The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1879-04-24
only be required from the date of their

revival.
Here is presented the golden oppor
tunlty. whereby those suffering from
the destruction of their crops by locusts
Or storms, pinched By hard times, OF
fallen BY the wayside from any cause.
may have their Indebtedness to the
Grange wiped out at once, and 50 be en-
abled to unite their brothers and sisters
throughout the country in the good
work. Hear what Bro. Grosh saws :
Much Of the poverty and restitution
OF the farming classes Is owing to their
isolated condition, and a consequent
lack OF general information. Only by
social intercourse can genial sympathy
and everyday needtul information be
obtained. Only by union Of means and
efforts can the best markets and cheap
est supplies be secured. Hence our
Grange meeting meetings, which are
designed to break up the solitary sepa-
ration of families; to give unto all the
information which each has acquired
concerning the best methods Of farming,
housekeeping, marketing. &c. and to
unite the knowledge and skill. and gains
and savings thus acquired for the bene-
tit OF all. And thus the social features
OF the order are made helpers and pro-
motors OF It's pecunlary prosperity.
But we ann at far more and better than
this. Meeting frequently together as
brothers and sisters OF the same order,
holding the same principles, striving for
the same objects, and recognizing the
teachings OF the same mysteries, a So
ciai feeling IS cultivated which no other
meetings would be likely to awaken.
Occupied in performing our ceremonies.
IN singing, music, feasting; in CONVEX
sationS and discussions relating to agri-
cultural and domestic improvements:
III readings, recitations, and other en-
t~ertainments for Improvement Of mind,
morals and affections, the hearts are
cheered, cares are lightened. minds are
frightened, and the wearied and care
laden are recuperating for their tolls
and duties. Thus a new current of
thought and feeling and life are set in
motion.
The onlyqueStion for us to consider
Is, whether we can derive any good
from combination of efforts. If we are
satisfied with eXorbitant salaries. and
with the daily increasing taxation: if
we are willing to bear all the burdens of
government, and do not care to have
them more equitably distributed if we
shut our eyes to the excessive charges
of our railroad companies; if we are in
different as to our social, mental and
moral privileges, then indeed is there
no use for the Order of the Patrons of
Husbandry. 1t is for us to say whether
this Order shall survive or perish. Can
we afford to permit 1t to die out? If
SO, be assured the other c~aliings will re-
jolce at the prospective opportunity
continued to them Of sapping our
prosperity henceforth, and that. too.
through our own apathy and neglect.
This Is the only national organization
i'll the country, and when it becomes ex-
tlnct, then will expire the hopes of the
American farmer for a brighter, happie
future. Then all legislation, State and
the interests of the arbitrary and
moneyed monopolics, which we our
selves have created, and have warmed
into life, as the countryman did the
viper. What is the remedy? We
must more united, more jealous and
more numerous. We must mass our
batteries on the State Legislature and
on Congress, in order to defeat and de
the steady encroachments made
upon III industry by gigantic a~ssocia-
and opulcnt corporations. We
must be wise and watchful.
give us men! a time like this d mands
; trong minds. great hearts true faith and
hands;
Men whom the lust of office does not kill:
Men whom the spoilS Of flee cannot buy
Men who possess opinions and a will;
aien who have honor; mel who VIII not lie;
Men who can stand before a demagogue.
And damn his treacherouS batteries without
Wliiking.
Tall men, sun crowned who live above the
fog
In public duty and private thinking;
VIII le tie rabhle With their thumb
worn creedS.
Their large professions and their little
deeds
Ningle in selfish strife, 10! Freedom weep5,
Wrong rules the Ian and waiting Justice
sleeps
Let us labor increasingly for the
good time coming
Faithfully and tra~ternally,
SAM. +. ADAMS.