The Grange advance., 1874-06-03
Oranges and Politics.

H~ASA~S
grow warmer each week, much more will
be said, each one giving his own author
itative Interpretation Of the relation of
Oranges to politics, we, in order to put
this question definitely at rest, bring the
whole subject Of the action of the Na-
tional Grange upon politics before the
reader,that each Grange in the State NAV
fully comprehend the true status Of the
case.
National Grange Constitution, P. of H.,
1873, Article xii, " Religious or political
questions will not be tolerated as subjects
Of discussion in the work of the Order,
and no political or religious tests for men,
bership shall be applies.'
At the meeting Of the National Grange
1874, Worthy Master Adams brought
forward the xii. article of the Constitu-
ton in the following language:
Article xii. also demands most serious
consideration to definitely decide what in
depreciation shall be put upon the word
POLITICAL am gratifed that our men,
bers are substantially unit in the opinion
that the Order should not in any sense be-
come political party. But at the same
time, there are questions most fundament-
ally affecting our material interests which
can only be reached through legislation.-
It seems imperative that such questions
should be discussed in the Grange. Shall
it be said that such questions were political
in the meaning Of the Constitution The
questions Of transportation, taxation, f.
nance, corruption in public places, were
such as come to the conscience and pockets
OF our members, and they wish to know
whether they will be denied the privilege
OF canvassing them on the ground of poll
tics. This body should clearly set forth an
authorative Interpretation for the guidance
Of members.
The subject was then referred to the
committee on resolutions who repoted as
follows:
THE GRANGE NOT PART1zEN.
We emphatically and sincerely assert the
oft repeated truth taught in our organic
law, that the Grange, National, State or
Subordinate, is not political or party
organization. No Grange. if true to its OBJ
legations, can discuss political or religious
questions, nor call political conventions,
nor nominate candidates, nor even discuss
their merits in its meetings.
Yet the principles we teach underlie all
true politics, all true statesmanship, and if
properly carried out will tend to purify the
whole political atmosphere Of our country.
For we seek the greatest good to the great
est number.
We must always bear in mind that no
one, by becoming Patron of Husbandry.
gives up that inalenable right and duty
which belongs to every American citizen.
to take proper interes: in the politics of
his country.
We have now given the text, the
fundamental law.
1st. Article XII, of the Constitution Of
1873.
I'd. The comments Of Worthy Master
Adams, where he solicits the National
Grange ''to clearly set forth an authori-
tive Interpretation of the law.
Sd. We also give the Interpretation as
set forth by the committee to which it was
referred.
They find that the constitution teach
IS "the principles Of true politics 1T
educates statesmen-Patrons, as duty,
must work to purify the p"litical atmos-
phere, and take Il proper interest in the
politics Of his country
But in the Grange no one can intro
duce question as party measure, or
discuss the merits of candidates.
These few paragraphs dispel all the
mystery what seems to hang about this
momentous question.
Ali general questions bcarin. ur.'u
the interests Of the nation or State arc
legitimate subjects for conference with.
in the Grange, otherwise, how can tn.
"principles which underlie ill true 10
litics be taught, if the Grange ignore.
every question relating to public affairs :
Or how Can the principles Of true states
manshin he undarstnnd il tho doo,.>r..