The Grange advance., 1874-06-17
Hennepin County Council.

We had the pleasure of being present at
the last meeting Of this Council
held at Minneapolis on Tuesday the
18th inst. The attendance was very
large. We were not able to be pres
ent at the forenoon session, but understood
that the time was we'll filed in by the dis
cussion of matters connected with the i'm
provement of roads, and other matters of q
local nature. At noon the good people Of
Minneapolis Grange spread dinner, Of
which four hundred and thirty
Changers partook: The dinner was spread
in Baxter's hall, and good social time
was enjoyed. A larger number were
present from different parts of the State,
and the interchange Of friendly greeting
was refreshing to behold.
Among the visiting Patrons we met Col.
Higgins of Fairpoint Grange, Goodhue
County; Mr.. Hopkins, Of Olmsted County
Asa Hutchinson, Of Mcleod County; T. T.
Smith, member of Executive Committee,
Dakota County; State Agent Denman, and
Worthy Master Parsons, Of Winona; and
P. H. r ahilly of Wabasha County.
After the repast all adjourned to Harri-
son Hall and listened to an address by
Worthy Master Parsons. Mr.. Parsons
said in substance that he was glad to be
with the Patrons of Hennepin County, and
see such evidences Of prosperity. He had
been prevented from filling former en-
gagement with the Council by reason Of ac-
cident beyond his control. He then spoke
of the noble teachings of the Order, its
wonderful growth, and said that when he
got to speaking or this subject he never
knew when to stop. The theme was mex
haustible He spoke Of the fraternal feel
ing that was being brought about through
the influence OF the Order. and related a
touching incident connected with the meet
ing of the National. Grange, when promi-
nent member from Maine, who had belonged
to the Union Army, met an ex.Confederate
General from the South in the middle Of
the hall and clasped hands as brothers,,
while none present could refrain from
tears.
He condemned in severe terms any at
tempt to introduce politics into the Grange.
There was nothing concerning which men
would quarrel so quickly as with regard to
their particular religious creeds, and next
to religion men would quarrel over politics.
Men could not discuss free trade and pro.
lection without getting angry. For these
reasons, the discussion Of religion and poll.
tics had been prohibited in the Grange
In answer to question as to what should
be done with speeches sent by members o.
Congress to Oranges asking that the sub
iect matter should be discussed, and that
the members should petition Congress with
regard thereto, the Worthy Master replied
that it was a question which each Grange
must settle for itself whether such speech
es contained anything Of political nature
that would destroy the harmony Of thu
Grange. The remarks of the Master, ant
many other points Of interest to the mem
bers of the Order, were well received. w
took no notes and only give from memor,
such thoughts as were not Of a secret ma
ture, not attempting to get the language O.
the speaker.
The audience then joined in singing &
song written for the occasion.
After the song the Worthy Master exem
plifed the work of the Order in q very neat
manner, making one or two corrections il
the work as it has been heretofore e1empli
fed in this State, and throwing in as hi
went along pertinent thoughts on the work
and teaching. He referred to the noble
position Of woman in the Order, and recon.
mended the election Of women to Offices o.
Secretary, Treasurer, or Chaplain.