Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-05-04
Tn. mailing Of the Grangers.


The Granger movement, which but
short time ago assumed such formidable
proportions, controlling several Legisa-
lures, electing Governors and Congress-
men, and dominating public sentiment
over large portion Of the West, has al
ready passed its eliminating point and, II
not passing into decline, is entering upoH
another state where it may be quite as use
full, though Of less popular strength. From
recent statistics, obtained in ways known
only TO reporters, but not, 50 far as nave
observed, questioned as to their accuracy,
we learn that tho receipts in the Granger
treasury feom all sources during Tue year
1876 were 500, 1896, against SlO2, l43.O1 dur
ing the year previous. This falling oil
might he laid to the hard times were not
the decrease in membership almost as
marked. The total number OF members
in 1875 reached 761 1903 which fell of in
1915 to SIS, 9s7-the oranges shrinking In
round numbers from $4,000 10 $1,000. What
renders these figures the more significant
is fact that the loss of strength is the great
est in the very headquarters OF the move
ment when at its height. Thus, taking the
two years mentioned, the $4,000 members
in Illinois fell OF to 1900; the 10000 In
Indiana to $4,000; the 10000 in Kansas to
$4,000; the $4,000 in Missouri to $4,000.
In view of these changes ii is OF little
matter that Ohio holds her own, and New
York and Pennsylvania show a slight in
crease, for in the latter States the move
ment has been no such power, socially,
commercially or politically, as in the great
agricultural States of the Northwest. In
New England there have been slight gains
except in Massachusetts and Connecticut,
although there were never in the latter
State but $50 members at one time. Maine
has the highest number, viz: ll,773; Yer
mont coming next with 10,90S members,
Massachusetts and New Hampshire each
having a little short Of 1000. The South
ern States show a general falling off. 1t
may be inferred, therefore, that the organ
ization is in the process of rapid decline
The reasons for this are obvious enough.
Allowing the existence of certain griev-
ances which called the Changers into the
field of redress and reform, it must be con-
CtuCu ludl lu6 NuS dltOSChhVi
too narrow to command the general sup
port Of the public. 1t was, in fact, class
movement, and that never sustains itsell
long in the United State. Then in lis war
fare upon the railroads, it sanctioned some
very unjust and impracticable measures
Finally, it dabbled in politics, and natur
ally lost more than it gained in the opera
ton. In all its efforts il has achieved little
of legislative importance, except possibly
the recent decision of the Supreme Cour
defining the powers Of States over rail
roads within their limits; and it remain
to be seen what the value of this will prove
Socially and in indirect ways the Grang
ers have met with better success. They
have done much TO develop mutual in
terest and sympathy among farmers, tc
dignity and strengthen the calling and t,
promote its interests, and to cultivate econ
omy. In these respects the West is un
doubtedly much better TO day for tn
Granger movement We trust that thi
field of usefulness still remains, and tina
the Changers will bring all their yet i'm
mense power of organization to bear upoI
its development.-Bos Journal.