The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1880-03-20

have a profound respect for the voice ice )
the people. 80 - 'es y =
1he National Grange at its Richmond
session. adopted supplemental IS
/ DECLARATION OF PURPOSES N
WHICH was simply an emphatic re-asser
ton OF the original Observation-Disclosures,
more clearly defining the objects If seek,
20 attain. To the preamble and res olu
tlons IN reference to this subject, adopted
oy that body, and herewith annexed j
invite your especial attention, and recon,
mend your endorsement of the same. anc
also the adoption of a resolution pledgine
the Patrons of the State to the policy EN-
bodied in these resolutions, which is ar
emphatic reiteration of the educationa
policy of the Grange-a distinct recogni
ton of the necessity for representation ir
our law making bodies by men who are
identified with US in interest, and the an.
nouncement of liberal and lust policy to-
ward other industries, which are equally
entitled with US to the benefits of homes,
legislation in the interest of the people,
and faithful execution of the laws. II
is not sought by these resolutions to intro.
duce
POLITICS IN THE GRANGE
Il IS, however further recognition of the
distinct individuality of the farmers as a
class, and the necessity r policy pecu-
liariy their own, and which shonld be ag.
gressive if need be, in the assertion and
maintenance of their rights and the de-
tense OF their interests. This necessity is
intensified, not only by existing political
complications, but by the alarming growth
OF combinations and monopolies, and the
increasing tendency to the concentration
OF power and capital, dangerous to the
equality of classes and the interests of the
productive industries.
It is within the province, as well as one
of the highest duties of the Grange-the
most powerful educator of the masses
ever organized in our midst--to qualify
them as far as may be possible, for a just
appreciation of the conditions upon which
their prosperity and happiness depend,
and of the best methods of self-govern-
ment, and to unite them in the support of
such measures as will best promote these
ends. A division amongst ourselves, based
upon sectional lines and blind adherence
to parties is a grave folly, for the spirit of
party demands the subservience of all in.
terests to its behests, and has not hesitated
in any section of the country to resort to
trickery to defeat the will of the people,
or to appeal to arms to maintain its ascend
ency. 1t is, therefore, dangerous to the
extent that it inf1ames the passions, blinds
the Judgment and subordinates the offices
of government to the basest uses.
The common people are the true custo-
dams of our rights, liberties and interests,
and in their patriotism, conservatism and
intelligence we must look for the safe
guards against the prostitution of the high
offices of the government to party ends,
and consequent misrule, class legislation,
and the perversion of constitutional meth
DDS. The great leading public measures
should no longer remain the sport of par
ties, to the injury Of productive industries,
but wise conservative policy, in the in
terests of the people, large majority of
whom belong to the agricultural classes,
and a proper representation in the law
making bodies, according to the numeric-
al strength and relative importance of the
several classes, meets the Grange view, as
embodied in the resolution herewith sub
mitted
There was an amendment adopted at
the same session, that the minimum of
monthly dues in the Subordinate Oranges
should be five cents. This amendment,
which l regarded as very proper one,
has not been ratified by all the Oranges
which have acted upon it, but it is proper
you should give an expression in regard
to it.
At the recent session at Canandaigua,
the National Grange so amended the con-
stitution in reference to the comforting OF
the degrees by the several Oranges as to
allow the several inferior Oranges to con-
fer each one degree more in addition to
the degrees already conferred by them
The amendment is herewith submitted
without recommendation. -
In this connection, permit me to say that
/ do regard it as for the best interests OF
the Order that all the questions of dues
save of dues to the National Grange, and
perhaps of admission fees, should be re.
mitted to the States, and recommend that
if vcu concur with me in this opinion
you instruct your representatives in the
next session of the National Grange tc
present an amendment to this effect. and
urge its adoption by that body. At it:
meeting two years ago,
THE STATE GRANGE
of Tennessee,in an effort to popularlze TIT
representation in this body, SO amended
the constitution as to allow any fourth
decree member in good standing, eligible
This action which was in conflict will
the provision of the National constitution
was unwarranted and should not be re
ceived by this body.
It's desirable, also, that you should, b.
the proper action, give emphasis to tina
feature of the constitution which define
the limits of the Subordinate Oranges
and their duties within these limits, as il
some instances, the disregard of yer,
proper precaution have given rise t
abuses injurious to the Order, PARTICULAR
n +he admission of members by som