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

VI ~ auu mat the unrepresented States
heed looking after. 1t would seem of
more Importance than session of the Ma
tlonai Orange, because our constitution
our digest, and our established rules meet
an ordinary requirements of our members,
ana the solitary amendment submitted at
'iie last session did not elicit ratification
Ii must be obvious that if we desire
the existence of this body in point of fact
tne States as far as possible should be re-
CANNED, and restored to the field other
wise our reputation as a national organi-
cation is false, and and our potency for
national veal is lost. AS this republic
would dwindle into insignifcance, when
confined to a few States, SO would this
body amount to but little as a National
organization if half dozen States only
Were represented Those that are whole
need no physician. The weak, bleeding,
bleating lamb out in the dark and cold de
mands our attention. Selfishness must
be overcome, and all, as patriots and phil
anthropists, must labor for the common
cause, for the common good, for the COM
mon whole. "We cherish the belief that
sectionalism is, and of right should be,
dead and buried with the past. Our work
is tor the present and the future. In our
agricultural brotherhood and its purposes
we shall recognize no North, no South, no
East, 10 West.
All are but parts of one united whole.
Whose body is the Grange, and love the soul.
Texas and Maine, Oregon and Florida,
are all bound together by the ties of
agriculture, and it is the grand mission
OF this Order to rivet indissolubly this
tie by Faith, by Hope, by Charity by
Fidelity, and by Perseverance.
But State Oranges are formed and sup
ported by subordinate oranges. The very
existence ofthe Order depends upon Wig
orous, healthy oranges everywhere and it
has become self evident that in most of
the States they require more fostering
care, more encouragement, more strength.
Perhaps in the more populous States, little
National aid is necessary; but in those
States where material interests have been
regarded OF paramount importance, and
little or no account has been made of So
clal, moral or intellectual advancement,
and IN the smaller or weaker States, a
moderate sum might be judiciously ex-
pended. To appropriate money for this
purpose would be of little avail unless the
State authorities rendered all the assist
ance possible in funds, time and labor, and
unless the missionaries employed were in
spired in their work, and gave little heed
to scrip to purse.
| firmly believe the States would coop
crate in this laudable endeavor, and that
successful lecturers could be found to en-
list in this revival, whom vain glory or
cupidity would not sway-lecturers who
would be sshonest with the brethren, faith
full to their pledge, and diligent in their
work.
The present condition of the Order is
neither surprising nor discouraging-iti is
simply the result of natural laws. The
membership is composed of non-associa-
tive material. The farmers vocation of
itself tends to isolation, which has become
part of his very life, and from which this
generation will never fully recover.
Nevertheless, the Order is an educator
of its faithful inmates. 1t brings the hus-
bandman into contact with others. Each
learns from the experience and knowledge
of others. Each section has interests in
common with those of other parts of our
country. The true Patron eXerts a salu-
tary influence on those outside the gates,
and confidence slowly but gradually takes
root. A decade has accomplished much,
but the next decade of years will effect
still greater results.
WOMAN'S MISSION.
! Moreover, we have an important ele-
ment; which will eventually remedy this
dissocial characteristic, and tend more than
all else beside to make the Order live for
ever I allude to our mothers and daugh-
tiers, our wives and sisters.
In the language Of another, to our moth.
ers we are indebted for the first impulses
of virtue, for the first lessons of gratitude
prayer and praise. To our mothers are
we indebted for our earliest and best ed
ucation and preparation for instruction
Like bright star in the dark pathway Of
life, she points the road we should travel
aids to unfold our intellects, and moulds
our character for happiness here and here
after 1t is woman who first teaches us
to fear and reverence Power which has
framed us with a neverdying spirit
spirit which, by we'll doing, aspires to the
eternal rewards of virtue and goodness
1t is her influence. which, in infancy, give:
direction to this spirit in youth, encour
ages it to useful and honorable pursuits
in manhood, teaches the bosom to glow
with social tenderness. And when gray
haired old age overtakes us, she gives con
ISOLATION to the bending, lettering form by
her tears of sympathy, her pure devotion
her constant virtue, her hopes of a blessed
Immortality.
1t is indeed we'll for us that we hav.
such helpmeets, such advisers and sucl
comforters, through our lives of wearisom'
toll We are truly thankful that this Or
der has been so wisely devised that he
|, presence among us shall cheer us onward
in our duties, and may our strength ant
integrity be ever her shield from harm
and means for support, while her purity
tenderness and delicacy shall grace GU
Grange gatherings until the word Patron
shall be synonym for intelligence, socia
bility, refinement and honor Throughout
the land,