Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1875-09-10

Connecticut River grange, Patrons of Hus-
bandry, with Green Mountain grange from
Vermont and Monroe grange from New
Hampshire, as invited guests, held meeting
September first at Lower Waterford. The
united grange was opened in due form by
Worthy Master A. b. Carpenter, who vel.
coined the visiting oranges as follows:
Patrons, it is with much pleasure | rise
to give you a warm and hearty welcome.
And in so doing allow me to say few words
in reference to our grange, which was organ
lied less than year ago ard under very I'M
pleasant circumstances. Scattered over
large territory, being obliged to go out Of
the state even, to obtain the necessary mum.
Der with which to organize, being surrounded
by those who were hostile to the movement,
from whose lips Kisses and unpleasant cpl
thets were often heard, yet our members,
true to their obligation, with unfinchiDg
spirit and true friendship have passed through
the fiery ordeal, retaining that fidelity to
principle, and decision of character that
makes them worthy members Of the Order.
To such members we are indebted for this
organization. 1t was after repeated efforts
had been made to organize that these few in-
dlviduals whom We should least expect came
forward, and out Of confusion order came,
and We are here to-day to enjoy our festival
yet our friendship for all members Of the
Order would not permit us to enjoy it alone
To you, brethren and sisters, our invita-.
ton is extended. We welcome you to our
hall, our table and our hearts. We have
made no formal arrangements; no programme
is mapped out, only let us associate together
to become acquainted with each other to
manifest our friendship by cooperating in the
great work Of raising farmers and their wives,
their sons and daughters to that position
which God and nature has assigned them.
To Green Mountain grange we extend our
welcome as our mother grange, aud We sti Il
expect your fostering care as our common
parent, and we are happy to meet you here
to-day and when we are stroLg enough to
walk alone, and take proper position among
our sister oranges, our friendship will still
continue.
Our sister grange at Monroe, though not
a direct offspring Of ours, yet it seems that
chance seed from this grange was
dropped in your midst, which, like Joshua's
gourd, sprung up, as it WERE in single night
into a tree pleasant TO behold, which now
ranks among the first of our sister oranges.
To you, we also extend our friendly greeting
and, as we clasp hands across our beautiful
river, may the memory Of this interview re-
main upon our minds so long as yonder
stream wends its peaceful way to the ocean.
Again | say welcome, thrice welcome to all.
After song from the united choir, with
Mrs George Ballou at the organ, a recess Of
half an hour was employed in giving and ro.
ceiving introductions and renewing old &C.
quaintance, which seemed to be fully enjoyed
by all. Order again being restored, and an
other song from the choir the following es-
say was read by Mrs M. Il. Hovey, of West
Waterford. .l..'H
The Farmers Reward. .ua
The occupation of the farmer in tilhne
the soil and the dominion over the beasts Of
the field is but the execution Of the com.
mand of that God who created it. AS a
recipient and dispenser Of divine blessings
the farmer may be regarded as occupying
the most important and honorable position
on earth, and yet he is the servant Of all.
1t is upon the labor Of the farmer that the
nation depends for sustenance. His services
are indispensable. The cities teeming with
inhabitants, the vast population Of all classes,
including manufacturers, miners, mercantile
men, seamen, physicians, theologians, and
statesmen, all who dwell in costly places, and
even the rulers Of the nation must acknowl.
edge their dependence upon the labors Of the
farmer for their support, His life is devoted
to supplying the wants Of his felloWmeu, and
is one Of care aud toll from which he receives
small remuneration, yet he is content 10 his
lowly sphere. He Is Gods servant, and al.
though his life is one Of hard labor, such as
would be deemed by those who reyel 10 lux.
ury as degrading, In the sight Of God, il is