The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1879-08-09

est business principles, but also to more
understanding of the duties OF
GOOD citizenship and of the true princi-
1les and aims of good government. -
Too limitedla range of discussion in the
GRANGE. to avoid the quicksands of par
t;sansbip. has surely had its evils, though
we should prefer to err in this direction
than to risk the integrity of our Grange
brotherhood by the encouragement OF
nartisan spirit among us. But the inter
change of ideas in the Grange, the read
inc, Of ESSAYS and the discussion of sub
iects of practical value, are amongst the
excellent plans of the Order for increasing
anr store of practical knowledge, and tor
distributing and strengthening our minds.
Now. an ESSAY on the National banking
act. that might be full of instruction and
give us a needed insight into its opera
tons, or upon the silver question, need be
no more partisan than an essay on the
New Orleans Board of Trade. Indeed,
the good Patron has no desire TO carry
partisan politics into the Grange, and not
alone because he is forbidden to do so.
On the contrary he is encouraged to cul-
tiyate that spirit which will enable him to
consider any question upon which his IN
terests as a citizen and Patron, requires
that he should act understandingly, with
out reference to existing political parties.
We hold that if the discussion of ques-
tons of public policy in the Grange-ot
finance, tariff, banking, OF, of internal I'M
provment, as well as of agricultural meth
DDS. of social culture, or educationsl pro-
press-tends to enlighten the Patron s
Judgment, or to stimulate in him desire
for a better knowledge of all questions
which affect his interests, let us encourage
it, for if we would remedy now, or escape
in the future, the consequence OF corrupt
or class legislation, we must st:ive to quail
ify ourselves to vote intelligently for men
and measures, not in blind partisan spi-
rit, but as men who understand their in
terests and are able to rise above party
considerations.
The present condition of the country in
respect to the industrial situation, and the
fierce warfare between the two great par
ties, have filled the minds of farmers and
Patrons with anxiety for the future, and
with thought and intelligence quickened,
the leading questions of public policy are
questions of absorbing interest to every
good citizen, and we shall fail to maintain
a proper interest if we exclude them from
the Grange But whilst we should favor
the investigation of all such in the true
Grange spirit, and liberal range of dis
cussion, we would not pervert our organ
ization to party uses, or endanger its in
| tegrity or existence by venturing reckless
ly upon forbidden ground, yet we may
contract the sphere of its influence for
good or restrict its usefulness by too literal
a construction of our limits in this direc-
ton.
Whilst the Grange is already a power
full instrumentality for promoting the good
of its members, further experience and
! familiarity with its workings may secure
its more perfect adoption to the ends in
view, and place its establishment as one
of the institutions of the country beyond
question. 1t is National organization,
instituted in the interests of those engaged
in agricultural pursuits. 1t would be
mistake to limit its scope too narrowly;
for a free interchange of opinions, the dis
cusson of all subjects of class or National
interest in proper spirit, would remove
prejudices, harmonic conflicting views,
disseminate truth, secure unity of action,
and promote vital brotherhood. Let us
then endeavor to employ wisely the in
strumentalities perfected for our use, in
that spirit which seeks truth for its guide,
and we may give new impetus to the
cause we have at heart.
Fraternally, 7. B. HARwELL,
Master Tennessee State Grange
Aspen Hill, Giles county, July rs.