
There is no business or occupation in life
more honorable than that of the farmer and
1t has been SO regarded in all ages of tho
world; and it is a singular fact that there is
no occupation so much imposed upon by the
laws and combinations of capitalists formed
into companies under the laws. Heretofore
there has been organization among the
farmers t" protect them from the unjust ex
actions which have been ,uade upon them by
traders and companies. The order Of Patrons
of flusb'ndry. if the farmers of the country
will unite themselves with it, will be power
in the land.
There is no doubt, also. that aside from the
political power which the farmers could thus
control, these organizations, properly con-
Quoted. might do great deed to stimulate the
agricu''uriSt to better system of farming.
From information which we have received
we have good reason to believe that a number
of farmers Clubs, of twelve each, will be or
ganizcd in this county within short time.
whose object shall be to give mutual advice
to each other ard serve to advance the gen.
cral interests Of farmers, as against tho on
prcssIve burdens of railroad and other mo,
nopolies.