Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1874-06-09

cereIy the oft-repeated truth taught IN
our organic law. that the Grange,
National, State to Subordinate, is not
a political or party organization. No
Grange, if true to its obligation, eau
nor call political conventions, nor
nominate candidates, or even discuss
their merits in its meetings. Yet the
principles we teach underlie all true
politics, all true craftsmanship, and, II
properly carried out, will tend to purify
the whole political atmosphere of Our
country. for we seek the greatest good
10 the greatest number,
But we must always bear it in
mind that no one. by becoming a
Granger member, gives up that right
and duty that belongs to every Ameri-
can citizen, to take proper interest III
the politics of his country On the
contrary, it is right for every mem
Der to do all in his power legitimately
to influence for good the action of any
political party to which he belongs.
1t is his duty to do all he can in ! is
own party to put down bribery, coz
ruptions and trickeTy; to see that none
but competent, faithful and honest
men, who will untlinchingly stand by
our Industrial interests, are nominated
for all 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 office.
1--WE acknowledge the broad princi-
pie that difference of opinion is no
crime, and hold that progress toward
truth is made by difference of opinion,
while the fault lies in bitterness of
controversy. We desire a proper
equality, equity, and fairness; pre- =
lection for the weak, restraint upon
the strong; in short, justly distributed
burdens, and justly distributed power.
These are American ideas; and to at-
, vucate the contrary is unworthy Of Il e
sons and daughters of an America n
republic.
we cherish the belief that section
alism is and of right should be dead
and buried with the past. Our work
is for the present and The future.
an our agricultural brotherhood and
in its purpose We shall recognize no
North no South, 90 East, no West.
1t is reserved by every patron, as the
right Of freeman. to affiliate with
any party that will best carry out his
| principles.
"SiXth-Ours being peculiarly a
| farmers institution, we cannot admit
all to our ranks. Many are excluded
| by the nature of our organization, not
because they are professional men, or
astisans, or laborers, bat because they
have not a sufficient direct interest III
tilling or pasturing the soil, or may
have some interest IN conflict with our
purposes, But we appeal to all good
citizens for their cordial cooperation
to assist in our efforts toward reform,
that we may eventually remove from
our midst the last vestige of tyranny
and corruption. We hail the general
desire for fraternal harmony, equitable
compromise aud earnest cooperation
as an omen of our future success.
"Seventh-It shall be an abiding
principle with US TO relieve any of OIl
oppressed and suffering brotherhood
by any means at our command.
Last, but not least, we proclaim II
among our purposes to inculate s
proper appreciation of the abilities
and sphere Of woman, as is indicated
by admitting her to membership anC
position in our Order, ImploIing the
continued assistance of our Divine
Master to guide US in our work, VIZ
here pledge ourselves to faithful anC
harmonious labor for all future time
to return 10y our united efforts to tht
wisdom. justice, fraternity, and pc
litical purity Of cur forcfathers,"