The anti-monopolist., 1875-01-07
FARMERS WHO ARE
CHANGERS.
NOT

we nave nau SOOu uodl 10 Say
about the Grange and Changers in this
paper; we have column or two espe-
cially devoted to the Grange. We
have done this, not because we think
the Grange organization, is par ercel.
lance, every thing, and the only thing
to be desired; but because it IS the
only organjzdtion Nat promises to do
any thing for the farmers. But we do
not desire to be understood that we
have no sympathy with farmers out
side of the Grange. There are many
who .are withheld by conscientious
scruples from joining secret society;
and this is true not only of the Catho-
lies but Of Lutherans and other dc.
nominations. Now while it is fact
that there is no oath Of secrecy taken
in the Grange that the Grange gives
merely verbal promise not to reveal
that which takes rlace within the
Order. and that some such pledge is
perhaps requisite to prevent its ene-
mics from taking undue advantage of
it; nevertheless we have the highest
respect for the conscientious scruples Of
our fellow men; those scruples are things
not to be sneered at or laughed down,
but to be honored by al, men.
The question then comes how can
those who are withheld from the Grange
by conscientious scruples, yet be en-
abled to cooperate with it in its move
ments for the benefit of the farming
class?
The answer is plain let all such
non Changers follow the example set
them in Illinois and organize societies
on the same plan as the Grange,-ag'
ricultural clubs,-but without the pass
word, grip or pledge of secrecy. Let
them adopt constitution and bylaws
the members paying few cents pc,
week or month to cover the expense o
light and hall; let them meet once ,
week. If they see fit they can have I
supper at each meeting or once month
each family contributing to the genera
stock; and thus good feelin.
and good fellowship be developed il
the farming community which is usual
ly too much isolated and filled will
distrusts and jealousies. Once weel
during the winter months they conl'
have the reading Of addresses or public
discussions of interesting questions
The remarks of the Industrial Age q
to oranges will apply to agriculsurs
clubs!
To make the Grange profitable or avalla
ble 1t must lie regularly attended by tn
members. To secure this attendance it mus
be interesting enough and profitable eno0g
TO make the members come out, beeaas
they like to come. Some questions of interes
or some business should be announced
each meeting for the next In order to
this it must be somebody's special work
that which is LEFT for everybody to do wi
remain undone.
suggest standing committees, appointe
with care and with regard to their fitne.
and industry, upon stock pastures and mel
dows, grain, gardening, fruits, fertilizer
and also corresponding secretary who sha
act as business ayent for the Grange; pr,
cure list of manufacturers who will de
directly with farmers organizations at clu
rates; ascertaining on how much bettl
terms l00, 900 bushels of corn can be ma
keted than wagon load; see ii :, 600 hos
cannot be carried and sold at . much hett
rate than 20 are marketed, etc, etc; asse
quarterly dues for necessary expenses.
When half dozen such clubs We
organized in county they could th'
organize county council as the gra
gers do; and when the grangers he
their State Convention there cou
also bea convention Of these clubs. he
in the same town, at the same tim
but in different halt; and after bo
got through their own meetings.
Joint convention could be held, to agr