The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1880-02-28

them that love Truth" In the building up
of his character, one main advantage the
Individual derives from association is this: C
the rough angularities of his nature are
rubbed off; he no longer feels that every
mans hand is against him, but that men :
identified in interest work together har-
moniously for mutual benefit; and If
thrown in antagonism with other classes,
that antagonism is merely for self-protec-
ton and is not aggressive. Men isolated +
have the feeling of antagonism towards T
all, and the Grange, if it accomplishes
nothing more will have done a good work
in creating and fostering the sentiment OF
Brotherhood among even class OF men;
then will come afterwards the sense OF
universal Brotherhood and the spirit OF
aggressive benevolence..
Meeting very intelligent farmer who
is also an active and influential member
of the Grange, recently, we fell into
conversation with him in regard to the
condition and prospects of the Order.
He admitted that the success of the move
mentwas essential to the restoration OF the
prosperity of farmers and of the country
at large, and that he should continue to do
all in his power to promote that success.
But he was little Respondent. Look,
said he, "at the power which the town
rings still hold over the farmers. Why,
sir, they are controlling the great body OF
farmers to- day, Notwithstanding the
teachings of the Grange, which should
long since have made them intelligent,
self-relant, independent in spirit, and
freed them from this slavish bondage;
they still submit to be robbed and impos-
ed upon by merchants; they still wrangle
| with each other and put themselves, their
families and their property in the hands
of lawyers who too often turn them loose
7 bankrupt in character and fortune; they
. allow the professional office-seeker to ust
i them as general does his army; they sub
S scribe for and read newspapers that arr
o hostile to the Grange and which ar,
7. known to be- controlled by lawyers, mer
2 chants and office-seekers, thus building NJ
IS with the proceeds of their toll the yer,
1t power that is used to keep them disorgan
is lied, poor and ignorant. Before we cal
d have that prosperity in the Grange, tina
s. earnest, intelligent cooperation which GU
d best and most patriotic farmers so earnest
t ly desire and have been laboring for year
q to secure, the great mass of farmers mus
1t study the principles and purposes of on
IS organization; subscribe for and rea
L Grange journals that they may learn wha
is the Order is doing throughout the coun
al try; cut loose from the corrupt politician
e and office seekers; Withdraw their supper
If from the political press which is owne,
=. and controlled by the town ''rings;
is keep their property out of tn
n of the lawyers by compromisin,
l. their difficulties among themselves or il
& the Grange; abandon the credit sy stem
e and pay as they go. But are they doin,
d this? I fear not"
|" This is the tenor of many conversion
y we have heard among Patrons and O
lie letters we have received; and while thes
lie assertions may be true to some extent. w
ot know there is a steady, healthy improve
n ment in the situation. These complainer
e. are too impatient 1t is expecting too mucl
l. for the great mass Of farmers to chang
q from old habits and old systems in
Ii month or year. But the change is goins
'r on. There may not be the enthusiasm il
l. the Order that existed four years ago, Blu
e in large majority of Oranges, and in mos
:. OF the States, the progress is steady ant
d will be permanent, and the influence Q
the live Oranges will gradually reach thu
great body of farmers and bling them to
! gether, elevating them in intelligence
power and wealth, and make them, a
their numbers justly entitle them to be, ths
governing class in this country