The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1880-11-27
Grange Work and workers.

1t is a truth everywhere acknowledged,
that nothing succeeds in this world with
out hard work and Oranges and Grange
enterprises are no exception To be sure,
there has been much in the way of benefits,
already accomplished, but 1t has cost work
and time and their effects have been most
plainly seen. where these means have been
freely used. But the Order is suffering
for want of enterprising members, who,
instead of fault finding because there has
not been more accomplished, will wake
up to an earnest and forcibe endeavor to
keep our cause moving onward; mem ers
who not only go through the form OF a
regular meeting once, or twice a month,
but who plan and arrange, and reach out
after those without the gates, who should
be within, putting the same energy into
the work that the merchant does in sue
cessful trade. There is no other social
organization that presents such opportun-
tiles for good work, or can show much
good already accomplished, but there is
no other that presents greater temptations
to laziness In the Subordinate Grange,
if the officer goes through the forms laid
down in the Manual, and if he is careful
to be generally present, the members often
feel as if he was doing all that he could,
while the truth is. as little real work put
into trade or mechanics, would ruin the
whole.
A multitude of Oranges suffer because
of inefficient officers-good, kind hearted,
pleasant men, perhaps, but with no down
right, earnest purpose-and the members
continue them in office, though the Grange
languishes, and perhaps is near its final
end. Where there is one officer that suf-
f from everwork there are a dozen
Oranges dying for want of some energetic
stirring ones.
There are a few members in almost
every Grange who are willing to work
and do work while they meet with the
least encouragement. You will find them
at every meeting, and will see them en-
gagged in all that promises to benefit the
Order. They are always willing to dc
their part, and more you can rely upon
their help and CO operation at any and all
times. But there are many members who
seem surprised that you should expect
them to work. They come to the Grange
to enjoy themselves-not to help others
to be amused and entertained-not to work
for others. AS for doing anything for the
good of the cause, giving any account O
experiments tried-either successful or un
successful, writing an essay or selecting
trying in any earnest, energetic wav, t
help on our work, they never try it-hav,
no gift for it, and so pay their dues, attent
the meetings when they feel like it, AM
| call that being good Patrons of Rusbandr1
without making single effort to do goot
| to others from one years end to another
| 1t is surprising what lazy Patrons SOM
smart business men make-farmers win
can make their calling pay and know HOY
to manage all sorts of difficult problem
VIII let Grange run down for a want @
| little of their enterprise and e-ergy, AM
very likely lay the blame anywhere excep
where il rightfulIv belongs. \ conmun
itv of thrifty farmers who kRow how t
/ improve stock and make the farm pa,
who on hard soil will manage to get a goo
living, and keep their houses and barn
and land neat and clean, will grudge
| dollar or few hours time, and So let til