The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-02-17
Ghe Gr,anae.
The Order Of Patrons Of Husbandry.
IRIS AIMS AND PURPOSES.

ahT. W III. ID. panus, Lecturer OF uicncO
Grange and Editor of the american Fur
mer, was introduced and delivered an nd :
dress, which We give below
NJ. Chairman, Ladies' and Gentlemen /:
unexpectedly notified yesterday that my
presence was desired here to-day and that
4 might be called upon to say something
in the interests of the Grange, offer, in
rather lesultory way,-not being much
accustomed to the exercises Of the public
rostrum--some remarks which will have
at least the merit of being well-intehded
and which will accomplish their whole pur-
pose If they avail anything in presenting
to the farmers present (many Of whom,
doubtless, like the men Of Athens, have
come TO hear some Reio thing even an
inadequate view Of some Of the objects and
aims Of the order Of Patrons Of Husban-
dry. You all have long heard the old,
old story Of the isolation Of our farmers
Of their dependence on men Of other pro-
LESSONS; of their indisposition 10 change
their adherence to the ruts Of precedence
and prejudice; that they are the beasts Of
burden of society; taxed on all sides; the
fair prey Of every other class; and that
their hard-earned gains go to fill the al
ready plethoric purses Of the merchant,
the manufacturer, the miner, the trans,
porter, and that there is great need, pres.
sing need, for their combining and acting
together. There Is good deal Of exag.
geration, but alas still too much truth IN
the premises. tA'-
This necessity for cooperation of agri,
cultursts, admitted on every side, pre-.
sentcd, in practice, difficulties too great to
be surrounded, and the thing, which all
acknowledged to be commendable and de-
sirable, fell through of its own weight, and
was never accomplished at ALL Farmers
Clubs came into favor, Agricultural Soei.
cites were essayed, County Unions had a
trial, and all were useful in their day and
generation; but neither effectual nor per-
manent. Now, to quote--not profanely-
We show unto you more excellent way.
We offer plan by which the farmers Of
this neighborhood, Of that section, hand
full here--a handful there-powerless of
themselves, their interests distinct from
or even at variance with those of districts
almost adjoining, or separated by an imagin.
airy line, may bring themselves into direct
communication, connection and co-opera-
ton with over million of other farmers
all over this broad land, who, escaped from
leading strings, have begun to think and
act for themselves, and who invite all who
have the welfare of agriculture at heart to
enlist with them in this great war for indie
pendence--a war not OF aggression, not of
conquest, nor of acquisition, but for de-
fence and selfpreseryation; war waged
in the cause of justice-of humanity itself
The agricultural class, as you well know,
forms in this country the majority of our
population; this prepOnderance varying in
different States, and being greatest in the
South. 1t is superfuous to add, that as a
class, the farmers are at least the peers Of
any other in their moral worth, their or
DERBY lives and law-abiding habits. As
rule, Intelligence is diffusod and property
fairly distributed If cases of great wealth
are few, instances of extreme penury are
far rarer.
Has this great division Of our people,
possessing these traits, had then its iuau-
ence in the direction of affairs-have its
rights been respected as becomes so impor-
tant factor in the body politicians its
voice been heard in State and National
councils-has legislation been framed to
promote its prOgress-haye transportation
companies aud commercial associations
considered in dealing with it, not only
what was possible, but what was equitable ?
Such questions need no response
In the face Of the powerful organiza-
tons of other classes and professions any
effort Of farmers was useless And why
Because among them there was no concert
of action-no tie to bind them together
the common interests of their profession
made only rope of sand Against them
on every side was that system which makes
a handful Of men, organized, the masters
Of thousand, of ten thousand, who with
out order, without leaders, are at best
but mob
Such was the state of things before our
late war. Such condition continued
after it, till cloud arose in the West no
bigger than mans hand; and which, sur.
passing any expectation of those who saw
its gathering, has spread till it covers the
whole horizon.
An organization whose numbers and
growth are unexampled in history-,om-
posed of farmcrs-with no adventitious
aids, no appeals to human passions, no in
elements Of spoils Of war or office, stirred
by no religious frenzy, free from any do.
minion of political bias-now extends over
more than forty States and Territories and
stretches its arm across the broad Atlantic
and shakes in fraternal grasp the hand
of the stalwart British yoeman, in his sea-
locked isles, and that of the former across
the channel among the yine-clad hills of
France.
And for what? Does this organization
aspire to political power commensurate
with its influence and numbers2 Does it
aim to participate in the distribution of
the administrative Offices, of which--,un-
fortunately for our country--thero are too
many to be filled? Does it seek to gain
the balance of power ia this land of shift
ing political forces2 BY no means. Party
politics are entirely unknown and utterly
forbidden within the precincts of theGranga
Its paths are peace 1t aims to connect
and consolidate farmers together in bonds
of social, business and educational associa.
ton. IL brings them in contact for mu.
tual. advantage to themsoyes and their
families. Tho social feature eminently
deserves to be nourished, and especially
that it includes woman in its operation
and brightens her life, too often, in the
country one oftoil; while her presence in the
grange ennobles, purifes aud embellishes.
As business association it is far more
than mere benevolent society. Its in.
fluence rami6es through the everyday
operations of every members life. II
teaches him prudence in buying wisdom
in selling in using 1t urges
his combining vita his fellows to buy and