The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1879-11-29
THE NATIONAL GRANGE.

New York, commencing November I9, 1879
ANNUAL ADDRESS OF WORTHY MASTER
SAMUEL E. ADAMS.
Nearly twelvemonth has passed away
since the National Grange bid adieu to
the historic "hills of Richmond" and the
''Old Dominion" State.
To day, pursuant to law, and the vote
Of this body, we, the representatives. OF
the Order of Patrons of Husbandry IN the
! United States, meet in fraternal confer
ence within the borders of the Empire
| State to consider upon and to promote
the interests of him whose "hand holds
the bread of the world
The votary of agriculture may be I'M
| lettered in the wiles and snares OF city lite;
he may be IMMERSED in the tricks and
strategies of those who gamble with the
fruits of his labors; he may be unfamiliar
with the fashionable opinions, the irrev-
erent principles, and the licentious dog
matism now fostering in the sunlight OF
the present day, yet he is the foundation
of this government and the bone and SIM
ew of this country If he upholds the en-
tire social structure, then he is entitled to
the first place, when social rewards are
distributed IF he furnishes the material
for trade, supplies its open channels, slim
ulates its enterprise, moves its machinery,
and enriches its devotees, then he amply
deserves fair share of the profits. If he
| imparts life to manufacturers, then he
should be prominently considered, when
recompense is made. If he freights ocean
ships launches commercial navies, pro-
notes international intercourse, and thus
propels the world wide tides of civiliza-
ton, then he ought to be named first
among the recognized agencies in human
progress, and to enjoy the consideration
which lawfully belongs to him.
Through close, compact, Intelligent
organization, a revolution has commenced
slow it may be, yet it will be sure,
healthy and just.
The American farmer realizes now, that
agriculture must be lifted up II the place
where it properly belongs; that he has in
terests to be promoted, and rights to be
protected; that his calling must be
raised to the rank of recognized power.
For this purpose have we this day con-
vened, and trust plans will be projected
whereby the desired ends may be attain
ed. Coming as you do, from the various
parts of our common country, doubtless
you have policies and designs to submit,
which, when reduced to practice, shall
result in the upbuilding of our Order and
the permanent advancement of that class
which comprise seven -tenths of the peo-
pie of our Republic.
It is we'll occasionally to take retro
spective view of what has been accom-
plished in the past, in order to resort to
successful means in our onward march
for future improvement.
HISTORY OF COOPERATION.
The subject of cooperation seems to
have been brought to tho surface in the
history of our Order, at the St. Louis ses-
sion, in the address of Worthy Master
Adams He SAYS: The subject of CO.
operative stores is one in which Subordi-
nate Oranges have manifested much in
terest, but the want of definite informa-
ton as to the most approved and success
full plan of conducting them, has prevent
ed their general establishment--that the
National Grange should prepare careful
and elaborate plan for such stores, using
therefor the abundant materials, which
the experience OF the Roehdale and other
societies afford. This would be hailed with
delight by thousands of Patrons, who are
now cropping in the dark.
The committee on transportation and
cooperation the same session report. there
ought to be an exchange of products be-
tween producers in the same section of the
country; that the cotton and sugar-g grow
ing States, the manufacturing and mining
districts of the Eastern and Middle States,
and the bread and eat-producing States
of the West, are all united by common
bond of interest an interest which the
Order of Patrons will bring together and
utilize.
1t should be our purpose to arrange a
business system by which an exchange of
products may be made direct between the
producer and consumer without the in
terventon of an unnecessary number of
middlemen. That it is of little satisfac-
ton to our brothers in the South to know
that corn in Iowa is selling at thirty cents
per bushel while they pay eighty, or that
meat in Illinois is four cents per pound
while it costs them eight That it is
questionable consolation to the manufac-
turer in New England to know that in the
valley of the Mississippi yard of his cloth
will buy three loaves of bread, when but
one of them ever reaches his family. The
| Executive Committee were instructed to
give attention to the purchase of farm i'm
plements, family supplies, the exchange of
products, and to devise some safe plan for
CO cooperative stores, and to transmit the
same to the Executive Committees of the
several State Oranges.
In 1875 at the Charleston session, the
Executive Committee reported: that by.
pothetical schemes were not lacking for
management of business operations; that
there was wanting in the ranks superior
business capacity; that the plan that ap-
peared yesterday sufficient is insufficient
for the wants OF tomorrow; that when con-
fidential circulars were sent out, injurious
publicity was given to them; many never
reached their destination; that manufac-
turers became aware their private ar
engagements were published contrary to
express agreement, and hence withdrew
from the bargain with feelings of distrust
of the Order in general and the committee
III particular; that these occurrences were
embarrassing and humiiiating, that too
! mauy agents were APPOINTED in some sec.