The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1880-10-09
Grange Business-NO Politics.
BY H. EsHBAUGH, MASTER OF MISSOURI
STATE GRANGE.

STATE GRANGE.
Secretaries of County Oranges and the
secretaries of meetings electing delegates
to the State Grange, should at once in
form the Master and Secretary of the
State Grange of such election so that the
proper rolls may be prepared for the State
Grange, previous to the time ofthe session
Unless such reports are made, the roll can
not be completed until after the State
session opens, and this causes delay in the
work. l hope that these reports may be
promptly made, and the roll completed
for the use of the session, at an early day :.
The preliminary work for the Grange
Encampment is progressing very satisfac-
torily, and with prospects for a large at
tendance daily on the increase. l notice
great many opinions as to how the ar
rangements should be, and as to how it
should be conducted, etc. l am pleased to
see such an interest manifested, and have
no doubt but the committee of arrange
ments are very thankful for any and every
suggestion that will aid them in their du-
ties. Inasmuch as each and every indi-
vidual idea can not De adopted, it is best
to leave it with the General Committee of
Arrangements, who will have to bear the
responsibility. have no doubt they are
equal to the duties entrusted to them.
A few months ago. l called the atten-
tion of the Patrons to the political cam
paIgn then approaching us, and sounded a
note of warning not to.allow partisanism
| to interfere with Grange work, and that
political elements should not be permitted
to disturb the harmony and good feeling
in the Order. l had but little apprehen-
sion of any danger of the kind at that
time. But l fully realize now that the
warning was not given any too soon, as
have found during the past month, upon
several occasions, where politicians and
men seeking offices were promptly on
hand at Grange pic MICS, asking the priv
ilege of making political speeches as a
closing ceremony of the day. On two
occasions the good judgment of the mem
bers had to yield to their er-hearted-
ness that could not withstand the pressure,
and consent was given, and the exercises
were continued without intermission by
partisan speeches. A Grange pic mic
gotten up and advertised as such, and then
mixed up with the political turmoil of the
day, is in direct conflict with the teachings
of our Order, contrary to its laws and
detrimental to its best interests, and is
therefore inadmissable. There is no OBJ
lection to getting up AS many political
meetings as you may desire, of either or
all parties. Make any arrangements that
may best suit you, and conduct then as
you may please. This is your right and
privilege, and no man can forbid you.
But do not attach them to your Grange
gatherings, for no good can result from
such work. 1t makes you act inconsist-
emily with your professed principles. We
should always practice what we preach. >
and l entreat you not to indulge in it in
the future.
l have twenty-five engagements yet to
speak at Grange pic MICS, and l ask it as a
personal favor that if it is contemplated
at any one of these meetings to have any
political speeches mixed with it, to please
inform me of the fact, and then excuse
my absence. Should learn after reach
ing the ground. or even the stand, that
such an arrangement would be allowed, |
shall retire without waiting to ask per-
mission.