The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1878-10-19
Correspondence baltimore County Union.
"OLD FOGY" ON THE GRANGE.

Messrs. Editors I'll am not at all surprised but
on the contrary am frank to admit that the sigma
ture of the author who processes to give the Grange
q careful consideration, though not q Granger"
is the most appropriate he could have adopted
The appellation or name, "0ld Fogy," though not
defined in the books, in its general acceptation
conveys the idea of an old man who has peculiar
views distorted because the result of strong preu
dices increasing with the approach of age. In
other words if may be permitted to give its def
milton or explain its origin, it is most likely de-
rived from the word "fOg" or "foggy," which when
properly interpreted means misty, cloudy.
Now the writer of the article to which am re-
plying processes to be a farmer but not Granger,
and how is it possible that one thus situated could
carefully and without prejudice consider and in
diligently explain a subject with which he is not
acquainted and cannot be unless he be a Granger?
Should attempt to preach the Gospel without
having read the Bible could I expect to make
converts? but on the contrary would not be res
pudiated as an imposter, enthusiast or mailman?
Should undertake to lecture on farming without
being acquainted with it as science or in prac-
tice, am sure the author of the article on the
Grange would agree with me in thinking that the
lecturer had mistaken his calling. If the farmer
wishes to aid the Grange by publishing lectures
on the subject, he ought first to come into the
Grange so as to become acquainted with its prin-
ciples, motives and actions. The outsider, though
ne Dc u ldEucI, mlBhb 40 WOh uhucitdhO W OtS-
cover a new planet or comet with the use only Of
the naked eye as to instruct the Patrons of Hus-
bandry without a proper knowledge of the Grange
in all its bearings.
"This article" says "Old Fogy," "has not been
written for the purpose of cOndemning the Grange.
No, no, far from it. But for the purpose of point
ing out some things that hinder its progress and
usefulness and keep many farmers (who sympa-
thize with farm laborers, who are equally interest
IN he on1f of tho anil \ from haa0minO
members of the Order" Messrs. Editors, your
correspondent is kept out of the Grange on ac-
count Of the "sOme things" above mentioned Do
inform him for me that his "some things" are In
fact no such THINGS and if he could only get peep
into the Patrons Guide or Digest, he would find
the fog swiftly fleeing from his bedimmed eye
sight. The Grange is the only refuge for the
farm laborer as well as the farmer. 1t is there
only where their cause can be properly defended
and their rights finally secured tits theret the bone
and sinew of the country can find genuine sympa-
thy and cordial support. l fear our advocate,
friend "Fogy," has of late turned his attention
more to politics than to farming or the Grange
If so hope it is for the purpose of improving the
manners Of modern politicians and not to totto'o
their bad example, Report says they too sympa-
thize with the bone and sinew of the country, but
that their sympathy is only periodical and oozes
out and takes its fight suddenly after election
times are over.
nave very little to say as to the quality and
durability of the foundation upon which the
Grange is built-"Faith Hope and Charity"
They are massive blocks of lasting marble, and no
association without their presence in its founda-
ton can stand the test of time. With them, uni
ted together with the cement of cooperation, may
be said to be almost indestructible. Upon this
subject your correspondent remarks, sit is through
faith they 1.-THE Patrons of Husbandry) hope to OBJ
tain the desired object, (what object y but where
charity come in we have in vain endeavored to
find out" Why? For the very good reason l
have before intimated. Because his composition
is wanting in that good disposition which Webster
speaks of as inclining the possessor ito think
favorably of others and do them good" And that
which makes this defect Of character the more un-
enviable is the fact that it sometimes exhibits it.
self under the cover of genuine friendship.
Again. "0ld FOgy" states that IF he Is rightly
Informed the class to be benefited by the Grange
is the farmer or renter All other classes are ex-
cluded." See here comes in again the fog, the
mist. 1t is no such thing, as you wish the world
to understand it, Mr.. "FOgy," viz: that the labor
ing class, the bone and sinew of the country, are
excluded No sir, it is not so. But in one sense
it is true. So far as the farmers association il
concerned in relation to other associations this il
| the fact. How could it reasonably be otherwise
| The Patrons of Husbandry do not propose to es
tablish a conglomerate association composed of al
the numerous associations that have existence il
| this and other countries. What medley it woulC
be? incongruous in all its parts and very Bed
lam in itself. How would this Bedlam be con
Quoted? Who would take the chair? Who woulC
undertake to be the secretary! By whom AM
how would the official appointments be made ?
What would be the nature and purport OF tn
minutes of such an association? For my part
| think the correspondent of the BALTIMORE COUNT
UNION, "0ld FOgy," would be the only one VIII
could possibly decipher them. So much for tn
! "exelnded classes" 10 GA ,usUIy max
as to the justice and 1 may add honesty of tn
| Patrons of Husbandry. "The farmer spends al
his money at the Grange store and refuses or fail
to pay his labOrers their wages and thus compel
them to buy wherever they at high prices."-
This is a SANDER and ought to be Indignantly re-
pudiated by every high minded and honorabl,
| farmer. The least can say as to this charge is
| it creates in my mind strong suspicion that tn,
author of it measures other peoples corn by hi
| bushel."
Messrs. Editors, have already encroached toe
much on your patience as well as space in YOU
valuable paper hope you will pardon the lib
erty have taken in troubling you with this hast
y written communication and permit me to add
but word or two more. AS Friend "FOgy" seems
so anxious to know who can and who cannot GET
into the Grange, and blunders so much at guessing
will, by your permission, say word to him on
that subject. In the first place he must be Just
and honest, practice temperance, &C., in a word
cherish and cultivate all those virtues which
naturally flow from the practice of Faith, Hope
and Charity. 1t matters not if he be poor or rich
young or old, blind halt, so that his chief de-
light and interest consists in farming and promo
ting the cause of the farmer laboring to better his
own condition as well that of others and to en-
ulate those virtues which alone can distinguish
him among honorable men. Such an one, friend
GEnr.ry Ill Al
guished farmer, will find in the Grange a hearty
welcome and happy home. E. P. PHILporr
H7f-Mrs Elnrenca pattarsnn Cn--oll .H;e0 "a