The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1874-03-05
as tends to Cypress the people and rob
them of their Just profits.

10 sShuo W oPpreSS the people ana rOl
them OF their just profits.
We are not enemies to capital, but W,
oppose the tyranny Of monopolies.
We long to see the antagonism between
capital and labor removed by common con
sent, and by IN enlightened statesmanshiI
worthy of the nineteenth century.
We are opposed to excessive salaries
high rates of interest, and exorbitant pc,
cent. profits in trade. They greatly in
crease u burdens and do not bear a pro
per proportion to the profits of producers
We desire only self. protection, and th,
protection of every true interest of GU,
land by legitimate transactions, legitimate
trade and legitimate profits.
b. We shall advance the cause of educa,
ton among ourselves and for our children
by all just means within our power. We
especially advocate for our agricultural and
Industrial colleges, that practical agricul-
ture, domestic science, and all the arts
which adorn the home, be taught 10 their
courses of study.
0. We emphatically and sincerely assert
the oft repeated truth taught in our organic
law, that the Grange, National, State or
Subordinate, is not a political or party or
ganization. No Grange, If true to its obi
cations, can discuss political or religious
questions, nor call political conventions.
nor nominate candidates, nor even discuss
their merits in its meetings. ff
Yet the principles we teach underlie all
true politics, all true craftsmanship, and, il
properly carried out, will tend to purify
the whole political atmosphere of our coun-
try.
For we seek the greatest good to the
greatest number. But we must always
bear it in mind that no one by becoming a
Grange member gives up that inalienable
right and duty which belongs to every
American citizen, to take a proper interest
in the politics Of his country.
On the contrary, it is right for every
member to do all in his power legitimately
to influence for the good the action of any
political party to which he belongs. y,
1t is his duty to do all he can in his own
party to put down bribery, corruption and
trickery /; to see that non but competent,
faithful and honest men, who will unhinch.
ingly stand by our industrial interests are
nominated for positions of trust ; and to
have carried out the principles which should
always characterize every Grange member,
that the office should seek the man, and not
the man the office.
We acknowledge the broad principle,
that difference of opinion is no crime, and
hold that "progfess towards truth is made
by difference of opinion,'' while "the faul
lies in bitterness Of controversy
We desire a proper equality, equity and
harness; protection for the weak, re.
straint upon the strong in short, Justly
distributed burdens, and justly distributed
power. These are American ideas, the
very essence of American independence,
and to advocate the contrary is unworthy
sons and daughters of an American
republic.
We cherish the belief that se~ctionalism
is, and of right should be dead and buried
with the past. Our work is for the pres
ent and the future. In our Agricultural
brotherhood and its purposes, we shall
recognize no North, no South, no East, no
West. ls
It is reserved by every Patron, as the
right of a freeman, to affiliate with any
party that will best carry out his principles.
Z. Ours being peculiarly q farmers in
stitution, we cannot admit all to our
ranks. .5t
Many are excluded by the nature of our
organization, not because they are profess
sional men, or artisans, or laborers, but
because they have not a sufficient direct in
terest in tilling or pasturing the soil, or may
have some interest in conflict with our pur-
poses.
But We appeal to all good citizens for
heir cordial cooperation to assist in our
efforts towards reform, that we may event.
tally remove from our midst the last vestige
tyranny and corruption.
We hail the general desire for fraternal
harmony, equitable compromise, and earn
,st cooperation, as an omen of our future
8. 1t shall be an abiding principle with
to relieve any Of our oppressed and suf-
ering brotherhood by any means at our
command.
Last but not least, we proclaim it among
,ur purposes to inculcate a proper appre-
of the abilities and sphere of
as Is indicated by admitting her to
membership and position in our order.
Imploring the continued assistance Of our
Divine Master to guide us in our work, we
lere pledge ourselves to faithful and har-
~nonious labor for oil future time, to return
~ u united efforts to the wisdom, jus.
ice. fraternity and political purity Of our
orefathers.