Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1874-01-23
THE GRANGE,

THE ORANGE.
PROGRESS OF TIE oRDER-HxTRA
i ORDINARY GROWTH.
/ fFrou, the faciac Rural rres,.,
Few people, even among the mem.
bers of the Orler, have any proper
idea OF the rapid progress which the
Patrons of Husbandry have made to.
wards influence and power, during the
past year, or the increasing ratio with
which the organization of Oranges in
now going on.
TheOr1er was founded only sic veoy.
ago, but ten Oranges were oreanized
during the first year, and that number
had increased to only 338 at the end
OF the fourth year. During these four
years farmers could not be made to
understand or appreciate the benefits
which might he derived from such an
organization. The importance Of the
movement could not be impressed
upon them until 1872, during which
year 1858 Oranges were organized.
But nothing like the full benefit Of
the movement was realized until 1873.
during which, up to December 18th
lacking over two weeks Of a full year.
scren thousand eight hundred and sev.
enty-sic new Oranges had been organ.
ICED; making in all, as reported at tho
Central office IN Washington, up to the
18th day Of December, 9,267 Oranges
in the entire Union.
There are now 20 State Oranges in
operation, including the Dakota Terri.
tory Grange; and the Order has been
planted in every State in the Union
except tho two smallest-Delaware
end -isa'otao- 3saond. The number 0f
Oranges is now increasing at the rate
OF about one thousand each month. II
Is safe to say that there will be at least
1000 organizations by the close Of
1874, with a membership of not less
than two millions, and even then there
will be much to do in the way Of or.
ganization.
NO wonder the peoples party is Gain.
ing in influence and power ali over the
Iand-that it has already become na-
tonal and holds complete control OF
several of the most important States
IN the Union; for the great mass of
the Changers are throwing their in.
huence in that direction.
The Order, as we have often stated.
is not political. It holds no caucusee
or political conventions; makes no
nominations, and takes no part, as an
Order, in political matters; but its
members are found voting almost uni.
formly with that political organization
which is freest from partisan rule, and
most devoted to the welfare Of the
people, without reference or care for
party. It is astonishing-to the initi.
'ted-how completely the Grange
breaks down all partisan feeling. Tho
moment q voter becomes q member Of
Grange, he is a brother, in the closest
'ocial relationship to every other mem.
'er, and enters at once into the fullest
ympathy with the general feeling and
pirit Of the Order.
The working men of America can
lever hope to accomplish the amelior.
ltion Of labor without the use of the
'allot. That fact is as plain to the
mind of every observing man as the
lo0nday sun on clear day. But ex.
'erience is proving that the best way
0 use the ballot, is by standing aloof
rom all parties, and holding them
losely upon their good behavior. just
ow the peoples Party" appears the
,ost promising Of good results; but
that fails of its promises, the Pa
'ons Of Husbandry will be in no man.
er responsible for it's acts, and viii
'se none Of the prestige and power a
leir organization; for they can kill
in a day to make room for another
its ruins, or adopt some moro prom.
ing one already in existence.
Tho farmers comprise very nearly
majority Of all the voters in the
ni0n. BY throwing their influence
any particular direction, they aro
Die to carry an overwhelming balance
power. They are now united and
|rnest from the Atlantic to the Pa
Maine to Texas They
can business; they fully realize the
agnitude and Importance Of tho
Drk they have undertaken, while the
scussiOns and addresses in relation
ereto, which have gone out to tho
,rld, afford sufficient evidence Of
cir power aud ability, and their ter.
Die earnestness to right the wrongs
at now encompass them aud their
ling. The train is moving, tho
ack Is clear. the flags are flying; and
", while the bell rings q friendly
'rning, let every politician who en-
rtains the slightest hope for future
ware Of the approaching train.
SWITZERLAND, with population Of
lffIA OYor fss1N md a hNlf ,,sllsx,.,..