Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1873-09-04
Wisconsin State Grange.

Wisconsin State Grange.
ADDRESS THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE
STATE GRANGE OF WISCONSIN AND THE MASTERS
OF THE SUBORDINATE ORANGES OF THE STATE,
TOGETHER ASS EMBLED:
Developed by the igences of the times, various
organizations have grown up of late among the
farmers of the country, partaking mostly Of a re-
formatory political character and looking forward
to political action AZ the means of accomplishing
desired results. Along with them there seems 10
Dc tendency by the Pubhc at large TO confound
the order known The Patrons Of Husbandry''
the formation, objects and designs of which of
essentially different character. We also appre-
bend that. from a want of proper and correct in
formation, or from a hope of accomplishing their
ends, designing persons may seek admission within
the Order with the intent TO commit the organiza-
ton To some line of political action. For the pur-
pose of correcting public opinion, and to prevent
any msconceptiOn as 10 the real objects and pur-
poses of the order also to warn the class Of per
sons alluded 10, and thereby save the Order great
deal Of yeXatiOn and trouble we deem it advisable
at this time 10 make the following statement to our
feilOW-CtiZens of Wisconsin:
The Order was started in 1867 with the special
objects Ill view Of elevating farmers class ant
farming an occupation. The form Of organiza
ton provides for the admission of both sexes to
membership. II was designed as a medium for
more social intercourse to provide refuge for
overwork, to relieve the occupation from the fea
ture of constant a0d non inermitting toll. thus
creating within the sphere of active farming life
much-needed sources Of rational rGcrcative enjoy
ment.
1t was designed with a view TO general educa-
uonal and instructive purposes, by establishing
within the Grange reading rooms and libraries and
for the delivery Of popular lectures. II 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 aOrding
opportunities for the united action CONNER
claily constantly pracuced by other occupations,
and which mad NOT heretofore been taken advan-
ta9e OF by the craft, at the same time correcting
the abuses of an eCctISiUe te1ifOTiut dQeRCy sS-
ten which had grown into proportions felt to be
oppressive.
These were some of the means contemplated by
the provisions of the organizations to help farmers
as a Class To work their way position al least
upon level with Others, If it did not win the
lead
1t is believed that no paternal organization oc-
cuples situation so comprehensive Ill its scope,
or which offers such material benefit to It's mem
bcrs. With elevated social and educational fea-
lures 1t combines that of business corporations
the growing extent and magnitude of which, ar
now indicated, no adequate conception had here
tofOre been entertained. What a field for benef-
cent human effort here presents itself TO view .
But, sustained by the paternal and business fea-
lures of the Order, it is to its provisions for yeU-
nency that we must look with hope for ultimate
success III eleyatng the craft. Obviously to ac-
compsh the objects of the Order, pernsanency is
indispensable. To secure permanently the only
elements which might lead to internal disscnsion
and consequent disintegration specially pro
vided against by the founders of the Order in the
restrictive provisions of Article II of the Const-
tuition, tO-wit:
" Religious political questions will not he toll
Grated as subjects of discussion in the work of the
Order, and no political or religious for mem
| bershp shall be applied"
There is installing the spirit and intent of
| this provision. The Order of THE Patrons of
Husbandry c0ntemplates for itself field of labor
amply comprehensive for any one organizations
AID one which will tax lis working abilities to the
| fullest extent.
| The order was expected to, and does include
men of all political opinions it was to be expected
advent of Dub IL
| policy would constantly arise and demand the at
lentlon Of members; while imperative restrictions
Tor preserving The integrity of the Order were EN-
bodied in Its organic law, yet independents inteli-
gent political action outside the gate was ex-
pected from the members individually a. good cti-
| Zens, taking practical interest in the general
welfare. Indeed, there arise questions excitinn
! public attention generally, but in the Just and
equitable solution of which, farmers, as a class
| have direct and absorbing interest. it would
| seem wanting in proper appreciation of our duty
as citizens and farmers, not throw our influence,
| III such direction as would best seem to correct
| the abuses complained Of. We are not upmiDdfuI
efforts of organization having in view the restrain
| ing by political action the oppressive power of
| capital. power which, by the means of cunning
! ly devised combinations and corrupt laws passed
| at It's bidding through venal Representatives has
! reduced the producing classes TO condition ap-
| preaching that not inaptly and tauntngy termed
white slavery power which silently but sure
y appropraes to itself large moiety of the pro-
ducts OF that toll, the enjoyment of the whole of
|
| with which all men are endowed by their Creator
These and many other abuses and complaints are
| among those enumerated and complained Of by
associations formed for the express PURPOSE of
! recting them by political action To all these
! movements are extended the warmest eympathies
! OF all true Patrons of Iiusbandry;'' nav more.
their active participation individually as citizens
/ as members of those Farmers Associations con
! ventlons, unions, any all organizations which
are pohucally refornatOry, but not members of
| the Grange. The Order does not deny the necessi-
! n hy
! ton many great wrongs" The potency of the
means Is admitted. These wrongs TO be cor
recied by popular political power, by substituting
representatives or the integrity OF the people for
representatives of the corruption Of the people by
| the election of men whose lives and actions will
reflect honor upon the positions in which they are
| placed, and not shameful humiliation upon their
| country and constituents. There is no restriction
placed upon members of the Order to prevent their
| Joining these associations; on the contrary, they
| naturally afford opportunities which the Oranges
| do not. They are regarded as the outgrowth Of a
| want never provided for by the Grange, and never
| intended to be provided for by it.
Profoundly impressed that the Order of the Pat
| rons OF Hushandry" is pregnant with blessings to
the class for whose benefit it was instituted that
the specific ends and objects sought to be obtained
by the Order are comprehensive that their reali-
! cation demands all the time energy and devotion
| that can be brought to bear through one organza-
hon, we here express our determination to main
tam the Order III its integrity political or
ganza1lon, to resist and expose every attempt to
| lnVelgle the Order into apparent COLLISION with
movements to form new political parties, TO
support resuscitate old to visit with prompt
expulsion and the lasting condemnation of the or
der any member so lost to honor as to lend himself
| to such measures
| While thus setting forth the position of the Or
der as to its sphere of action, not unmind-
1ui OF the rapid progress made by ideas which, re-
suing Tor the time in popular demonstrations
| against special fragrant excuses of combined cap
ltal, have for their remote cause and foundation
those deeper convictions which have gradually de-
veloped themselves among the people everywhere,
| and which are the fountain from which the pro-
gresslve intelligence of labor is constantly spring
lnalienable natural rights and demanding that
such relations shall be established among men
| as Will cause "a more equitable distribution of
the profits of labor Being producing class