The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1881-12-24

With good viii and unseIhsh desire, We ssk
the workers of every other calling or industry
to ioin rs In earnest effort TO attain the DJects
named" M
i have made these extracts from the HIS
tory of the Order to show the remedy sug-
eesfed for cur relief. Other industries and
professions have set us the example OF as
sociatinr their efforts to protect their inte-
rests. Last summer when the liquor deal
ers of our State thought their business
threatened they resolved to support no man
for. Office who was unfriendly to them.
Shall we display less determination to de-
fend our interests than other classesf Shall
we fail to discharge plain duty for fear OF
the taunts and jeeTs of politicians, shy locks
and speculators1 The eyes OF the world
are upon us. The issue has been made and
we cannot evade it without shame and dis
aster. And four children and our child
ren's children will hold US responsible
for the part we now take in this grand
movement for liberty and equal rights.
THE STATE GRANGE
is the medium through which the farmers
of State may cooperate for the elevation
of their profession and the protection OF
their rights and interests. You are the
representatives Of the Patrons of Mississip-
oil ana are tEClI lI1ctC0 tCd0Cio. iAs- @N~
tional Grange has clearly defined our pol
lev. Are YOU ready to adopt it and fear
lessly proclaim it through evil as well as
through good report, and lead the grand
army of farmers who are now ready TO join
YOU for the liberation of themselves and
posterity from a condition of absolute de-
pendenee, which inevitably awaits non ac-
ton on our part? Are we ''too weak and
unable to cope with so formidable an ad-
versary? When will we be stronger?
Will it be the next week or the next Year,"
Will it berwhen our substance is absorbed
by the insatiate greed of the money power!
Will it be when we are made bankrupts
by the unrighteous laws enacted. by the
RebresenfafiUeS of the Money P0zUer, with
our property in the hands of a landed aris-
tocracy? "Shall we gather strength by
irresolution and inactionf" Or shall We
not rather rise up to the full measure OF
manhood and show ourselves worthy OF
the heritage of freedom bequeathed us by
our revolutionary ancestors, and dare to
do what is right though the heavens fall?''
If Agriculture ever attaIns its rightful
position, it will be by an associated effort
on the part of farmers as a distinct class,
and by adopting the policy pursued b.
other classes when their interests are
threatened.
\. The Nat onal Grange has submitted to
YOU for ratification or rejection an amerd-
ment to the Constitution giving to any
Subordinate Grange the right to elect a
Past Master as its Representative in the
State Grange when the Master is unable
to attend.
BYLAWS.
The supply of Bylaws is out and there
is an increasing demand for copies.
would respectfully recommend that COM
mttee be appointed TO codify our laws,
with instructions to report at this meeting
so that, if it be deemed expedient, arrange
ments may be made to have them printed
In former Annual Reports have presen-
ted recommendations upon the subjects OF
Cooperation, Education, the Grange
Press, the Inequality of Taxation, and
other kindred topics, and will not consume
time by rehearsing the reasons then given.
These matters will all be in the hands OF
appropriate committees.
For the financial condition of the State
Grange / refer you to the Reports of the
Worthy Secretary and Worthy Treasurer.
cannot close this Report without call
ing your attention to the untiring energy
and great efficiency of our Worthy Secre-
tary, to whom much of the present encour-
aging condition of the Order in Mississippi
is due