, 1874-01-22

"e Funllsll Ill I'LL tnia morning L1o aduteB6
delivered At Janesvilo, WIS, by hfr. John Coch-
rane. the Master Of tho Wisconsin State Grange.
now in session in TINT city. It il worthy Of
especial attention, bavlng Significance beyond
tho showing it makes Of the rapid growth Of tho
dlango and the Increased interest tho far1nors
arc tnking ip their association. In referring to
tho effort made last summer by q portion Of the
Grange tointroduce tho consideration Of politics,
1t recommends that tho National Grange bo re-
quosted to gvo an official indication Of the polit-
ical privileges Of the Oranges. But tho Maater,
without waiting for such authority from the
National Grange, makes some remarks that have
very decided political bearing, whether they
woro 60 intendad Or not, and they arc tho more
significant II they were made under the convic-
ton TINT tho Grange ought to hold itself aloot
from political discussion.
Some timo ago d petition WAS addressed to
Congress-, setting forth that increased facilitios
for transportation had become national necos-
sity. and asking that the Federal Government
undertake the improvement Of tho great
water-routes Of tho country. It WAS expressly
stated that tho petitioners did not dosiro to
urge anything upon Congress- that It had
not full authority to do. Tile express de-
mands were tho improvement of the Fox
mud Wisconsin Rivera and the mouth Of the
Mississippi, besides tho completion Of tho public
works already begun at other points on that
river. This petition was supplemented by
circular, addressed to all the Wisconsin Con-
gresamen by the Executive Committee Of tie
State Grange. asking them what course they
would adopt In regard to these demands. Re-
sponscs have baon received from Senators Gar
pentor and Howe and Representative RuBk.
giving 4 general acqulescence to tho pro-
posed improvements, and . promise Of CO.
operation. The other Wisconsin Repre-
sentatiyes have been silent. In tho
meantime, Congress has taken no actiou, nor
have the Wisconsin Congressman, looking to tho
consummation of the farmers demands. After
pointing out these facts, Mr, Cochrane tells tho
Grange very distinctly that they are snubbea by
the men thoy haye chosen to represent thom,
aud that thcy need not hope for recognition and
help from tho powers which they have brought
into being.
Aside from any consideration OF tho particular
demands made by the Wisconsin Grangors, tue
address OF Mr. Cochrane shows plainly TINT tho
Changers arc not going to stop with mero
petitions, circulars, ind suggoations, but that
they intend to uae their privilege Of American
citizenship to remedy tho evils which they suffer,
withou. regard to former political associations.
1t IL safe to say that the Grange has exercised
subtle aud powerful influence in uprooting
partisan traditions and proiuiices without
promoting any now Or distinctly defined political
organization. Tho very impartiality and dis
interestednesg Of this tendency have been the
chief means Of accomplishing the change, Tho
National Grange meets at St. Louia next month,
md tho Indications are that greater freedom OF
political discussion will be sanctioned than was
originally contemplated in the formation Of tho
Oranges.