The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1879-11-29
NATIONALITY OF THE GRANGE
"A LINK IN THE CHAIN OF
NATIONAL UNITY.

The inquiry is sometimes made, What
advantage is gained by the Grange being
national in its character? What does the
National Grange do for the Patrons? The
question might be answered by asking
another: What is the use of a county or
State organization? or, to carry out the
argument, What is the use of anv organ
ization at all? for the argument, if logical.
ly carried out, resolve, itself into this.
The inquiry may be answered bv refer
ring to the Farmers Clubs, which from
time to time has sprung up, and as rapidly
disappeared. The fact is, there was a
want of extensive organization in the lat
ter to give them any lease of life. The
common Bond of Brotherhood was want
ing, which the Grange supplies Besides,
the farmers Club, whatever its platform
OF purposes may be declared to be, neces-
sarily sinks to the condition of an agri-
cultural association, exclusively.
The Grange contemplates in its action
to reach and satisfy all the wants of the
agricultural class Its power consists in
cooperation. A unity of interests and
common wants, enjoins this. The more
extended the association, united by the
same purposes, aims and wants, the great
er the power to attain the objects sought
1t is idle at this day to talk about accom-
plishing great objects without co-opera
ton. 1t is the efficient factor in all great
enterprises. Every other industry, every
other department of trade, is aware of
this efficiency, and guilds, trades unions.
and legalized corporators, are the result
The farmer from his isolated position and
employment has not appreciated the ad-
vantage of associated effort. The world
has taken for granted that the import
ance of agriculture, both for the mainten-
ance of commerce and manufactures, gave
a sufficient guarantee of its independence
and growth-independent of Government
patronage or other outside influences The
result was that legislation was strained to
advance commercial and manufacturing
interests, while agriculture was snubbed
on every occasion. The whiskey inter
ests of Ohio to-day, have more influence
in controlling the legislation of that great
State than the entire agricultural interests
of its people.
But the Grange is an organization
which has for its objectnot only the thrift
growth and character of its members but
in the securing of these to advance the
interests of the Commonwealth The re-
suit could not be otherwise, for that which
shall benefit and elevate the largest class,
or indeed any class, just that far contrib
utes to the common veal and strength.
Limit these influences to a county and
a decade of years will show that the coun-
ty SO situated will outstrip adjoining
counties in population, intelligence,
wealth and refinement. Certain causes
must produce certain results, and these
are among them. Extend these influences
to the limits or State and we have the
same factors at W ork. 1t is like advance
of civilization a few years ago on our
western border-a steady progressive
movement towards the Pacific, as clearly
defined, year by year, as an army making
its regular march Under the genial in
fluences of the Order of Patrons, there
not only is but must be a progressive
movement along the line of the whole
body of farmers, who are in sympathy
with the work. Unlike trades unions
and monopolies, the prosperity of the
Grange, representing the agricultural
class, is identified with the general pros
perity.
We therefore conclude, that having for
its object SO far-reaching a purpose, its
strong power lies in its State and Nation
al extent. Whatever adds to the Nation
al unity, ,adds to the strength and perpetui-
ty of the Republic, and appeals not only
to the self-interest, but to the patriotism
of the citizen.--G Grange Bulletin.