The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1879-08-09
THE NEW DECLARATION Oh.
PURPOSES.

of the policy inaugurated by the New
Declaration of Purposes, which was adop-
ted by a large majority at the last meet
ing of the National Change. Although
it has been nine months since The adoption
of that Declaration md notwithstanding
it has been earnestly endorsed by leading
Patrons all over the country, this condem-
nation by Pine Ridge Grange is the first
indication of opposition to It,
Our understanding of the New Decla-
ration of Purposes is, that the Grange
should urge the farmers of the country to
take more active part in political affairs,
to study the great questions that arise, and
demand for their class a fair share of rep
resentation in. the legislative department
of government, both State and National.
The necessity of reform in public affairs is
known to every intelligent man to be most
urgent; and as the toiling masses suffer
most from the evils of bad government,
it is sacred duty that they owe to them
selves and their families to unite and adopt
measures to correct them. They must in
form themselves of these evils, ascertain
how they may be corrected, and adopt
measures necessary to the end IN view
Next to informing themselves, their tlrst
duty is to elect men of their own class to
the Legislature and TO Congress who can
be relied upon to repeal unjust and OPP
pressive laws, and on all questions, as they
~, nd
their interests.
This in no way conflicts with the origi-
nal Declaration of Purposes. Indeed, the
distinguished author of that Declaration,
Past Master Wright, of California, is him.
self one of the most active and earnest of
advocates of unity among farmers in polit-
ical affairs. 1t was at the advice of the
California State Grange, expressed in
series of resolutions of which he was the
author and adopted at the meeting in 1873,
that the farmers organized and elected
majority of farmers to the State Consti-
tutional Convention, which body framed
a constitution, since ratified by the people,
that will free the toiling masses from the
crushing power of the moneyed rings of
the State.
The New Declaration of Purposes does
not make the Grange a political organiza-
tion 1t positively forbids the calling of
conventions and nomination of candidates
for Office by Oranges. 1t simply urges the
farmers to inform themselves of their du-
ties as citizens, to discuss public questions,
and to unite as farmers to secure the cleo
ton of proper proportion of men of their
own class to the Legislatures and to Con-
gress. 1t is noble, ringing, timely appeal
TO the farmers of the country to act as free,
thinking men, when they come to nomi-
nate and elect those who are to enact and
enforce the laws in which they are more
interested than any other class, and no
longer consent to be used and moved
about as mere puppets by the town
''rings"
Our State Grange, at its last meeting,
received the announcement of the New
Declaration of Purposes by Worthy Mas
fer Darden with every demonstration of
approval We have since received scores
OF letters from members Of the Order in
this and other States approving the New
Declaration in the strongest terms, and we
have had no expression of disapproval
except that which now comes from Pine
Ridge Grange.
We think but few earnest Patrons will
be alarmed by members of the Order TAX
ing an active part in politics with their
brother farmers. We do not believe that
many will see any danger when Grange,
after completing the business of the day,
adjourns, and holds an open meeting for
the discussion of political questions and
to express their views in regard to candi-
dates. Such meetings would be as dis
tinct as if held weeks apart. These open
meetings are generally attended by far
mers who are not members of the Order
and whatever action is taken is the action
of farmers and not of the Grange.
We do not think the New Declaration
of Purposes changes the Fundamental
principles of the Order in the least. II
rather emphasizes them, and opens prac-
teal way to the reforms sought to be &C
complished by the Grange 1t has done
as much to revive interest in the Order as
the recommendation by the National
Grange of the cooperative system of bust,
ness. That action, which contemplated a
complete revolution in the business system
of the country so far as the farmers are
concerned, was taken by the National
Grange and not ratified by the State
Oranges as is the case when amendments
to the constitution are adopted. And we
presume that the New Declaration OF