The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1879-05-03
Number 16.

| this hideous incarnation of all evil in the
history of the legislation of this country,
we would have established on its ruins a
direct ad valorum tax, the only Just, wise
and equitable tax for any people under
the sum-
These are not the only reforms needed,
but in these as in all others the Patrons
should take the initiative, inviting the
cordial cooperation of the mechanics. the
artisans, the operatives, the miners and all
other laborers of the country. Parties,
from various motives have sought to pref
udice the latter parties against the Patrons,
when, if they were properly informed,
they would become, as they should, natu-
RAJ allies. Parties are commended or con-
demned by the fruits they bear.
Now that the Patrons are establishing
''Co-operative" business houses, other
classes begin to realize their benefits.
Every "New Process" Cotton Factory
they erect but strengthens them with the
laboring classes Blunders have been COM
| mitted by Oranges in admitting improper
persons, or in other words persons whose
pursuits were not congenial, into their
membership, that in some instances have
proved well nigh fatal. This has retard-
ed their healthy growth, and should be
sedulously guarded against in the future
In all future cases, it should be known
that agriculture or its kindred pursuits
was the paramount avocation of the can
didate. We think the National Grange
should embody in its constitution a pro-
vision, authorizing subordinate Oranges
to expel members for embarking in bu-
sinesss antagonistic to, or at variance with
the letter and spirit of their constitution
or it might perhaps be modified, so as to
forbid their presence in any subordinate
Grange.
There is reform the masses of the peo-
pie urgently demand, and one which the
Patrons must accomplish for their own
welfare and protection, and that of the
country at large, involving as we con-
ceive, not necessarily, political, still less
a partisan difference of opinion Each
Grange, acting for itself, should resolve to
vote for no office seeker for office under
any circumstances, nor to submit to any
dictation from any court house, State cap
ital or national cliques, so far as their
wishes or interests are concerned. Were
such resolution adopted and fully car
ried out in letter and spirit by every sub
| ordinate Grange in the United States the
present corrupt caucus machinery would
be broken up. In these caucuses the Pa
irons are as completely ignored as though
they had no existence whatever.
If they would have Legislation protect
ing for their interests, instead of legislation
discriminating against them as has been
the case since the origin of the govern
ment, they must speak out unitedly at the
ballot box in such tones that the clamor of
the demagogues, whether in or out of
office may be effectually stilled, and better
men and better times inaugurated for the
behefits and the blessings all the people
may reap. The Patrons have arrived at that
point in their history when they must
war against every abuse of the Govern
ment that has SO long favored directly the
few against the rights and interests of
the many. The qcestion recurs, but still
remains unanswered, will they let their
voice be heard through the ballot? There
seems to be some indications that action
in that direction will before long be taken.
We know that you are bending every
energy to speed it. Respectfully,
G. w. BRAME
West Point, Miss, April rs.