The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1879-12-27
THE NATIONAL GRANGE.


letter of Worthy Master Eshbaugh, of the
Missouri State Grange:
At the session thirty States were rep
resented; this was the largest representa-
ton ever had. There were also more visit
ing members present from the different
States than at any previous session. Del
egates from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan,
Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia,
Maryland, South Carolina, Maine, New
Jersey, Vermont and New York-thirteen
IN all-were present. and from some of
the States named, in large numbers
Those who may have supposed that the
Order was on the decline, and that its
days would soon be numbered, and its
name placed among the things to be for
gotten, could those of little faith have
witnessed the scenes, interest and earnest
ness, as well as the determination daily
manifested during the entire session, they
would have seen the error of their con-
clusions, and be ready to admit that the
Order is destined to live, and its princi-
Piles to be perpetuated for all time to come.
The National Grange realizes that under
the present rule of concentration by mo-
nopolized power, the unj Just discrimina-
ton practiced by corporations, the unreas-
enable burdens and cruel expressions
forced upon the agricultural industry of
the country are on the increase; and as the
agriculturist, through this Organization,
have only asked reasonable considera-
ton by other interests and of those in au-
thority, with view that strict justice
might be done to all classes and interests
in the land. AT no time and in no way,
has this Organization ever asked for fa-
vors of a selfish character, or for their own
agrandiZement, at the sacrifice Of any
other class or interest, but have only asked
for Justice in all things, that the burdens
of government might be equally shared
alike, and the blessings equitably distrib
uted. But these demands as reasonable
and as just as they are, have been ignor-
ed by those who grow rich out of other
mems labor; they have often been passed
unheeded by the law-making powers of
States and the nation. All is made sub
servlent to partlsanlsm, by the money
power of the land After asking for years
to have their grievances considered, and
a reasonable hearing has as often been re-
fused, they have made no threats, nor un-
Just demands, but simple claim of justice,
all of which have thus far been ignored in
the interest of those who control the par
tisan element of the country.
The Organization is, therefore, compell-
ed to take an aggressive view of the mat
ter for the future With this view of the
case the National Grange at its recent
session have inaugurated the preliminary
steps for the work, which will be brought
before the State Oranges, nearly all of
which held their sessions during this
month; in Missouri it must by extra effort
be brought before the Subordinate Gran
ges, or they remain as cipher in the
work the present year.
When all things are ready we propose
to do our part, and the work will be made
plain and simple, and it will remain for
the members to say by their own acts how
we'll they will do their part. Our man
hood, as we'll as our interest demands
prompt and decisive action in the future
Biennial sessions are not established tor
neither State or National Grange; this
change was once submitted to the State
Grange and was not ratified; and 1T is be-
lieved that annual sessions of bothState and
National Oranges are at present fully as
necessary, if not more so,than at any prece-
ding time; notwithstanding portion OF
the political press advises biennial ano
some of them even triennial sessions
| Why these should so suddenly become in
terested in us, and volunteer this gratuitou;
counsel is not known, unless it be tha
| they are fearful if annual sessions are con
tinued that the progress of the Order bs
too rapid, and its prosperity too firmly
| fixed.
No appropriation of funds were mad'
for lecturing purposes in the States; tn
National Grange has at different times re
appropriated to the different States a larg
amount of its funds. Missouri alone ha
been the recipient of over ten thousant
dollars. at present, and none will be appro
| priated. :.
A constitutional amendment is submit
ted to the State Oranges for considera
ton, which if adopted, will establish tn
fifth degree in the Subordinate. sixth i
the County and the seventh III the Stat