The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1881-12-24
The Mississippi State Grange
llth Annual Session.

| IIth Annual Session.
| The rapid increase in the growth
of the Order in this State during
the present year gave unusual in
terest to the recent meeting of the
State Grange, and the general ex-
pectation that this session would be
well attended and its work of great
practical value to the cause, was
fully realized At no time since
1873 and "a, when the Order was
attracting so much attention, has
there been meeting of the State
Grange that could approach this in
point of numbers, in the ability of
| it's members, and in the enthusiasm
that marked every stage of the pro
ceedings, The delegates, many of
whom are in the decline of life and
al veteran workers and leaders in
our glorious cause, displayed thor
,ough knowledge of parliamentary
rules and usages, which shows how
well the Grange is educating its
members to conduct and manage
their own affairs, and their discus
sion of the various questions that
came up. was clear, earnest and ex-
haustive. The interest in the work
Of the session never tagged for
moment, for each one ofuthese pa
triotic farmers fully appreciated the
responsibility Of his position and
was inspired with single purpose
TO contribute his utmost to the sue
cess OF the meeting. 4sa-. 81 s
Worthy Master Darden is one of
the best presiding officers we ever
saw. Dignifed, courteous to all,
yet prompt and firm in his rulings,
he commands the utmost respect,
and never permits unnecessary de-
lay in the transaction of business.
He was frequently called upon to
give his views upon different ques-
tions, and his speeches were often
eloquent and always clear, forcible
and effective. At times when the
prolonged work of a session be
came tiresome, his brief but timely
and eloquent speeches were like
bugle notes on the field of battle,
thrilling the members with enthu-
siasm that often found vent in the
widest applause, Why is it that
this plain farmer, by the magic
wand of his eloquence inspires the
farmers wherever he goes with
hope, and zeal and enthusiasm? 1t
is simply because he is an honest,
| fearless and able advocate of the sa-
cred cause of Right and Justice, and
whose connection with this organi
cation has been marked by lofty
patriotism and stern devotion that
command alike the confidence of
| friends and the respect of enemies.
We ;sh we had time to speak
| of each officer and member of the
State Grange, for there was not
one present who was not worthy OF
praise. We must, however, give
voice to the sentiments of all in re-
gard to the admirable management
of the affairs of. the Secretary's
office. The accomplished and pa
triotic lady, Mrs. Helen A. Ably,
who for the past year has occupied
that important position, has dis
played the highest order of capac
ity; every duty deyolved upon her
has been ably and concientously.
performed, and every Patron in
Mississippi may rest assured that
as long as she remains Secretary,
and the veteran leader in Kinds
county, H. o. Dixon, Treasurer,
the financial affairs of the State
Grange will be managed with scru-
sbulous fidelity and ability.
This coming together Of SO many
intelligent and patriotic farmers
from all parts of the State, while
it was most pleasant in social
point of view, will have moral
effect that will reach every neigh
borhood, and prepare the farmers