The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1874-04-04

TnE GnAN0R NOT Partisan We
enphaticallY and sincerely assert the Oft
repeated truth taught in our organic law,
that the grange, national, State, or suboF-
dinate, u not political Of party oFganizaE
ton. No grange, il true to its obligations,
can discuss political or religious questions,
nor call political conventions, nor nominate
candidates, nor oven discuss their merits
in is meetings.
Yet the principles We teach underlie all
true politics, all true craftsmanship, and, It
properly carried out, viii tend to purify
the whole political atmosphere Of our coun
try. For we seek the greatest good 10 the
greatest number.
We must always bear in mind that no
one BY becoming Patron Of Husbandry
gives up that inalienablc right and duty
which belongs to every American citizen,
to take proper interest in the politics Of
his country.
On the contrary, it is right for every
member to do all in his power legitimately
to influence for good the action Of any pc-
litical party to which he belongs. 1t is his
duty to do all he can in his own party to
put down bribery, corruption and triekeryi
to see that none but competent, faithful
and honest men, who will unAinchingiy
stand BY our industrial interests, are nom
mated for all positions of trust; and to
have carried out the principle viii h should
always characterize every grange member
that the office should seek the man and not
the man he office.
We acknowledge the broad principle
that difference Of opinion IS no crime, and
hold that progress towards truth is made
BY differences Of opinion, while "the fault
lies in bitterness Of controversy"
We desire proper equality, equity and
fairness; protection for the weak, restraint
upon the strong; in short, justly distribu-
ted burdens and justly distributed power.
These are American ideas, the very essence
Of American independence, and to adyo-
cate the contrary is unworthy Of the sons
and daughters Of an American republic
We cherish the belief that sectionalism
is, and of right should be, dead and buried
with the past Our word is for the pres
emit and the future. In our agricultural
brotherhood and its purposes we shall rec
ognize no North, no South, no East, no
West
1t is reserved BY every patron, as the
right Of freeman, to affiliate with any
party that will best carry out his principles.
OUTSIDE Co-oPERATIoN.-Ours being
peculiarly farmers institution, we cannot
admit all to our ranks.
Many are excluded by the nature of our
organization, not because they are profess
sional men, or artisans or laborers, but
because they have not sufficient direct
interest in tilling or pasturing the soil, or
may have some interest in conflict with
our purposes. But we appeal to all good
citizens for their cordial cooperation to
assist in our efforts towards reform, that
we may eventually remove from our midst
the last vestige Of tyranny and corruption
| We hail the general desire for fraternal
harmony, equitable compromises, and ear
nest cooperation, as an omen Of future
success.
CoNcLusIoN.-It shall be an abiding
principle with US to relieve any Of our OPP
pressed and suffering brotherhood by any
means at our command.
Last, but not least, we proclaim it among
| our purposes to incaleate proper appre-
citation Of the abilities and spheres of wo-
man, as is indicated by admitting her to
membership and position in our order.
Imploring the continued assistance Of