The patron of husbandry., 1880-10-23
The Grange.

Ties Vi q llICHA III al Aholo0S "S W |
the principles and purposes of the
Order:
The Grange, or rather Patrons
of Husbandry, is an Order organ
lied in the interest of farmers, and
for them alone. The farmers, in
their scattered and unorganized
condition, have been the prey of
every profession. They have obey
cd the behests of partisan politicians
without seeking any redress>for the
wrongs which they constantly en-
dured. Whilst the discussion of
government in partisan sense is
forbidden within the Grange, yet
these are constantly discussed as
bearing upon the interest of the
farmers calling, SO that the institu
ton is working wonderful change
in the views of farmers through
education in regard to their interest
This is one feature.
Another is, that through con-
densing their trade they secure re-
duced rates in their purchases, and
by condensing thoir sales, handling
of their crops, etc, the----~1et them
upon the market at less cost. This
is termed cooperation.
Farmers by the nature of their
business are isolated and enjoy but
few social pleasures and benefits.
It is the aim Of the Grange by meet
ipg once or twice a month to afford
social privileges, which can not be
enjoyed in any other way. 1t is a
monthly picnic, where the mem
bers and their families enjoy So
cial reunion. This feature of the
Grange alone should command sue
cess. 1t is God send to most of
the female members, and should be
held up for these benefits alone if
nothing more, as it is the only in
stitution under the sun where wo-
men enjoy all the privileges insured
to men.
In short, the Grange is an institu-
ton originated and organized by
the farmers for their financial, So
ciaI, and educational benefit. It's
aim is to render the farmer, his
wife, his daughters and his sons,
through educational means, the
moral and social equals of any, be
their stations in life what they may.
Whist this is the case, the Order,
through the misrepresentation of
interested parties, those engaged in
fleeing him, has met the opposi-
ton of very large proportion of
the farmers of the country.
In many INSTANCES, in the Begin
ming, inexperience led to many
mistakes, which led to a decline.
The most fatal of these was the adj
mission of many parties not identi-
fed by interest with its principles.
And as their interest lay in another
direction: they purposedly acted 80
as to stigmatize an Order, the sue
cess of which would be fatal to their
calling or expectations. This came
very nearly squeezing the life of it
out in many places, and in this State
for one We have gotten rid Of
this and other discordant elements,
and are building upon permanent
basis, and we are now coming to
stay like the Masonic order and
others. Many lessons lea ned in ad-
versity are now bearing golden
fruit, and to day we stand stronger
than ever, taking the country as a
| whole. That you may fully under
stand, | will quote from the Declar-
ations of Principles of the Order as
declared by the National Grange.
(See printed matter on pages 7 to
II, inclusive.O In addition to the
foregoing the following which was
adopted in 1873, is copied because
only one printed copy remains in
my office:
1--WE. the members of the Ma
tional Grange, desiring to define the
precise objects of the Order of Pa
irons of Husbandry, and to place
them before the membership of the
Order throughout the Union, do
hereby set forth the following pro-
post; ons with our distinct declara-
ton of purpose relating thereto.
The industry upon which our
| Order is based, is Agriculture-the
most important of all industries
the foundation and support of all
| others-the true basis of all our
National prosperity. We have OBJ
served the condition of our people,
and viewed with alarm the en-
croachments upon their natural
right While Agriculture is the
chief source of wealth, and deserv-
ing at least equal recognition with
other avocations, it is deprived of
its Just rewards, and oppressed by
methods of law. 1t is made to bear
grievous burdens not its own. 1t
is compelled to pay taxes which an
eq uitable distribution would place
elsewhere. 1t is forced by wicked
| combinations to submit to hurtful
determinations against its products,
both in transportation and the marts
of trade. Its votaries have been
and are now denied that considera-
ton in public affairs to which the
magnitude and Importance of their
calling entities them.
/"The laws of the Nation and of
the several States are SO framed as
to divert from our great industry
| the rewards which are the incent-
ives 10 toll, and our earnest iemon-
STRANGE against their injustice is
spurned.
"In view of these truths, we are