The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1880-02-07
COLUMBUS MISSISSIPPI FEBRUARY = $780,

classes and interests to the end that the
blessings of government may be equitably
distributed to all, and the burdens shared
proportionately by all.
WHAT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED.
Tens of thousands of farmers and their
families who have united in this grand
national organization of farmers have cul-
tivated that social, fraternal feeling that
truly makes them band of brothers and
sisters, working together for the eleva-
ton of each, exerting an influence for
good in the cause of humanity. They have
bidden adieu to selfish partisanism, strife
and sectionalisn. They have educated
themselves as Patrons, and to-day occupy
positions of high rank in society for use
fulness. They have educated themselves
and now fully understand every object
and principle of our declared purposes,
and most efectually defend the rights Of
the farmers in all places and upon every
occasion.
Our demands for Justice have been con
sidered by the highest courts of the land,
and favorable decisions have been rem
dered in cases affecting warehouse charg-
es, patent-right claims, transportation
privileges, etc. Not all that is desirable
has been obtained, but enough has been
accomplished to show that more can be
done.
Our petitions to the Congress of the
United States have been respected, and to
limited extent complied with. Our in
| terest is to day considered, and our de-
mands investigated in the Senate Of the
United States. Many of the changes sug-
gesteu III the work OF the Agricultural
Department of the National Government
have been adopted and are now in prac-
tiCe.
We have gained the respect, and are
exerting an influence in the different de-
partments of our national government,
which if followed up properly will posi-
lively lead to good results. Many thous-
ands of farmers through the instrumental
| ity of this organization, are now united
and determined to work together to ad-
vance the agricultural interest and place
it where it of right belongs, in the front
rank of all interests and professions, and
secure for it just proportion ofrepresent-
alton in the halls of legislation, and in the
affairs Of government, State and National.
Why more has not been done is because
we have been heretofore acting too selfish
ly, not having been sufficiently united to
accomplish more desirable results. Often
the idea of self was made to outweigh the
wishes and judgment of the masses. Sci
fish and impractical schemes were set up
against the matured deliberation and
thoughts of those who devoted years of
hard study to the work. Self was fire
| quently held in high esteem and must first
be served, even if at the sacrifice of every
thing else. Under this non-co- operative
system how could we expect greater sue
cess? Could not the several State Oranges
with proper effort have accomplished as
much in their State government as has
been accomplished by the National
Grange, in the national government, and
selfish neglect in not unit 1g and CO.
operating together is the sole cause why
more has not been accomplished.
What may hereafter be done depends
much upon our future efforts. We must
educate each other to understand the
work alike, become united and cooperate
together to accomplish the same object
| Our interests are alike, and require like
care and protection to shield them from
encroachments made on them by combi
nations and corporations, who are uni Just
ly exactng nearly the entire profits of az
riculture. To remove the errors and re-
| store the equilibrium OF justice, require:
united action and earnest labor, and while
idividual efforts would prove failures CO.
operative exertion will certainly lead tc
triumphant success. Every promise made
by the organization and every reform de-
sired by its members can all be obtained
by cooperating and acting together The
farmers in this organization have the pow
er within themselves to establish justice
whenever they unite co operatively
where legislation is required to accom-
plish the object, you have power in your
own hands to say who shall be your legis
lators in State and nation.
4 Patrons, can assure yov that the Order
can accomplish all that it has promised ane
all that is desired, five, as members dc
our part. Our duty, our interest, oul
self respect and our manhood demand
that we do this. and if we do, all will bs
well and success secured AT no time ir
four years have the prospects of the Ordel
been as good as they are to day. More
and better work is now done than eve
before Encouragements were never bet
, ter. The social and educational success:
has united the membership and the,
work together for the same good objec
now within reach.