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


From the 'sVirginia Granger we CLEAN
the following items about the February
session of the State Grange held at
Petersburg: srsf 6s.fa8 /
The Grange held three sessions daily,
and all were harmonious and of the most
pleasant nature. Perhaps of all the meet
ings of theVirginia State Grange there was
here inspired greater degree of mutual
respect and confidence between the
officers, of whom so much is expected, and
the representatives, who have gone to their
homes determined to work for the cause
of the farmers with renewed zeal and en-.
ergy. Indeed in a word, all who were
present heartily realized the fact that the
Rubicon has been successfully passed,
and future of prosperity is before us.
There was no abatement in the numbers
present as compared with previous ses-
sions, the spacious hall being well filled
during the whole session. 1t was notable
feature that the ladies turned out in great
er numbers than at any other meeting of
the State Grange which has been held
Among the business acts which are of
a nature to be made public we give few
of most general interest
Sundry recommendations of, the Ma
tional Grange to amend the constitution
of the Order were not agreed to-"
The Committee on Masters address
recommend its publication for general
distribution and say in their report: "The
address reviews in delightful and torci-
BILE manner, with an agriculturisfs eye,
many of the most prominent and famous
peoples ofthe earth, showing conclusively
that SO long as nation and its laws nur
tured and fostered education, so long
would it prosper, diffusing peace and
plenty; but when any people neglect edu-
cation and agriculture, and turned to wor
ship gold andto congregate in towns and
cities they soon became lcentious and
idolatrous, and speedily their downfall
and ruin followed. We are warned to
avoid the maelstrom in which others have
been engulfed. Capitalization of power
has commenced. We, as a nation, are
beginning to worship gold and office. Let
our noble Order take up the warning
voice and sound it throughout the land.
| Let us urge upon our membership to ever
cultivate domestic happiness and rural
peace, the only bliss that has survived the
fall' @
A resolution was adopted suspending,
after a given time, the rule authorizing
| dormant Oranges to be re-organized
without the payment of back dues; also
Resolved, That our Legislature be re-
spectfully and earnestly requested to in
struct our representatives in Congress to
take such steps as they may deem wise
and prudent, to have the head of the Ma
tional Department of Agriculture made a
cabinet officer.
Brother ]. M. Blanton was reelected
Master, and M. w. Lakewood, who has
long served faithfully in that capacity,
! Secretary.
Farmville was selected as thenext place
of meeting. In this connection the repre-
sentative from Norfolk, acting by direc-
ton of the Oranges of that section, with
a fraternal generosity rarely equalfed and
| never excelled, rendered the hall OF
Churchland Grange for the next place OF
meeting of the State Grange, free enter.
tainn1ent for all its members, and a grand
excursion to Washington city. While this
kind and patriotic offer was really ano
sincerely appreciated by the State Grange
its members were unwilling to infiict such
| tax upon the brethren of Norfolk coun-
ty: besides it was thought by many tha
the best interests of the Order would bt
promoted by meeting at a more centra
point At the conclusion of the business
session the fifth degree was conferred II
due form, after. which, through the ener
getic efforts of our enthusiastic Pomona
the members were invited to a bountlfu
feast of good things.
/ And thus ended the most fraterna
meeting which the State Grange has eve
held. The word of cheer is sscarried to al
parts of the State: Hope and persevere
."LET YOUR LIGHT so SHINE.
: Brother Blanton in writing of the ses
sion says: "Many were enabled at. tn
late meeting of the State Grange, whe
the roll of counties was called and tn
delegates responded in brief addresses,
e witness an amount of real, simple, pathe
ic, earnest and eloquent thought and dis
ton which was displayed while speakin
i of the condition and prospects of the VI
t der. Sometimes an old gray headed farm
i er who had grown oldin the labors of til
!. husbandman, would bring down ath
! house with applause, when in fey
: clear, pointed, incisive words, ne woul
L expose the measures of soppressions unds
e which the agriculturist had groanet1 t.
/, so long time, or melt to tears the bear
e a. - 4 .:,&o~r a. "A hrofhnre hv f,afhe