The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1874-03-13

Yet the principles we teach underle all
true politics, all true craftsmanship, and, If
properly carried out, will tend to purify
the whole political atmosphere of our coun-
try.
For VIC seek the greatest good to the
greatest number. But we must always
bear it in mind that no one by becoming o
Grange member gives up that inalienable
right and duty which belongs to every
American citizen, to take 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.
1t is his duty to do all he can in his own
party to put down bribery, corruption and
trickery; to see that none but competent,
faithful and honest men, who will unflnch-
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. ~ 4 f4-Ea
We acknowledge the broad principle,
that difference of opinion is no crime, and
hold that "progress towards truth is made
by difference of opinion" while "the faul
lies in bitterness of controversy"
We desire proper equality, equity and
fairness; protection for the weak, re-
straint upon the strong; in short, justly
distributed burdens, and Justly distributed
mower. These are American ideas, the
very essence of American independence,
and to advocate the contrary is unworthy
of the sons and daughters of an American
republic. vrgs7oe ~
We cherish the belief that sectionalism
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. 80 ~ -
1t is reserved by every Patron, as the
right of freeman, to affiliate with any
party that will best carry out his principles.
Z. Ours being peculiarly a farmers in
stitution, we cannot admit all to our
ranks.
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 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 oil good citizens for
their cordial cooperation to assist in our
efforts towards reform, that we may event.
ually remove from our midst the last vestige
of tyranny and corruption.
We hail the general desire for fraternal
harmony, equitable compromise, and earn
est cooperation, as an omen of our future
success.
8. 1t shall be an abiding principle with
US to relieve any Of our oppressed and suf-
feriug brotherhood by any means at our
command.
Last but not least, we proclaim it among
our purposes to inculcate a proper appre-
citation of the abilities and sphere Of
woman, 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
here pledge ourselves to faithful and har-
monious labor for all future time, to return
by our united efforts to the wisdom, jus.
tice, fraternity and political purity Of our
forefathers.