The Orangeburg democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1879-1881, 1879-01-10
TIE GRANGE.
OF TIE PRINCIPLES OF
TIIIs NATIONAL GRANGE.


The following is the declaration of
principles which were pasted by the
National Grange last week:
We, the members of the National
Grange, desiring TO define the precise
objects Of the Order Of Patrons Of
Husbandry, AID place them before
the membership of the order through
out the Union, do hereby set fortli
the following proposition with our.
distinct declaration of purpose rela-
ting thereto:
The Industry upon which our Or
der is based is agriculturc-the most
important Of al industries--th the foun-
dation and support Of all others-thc
true basis Of all our national prosper
ity. We have observed the condl
tion of our people and viewed with
alarm tae entertainments upon their
natural rights. While agriculture is
the chief source of all wealth and
therefore deserving Of at least equal
recognition with other vocations, it
is deprived Of its just rewards and
oppressed by methods of law. 1t is
made to bear grievous burdens not
its own, it is compelled to pay taxes
which an equitable distribution would
place elsewhere: it is forced by
wicked combinations to hurtCul dis.
ordinations against it's products
both in transportation and in the
marts Of sale its votaries have been
and are now denied that considera-
tion in public affairs to which the
magnitude and Importance Of their
calling entiLle them. The laws Of
the nation and Of the several States
ale SO framed as TO divert from our
industry the rewards which arc the
great incentives to toll, and an earn
est remonstrance against their injus-
tice spurncd.
In view of these truths, we are
bound, in defence of our manhood, to
assert our rights, and we therefore
dsc.ars our unallerable inrSToese te
emancIpate agriculture from tie sbura
dens unjustly heaped upon it, and the
means by which we shall seek TO &C.
cure the desirable ends.
l. We shall strive earnestly, with
in and without our order, to extend
the benefits of education, which shall
&C mprise knowledge Of public affairs
and methods Of sclf-government.
2. We shall demand admission in
the Legislatures Of the several States,
and in both houses Of the National
Congress, for representatives OF agvi-
culture chosen directly from its vo-
taries, as the only means of relief.
3. We shall acco:d to other indus
tries all the rights, privileges and
immunitics, which we claim for our
own, and join with their representa-.
tivcs in earnest endcavors to impress
upon the government Of the States
and nations habits Of wise economy
and frugality as essential to the thrift
and prosperity Of all the people.
4. We shall give constant care and
attention to the public schools, which
the yontb Of the nation are deeply
interested in, limiting expenditures
therefor only by their usefulness,
striving always for that higher and
practicable enlightenment WHICH
should become the distinguishing
feature of free people.
After the above had been adopted
the following was also presented and
passed:
In accordance with the above OBJ
jccts Of our organization, and the
methods by which they arc to be OBJ
tanned, We pledge our unyiclding de-
votion TO the work marked out. We
believe the principles enunciated in
our declaration are in full accord
with the highest welfare of our coun-
try, and that they deserve support,
especially by all farmers. The his
tory Of agriculture On this continent
shows that no organization in its be-
half has ever been attempted without
direct effort on the part Of those who
prey upon its products tc neutralize
the work and the lessons of the past
establish the conviction that our only
hope ls in full and cordial co.opcra-
ton Of farmers wherever located, to
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