Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1878-12-18
State Grange.

The Vermont State Grange Of Patrons Of IIus-
bandry convened for its seventh annual session
at Village Hall, last week Wednesday, al ten
o'clock A. NJ and was called to order by Worthy
Master A.. b. Franklin. The officers present
were: Worthy Master, A. b Franklin; Worthy
Overseer, j. X Walker; Worthy Lecturer, Y. L.
Jameson; Worthy Steward, L. b. Sherwin
Worthy Assistant Steward, II. C.. Waller; Worthy
Treasurer, c. j. Bell Worthy Secretary, j. X.
Tobey; Worthy Lady Assistant Steward, Mrs II.
c. Waller. Vacancies were filled by the master
rs follows; Chaplain, f L. Andrews; Ceres, Mrs.
J. X Walker; Pomona, Mrs. +. L. Andrews
Flora, Mrs. J. X, Tobey.
list Of oranges was called and seventy-one
oranges were represented by their masters. The
Worthy Master read his annual address, and re-
ferred to the commercial work which may have
been necessary in the past. Oar present work is
the education and prosperity of the farmers by
the means in our power, removing the burdens Of
taxation and seeking to direct our labors with
more skill. The report of the National Grange
at Richmond, Va was interesting and encourag-
ing. visit to the Department of Agriculture at
Washington gave confidence in its usefulness.
The reports Of the officers OF the State Grange
were referred to for details of our state work.
The report of the secretary gave n detailed ac-
count of the standing Of each grange as to dues
and membership. The number of oranges with
dues paid compares favorably with last wear. The
treasurer reported the gross receipts and expenses
of the fiscal year. The lecturer reported his
journeyings and twenty lectures, all without
charge to the State Grange
The committee on credentials distribution,
good of the order, resolution and questions and
finance, were appointed, each consisting of three
brothers and three sisters.
The reports of the Pomona Oranges in Chitten-
den Caledonia and Orleans counties, and in Allen
district, were made, and seemed to prove the
value OF such county gatherings, and that more
should be organized The amendment to the con-
stitution changing the monthly dues from ten "
to " five" cents, was rejected after full debate.
Brother Carpenter introduced a resolution re-
lating to taxation of mortgage notes double
taxation-referred to committee on resolutions.
Brother Andrews introduced the the following
Whereas, the state legislature abolished the
Board of Agriculture which action we deprecate
and regret and Whereas, His Excellency, the
Governor has, by and with the consent of the Sem
ate, appointed Brother ]. B. Mead as Superintend-
ent Of Agricultural affairs, and placed that de
partment in good hands: Therefore, Resolved,
That we, the Vermont State Grange, tender
Brother Mead our best wishes and most earnest
help in the work and duties he has assumed 4"
Resolution adopted and n copy directed to be sent
to J. b. Mead
On assembling in the evening, the committee
on resolutions reported favorably, with slight
changes, on A. b. Carpenters resolution, as fol-
lows: " Whereas The unequal taxation of real
estate and other property is detrimental to the ad-
vancement of agriculture, and that it is unjust
that any property should be twice taxed: there
fore, Resolued, That we use our influence toward
changing the state law which levies tax on II
mortgage and the real estate which it covers -
After further consideration it was adopted.
Miss Ruth Reed, Of Shelburn, read a valuable
paper on Life on the Farm
The committee on mileage and debentures was
appointed as follows; Addison county, NJ b. Will
hanson; Bennington county, NJ. Clark; Gale
dona county, f. H. S Stone; Chittenden county,
]. f, Smith; Franklin county, w. B. Doulan; La
noble county, +. G. Sherwin Orange county, W
II. Gilmore; Orleans county, W. L. Barrows; Rnt-
land county, W. b. June Washington county,
G. W, Bassett; Windham county, George W.
Walker; Windsor county, C. d. Parker.
THURSDAYS SESSION.
On Thursday the following officers were chosen :
Worthy Master, A. B. Franklin, Townshend
Worthy Overseer, T. f. Jameson, Irasburgh
Worthy Lecturer, A. Messer Rochester, Worthy
Steward, L. W. Goddard, South Reading; Worthy
Assistant Steward, W. l.. Park, Lyndon Worthy
Chaplain, +. f. Andrews, Berlin; Worthy Treas
urer, c. j. Bell, East Hardwick; Worthy Secre-
tary, ]. X. Tobey, Calais; Worthy Gate Keeper,
H. A. Adams, Rockingham; Ceres Mrs. A. b.
Franklin, Townshend Pomona, Mrs. C. D. Parker
South Reading; Flora, Mrs. J. X. Tobey, Calais
Lady Assistant Steward Mrs. w. l.. Park Lyndon
Two members of the executive committee were
chosen in place of ]. b. Mead and F. sanderson
whose time of office expire f. H. Stone of St
Johnsbury, and c. d. Parker OF South Reading
were elected
The committee on mileage and debentures re-
ported the usual per diem and mileage. The
committee on fire insurance reported and the re-
port was adopted; the grange receiving the re-
port with enthusiasm.
The report of the committee on the good of the
order was read, and spirited discussion followed
in regard to the best means to be used to pro-
mote the interest and value of the grange meet.
ings Oranges reported that are prosperous and
those that are declining in membership The
Worthy Master stated that the purposes as set
forth by the National Grange were such as pre-
sented wider field for work and usefulness than
had been before presented. The committee on
finance reported the disbursements and compensa-
ton Of officers.
Brother Whitney reported the fire insurance
company as organized President, A. Messer of
Rochester, Secretary, g. W. Whitney of Willis
ton; Treasurer, r. +. Andrews of Berlin
The installation of officers was ordered and
duly performed. The unwrtten work was exem-
plifed by the overseer, z. l., Jameson, and the
grange closed in form.