Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser., 1874-03-06
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PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.


Our limited space precludes us from
giving the full history of this Order in
detail. 1t is doubtless familiar to most
of four readers. William Saunders, the
first Master Of the National Grange, is
acknowledged to be it's originator. He
had to cooperate with him in the
work, preliminary to it's organization,
o. H. Kelley, who was the first, and
has been continuously, Secretary of
the National Grange, which was or
gazized in December, 1867. 1t grew
gradually the first two or three years,
but steadily, until now it is one of the
most complete and extended organiza-
tions, in the country. Its active in
fluence is most potent.
The object of the Order, as avowed
by its projectors, is not only to pro-
mote general improvement in husband
ry, but to increase the general happi-
ness Of the people and prosperity of
the country. It is founded upon the
axioms that the products of the soil
comprise the basis of all wealth-that
individual happiness depends upon
general prosperity, and that the wealth
of country depends upon the general
intelligence and mental culture of the
producing classes. This gives the key
to its organization.
With the object of permanancy it
has adopted the feature of other sue
cessful and self-perpetuating organiza-
tions, to wit: Secrecy, and depends
upon its ritual, fraternity and mutual
benefits to accrue, for permanent sue
cess. Since organizations of husband
men that are not secret, have failed, in
measure, to secure systematic coop
Grafton and complete cohesion, this
feature, to which many object, has
been adopted, and with an impressive
ceremony Of initiation, it promises to
brilliantly realize all that its protector
dreamed for it.
One feature, that ought to disarm
the enemies of secret societies, is that
women are admitted to it, as well as
young persons of both sexes-over the
age Of Is for males and 16 for females.
This renders the Grange attractive and
assists to develop a fraternity among
neighbors, love Of rural life and social
pleasures, all combined with instruc-
ton, tending both to refine and emo
BILE those who become Patrons. The
modes of instruction adopted by the
Order are, reading of essays, discus
sions, lectures, formation of select Ii
.braries, circulation of magazines and
other publications treating upon sub
jects of interest and profit to the hus-
bandman and his family. No religious
nor political discussions are tolerated
in the Grange; nor is the patronage of
any sect, association or individual So
licited, upon any grounds whatever,
except the intrinsic merits of the Or
der.
The secrecy of the ritual and man.
ner of proceeding have been adopted
chiefly for the purpose of accomplish
ing desired efficiency, extension of uni
ty, and to secure among its members,
in the internal working of the Order,
confidence, harmony and security. 1t
aims to protect, by all available means,
the farming interest from fraud and
deception of every kind; and, so far as
we have observed, it proposes to tres
pass upon no right that belongs to
other classes.
There are seven degrees included in
its subordinate, State and National
Organization, which are given as fol-
lows:
SUBORDINATE ORANGES.
First Degree-Laborer (man) Cleaner
Maid (woman)
Second Degree-Cultivator (man3 Shep-
herdess (woman.)
Third Degree-Harvester oman } Matron
(woman)
Fourth Degree--H --Husbandman (man y
Matron (woman.)
STATE GRANGE.
Fifth Degree-Pomona (Hope) Com
posed of Masters of Subordinate Oranges
and their wives who are Matrons. Past
Masters and their wives who are Matrons
shall be honorary members and eligible to
office, but not entitled to vote.
NATIONAL GRANGE.
Sixth Degree-Flora (Charity.) Com
posed of Masters of State Oranges and their
wives who have taken the degree of Po-
mona. Past Masters of State Oranges and
their wives who have taken said degree OF
Pomona shall be honorary members and
eligible to office, but not entitled to vote.
Seventh Degree-(Earth.) Members OF
the National Grange who have served one
year therein may become members of this
degree upon application and election. 1t
shall have charge of the secret work of the
Order, and shall be court of impeach-
ment of all officers of the National Grange.
Members of this degree are honorary mem
bers of the National Grange, and are eligi-
BILE to Office therein, but not entitled to
vote.