The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1874-10-16
Correspondence.
Waco lGxaminor.l
SALApO, TENAs

SALADo, TEXAs,
September 9th, 1874.
Colonel N. l.. Norton;
DEAR Strive, the Undersigned mer-
chants of this village, have the honor
to inquire of you, rs II state official of
the order of patrons of husbandry, if
ii Is the policy of the state grange to
discriminate against certain classes
and occupations, recognized as neces-
sary, and IN favor of others, which can
only subsist upon the misfortunes of
the people? Is ii the desire that special
demands hc made to local merchants
by your subordinate bodies for prices
below living rates, while capitalists,
pursuing II system of mercless eXtor-
ton upon the commercial and indus
trial interests of the country, not only
pass unrebuked, but in some instances
hold high official trusts and powers in
your order? Does the grange secure its
members from the penalties of eXtor-
ton which it pronounces against Others?
Respectfully yours,
DAVIS IL BRO.
W. n. CAWTH0N & co.
N. S. WALKER.
j. IL. BARBEE Il co.
4. S. &. ROBERTSON ~ son.
COLONEL N. l.. NoRToN's REPLY.
SALADo, Sept. "a, 1874.
Messrs. Davis, Walker and others:
GENTLEMEN answer to your in
terrogatories of this date permit me to
say that | do not feel authorized to re-
turn an official reply. Unwilling to
compromise others, and assume the
entire responsibility personally, | can
only refer to the principles and pur-
poses of the patrons of husbandry, pro-
mulgated by the authority and unan-
imous sanction of the national grange,
AT the last annual session, under the
head of Business Relations
l extract from that declaration as
follows: eve desire 70 bring pro-
ducers and consumers, farmers and
manufacturers, into the most direct
and friendly relation possible. All our
acts and all our efforts, SO far as bush
ness is concerned, are not only for the
benefit of the producer and consumer,
but also for the other interests that
tend to bring these two into speedy
and economical contact"
1--WE are not enemies to capital, but
we are opposed to the tyranny of mon
opolies; we are opposed to high rates
OF interest, and eXorbitant per cent
profits. We desire self protection and
the protection of every true interest OF
our land, by legitimate transactions,
legitimate trade, and legitimate
profits"
In Il subsequent article disclaiming
all partisan objects, is the only clause
in the whole instrument Indicative of
q probable future demandupon the law
makers. Ii says: 1--WE desire
u proper equality, equity and fairness
protection for the weak, restraint upon
the strong, justly distributed burdens
and Justly distributed power"
These are cardinal doctrines of the
order, officially announced by the ma
tional grange, and solemnly endorsed
by our state grange, whose action binds
suhordinates and their memberships,
q simple recurrence to which would
seem sufficient to allay our apprehen-
sions az to controversy respecting the
queries you PROFOUND. Founded upon
a general desire for fraternal hurmOny
and equitable compromise" and APP
pealing to "all good citizens for their
cordial cooperation in our efforts toward
reform,"I cannot believe that 'any
class or occupation" representing ''le- |
ultimate transactions" willever be dis
criminated againstn by the grange.
Nor Is II probable that any parties
"pursuing u system OF merclless extor- !