Rocky Mountain husbandman. [volume] (Diamond City, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1876-03-30
WHO Is ELIGIBLE?

discussions among members OF the Grange
and outsiders. 1t is q question IN ray ophl-
ion that ought to be weighed carefully ana
thoughtfully by every granger. OF course
different persons will at first get dlfferen1
views of the same object, all are not able
to see the same thing quite alike, but if the
matter can be quietly and earnestly talked
over among the members of a grange ihlall
it's bearings until they become OF on mine as
of satisfaction. Some have an idea that any
one who owns a few acres Of land is entitled
to the benefits of the Grange, more especi-
ally it he be q person with plenty of money
in his possession.
1t seems to me this is a great mistake.
We have a great work to perform; we have
banded ourselves together that we may
improve. the condition Of the farming COM
munity in all respects. Itell you, broth.
ers and sisters, it is not the five dollars
that we need}most tits earnest and true men
and women whose hearts and souls are in
the work When a person is proposed asa
candidate for the Grange wouldi it not be
well to consider whether he or she were
a person that would really strengthen the
Grange, or whether, on the other hand,
he might not hinder us in the furtheranee OF
our PURPOSES.
Again [ repeat we are laboring for the
benefit of the farmer, and the question with
us is how can we best effect our purpose. If
| rightly understand the object for which
the Grange was instituted, it was not mere
ly as a financial speculation, but rather a
school for assisting the farmers. and their.
sons and daughters to understand agricuI7-
ture in all its various branches and at the
same time give opportunities forsthe mental
and moral culture of all its members.
Farmers as a class lack education. Let
them be thoroughly educated especially in
all things pertaining to their business SO
they will know just how to make most of
every acre of land and at the same time give
heed to those things which tendto make us |
stronger and better and nober men and Wo-
men, and when all this comes to pass YOU
maybe sure that farmers and their families
Will take the places in society to which they
are entitled and there will be no trouble but
Whatthey will be. able to secure a fair share
OF the %pecuniary benefits.
Viewing the Grange in thislight, it will be
readily seen that the benefits arising there
rom are not so Immediate but will fall more
.aooldantly in time to come; the greatest
good coming to our children. and to future
generations buttthe more remote the bene-
hts the greater our responsibility. In a
game OF chess, future success depends, upon
present moves, and the Grange might be
llkensa TO this galnefbht for its incompatible
Importance, for if at anytime, when we. are
aDouC TO MAKE a move we would look ahead
carefully consider its effects .onIthe.in-
stltution, whether It would be. beneficial or
Otherwise we should make greateFheadway
should INTRODUCE less ofanasel
ment of weakness.
But again / aipquire, who is eligible? ii
'n'sht venturesas s. a general answer to this
4uesuoh, he, orsshe Wllo<from experience I'M
oerstands the wants of the farmer. who is
voiiged TO get his bread froaa his farm with
tAs own hands but, there are.iaany people
lands to whom we could be Of no
use ana WHO woulaxonly weaken as by be-
coming members OF lopri organizations and
asaih | would say it4is. .notstthe none aye
: = neeo' put true ara earnest men anA