The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1879-09-13
WHAT 1T COSTS, AND WHAT 1T
PAYS

A wise man has said, in substance that
there was "a giving that enricheth, and a
withholding that impoverished" Espe-
cially is this true in the application or
neglect of the principles of the Patrons of
Husbandry. There has been great hue
and cry by many persons belonging to
the Order that it was "costing too much. !"
But let us look into this subject Of ex-
pcnsiveness little. Comparison of the
cost of initiation fees and dues required
of persons uniting with the Order of Pa
irons OF Husbandry reveals the fact that
in proportion to privileges conferred it is
by far the most inexpensive Of all the
great organizations of the day. Take, for
example, the Masonic or der. A man cam
not take the first three degrees of that or
der for less than twenty dollars, and his
annual dues are from. two to ten dollars.
What financial benefits does he derive
None whatever in direct manner, ex-
cept in case Of extreme necessity. The
Mason's chief compensation is ''ascertains
ing the secret" and limited social oppor-
tunities. Then investigate the cost and
gains of Odd Fellowship. The entrance
and degree fees are never less than twenty
dollars. The annual dues range from
four to twelve dollars. 1t is true that Odd
Fellows in good standing are entitled to a
stipulated amount per week in case of
sickness, and small sum is paid to aid in
defraying the funeral expenses ola mem
her or his wife, But even these small
benefits arc considered onerous by many
leading members, and if lodge gets a
"tough case, that is, a permanent inva
lid, on its lists (and nearly every lodge
has one,) great dissatisfaction prevails.
Other orders might be mentioned, but
these must suffice But how is it with Pa
irons? A man pays three dollars, and a
woman one, for initiation. The minni>
mum dues of ten cents month or S1.20 a
year, are rarely exceeded. This is all the
expense, except that of the time and labor
required in attending meetings of the
Grange, and for this there is ample COM
pensation in The social and intellectual ad.
vantages obtained What is the financial
benefit? We reply, annual saving to all
members who improve their opportunl-
ties, of ten to thirty per cent on the cost
of living. There are but a few farmers
whose annual expenditure for articles
they do not produce is less than $500. By
purchasing through the channels estab-
markets, and for atrifilng per cent realize
IlSDcQ DY the OFQoT. luis SUN Chu NC TO-
duced, and is by many in the sum of thir-
ty to seyenty-fve dollars. Is this not a
large return for moneys expended in be-
coming members? In what other direc-
ton do you invest a dollar and twenty
cents that shows much returns?
Then there is tho improved opportuni-
ties for disposing OF your products, where's
by their cash value is enhanced. Paying
cash for country produce by merchants
and dealers was a thing rarely heard OF
till recently. Now, since Patrons can
send their butter and eggs to the best
increased prices, they are no longer re-
quired to take the small pay which the
purchaser himself fixes in goods upon
which he too establishes the prices. oh
no! Mr.. Storekeeper, who heretofore has
insisted that there was mo profit in but
ter and eggs" and he ''only bought them
to accommodate his neighbors,"' suddenly
has found they have a cash value, and is
willing to purchase them in that way
These results, and many others, are OBJ
Frft age IA