The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1881-11-26

operator as the experience and
knowledge acquired by the transac-
ton. When our Grange ship was
launched upon the stormy sea ofthe
business world we fHoated from the
mast head q bannerson WHICH was
inscribed. 'Nationa and StateC o-op- :
Grafton" Trade and Manufactures
Supported BY the Common Fund.
A few State Grange tried the
experiment. Extensive manufacs
turing and business enterprises were
attempted with the State Grange
funds, and salaried@agents to sell
farm produce and purchase supplies
for the farm, with power to create
debts binding upon the State Gran
ges, were appointed in commercial
,centers. Our ship carried too much
sail and was deficient in ballast. Il
foundered in the great financial
storm which proved so disastrous
to all business enterprises. This
system was not adapted to the
wants and condition of our organi-
zation. 1t was not sufficiently edu-
cational and cooperative in its ope-
rations and was wanting in safe
guards. 1t attempted to graPPle
with great business enterprises
without the experience and skill
necessary to manage them. While
these failures were disastrous to the
welfare ,ofsthe OrderinS the. States
ZEN barking in the enterprises, yet
there-ean be but little doubt but
what they proved-valuable lessons
to our members in other States, and
saved the Order from similar losses
and disasters elsewhere. E
The National Grange next recon-
mended cooperative associations
with equally distributed burdens
and profits, giving each co-operatol
an equal voice and vote in their
management, and devised a well
guarded and thoroughly practical
system for conducting them. Many
have been organized and operated
| with varied results. Some have
succeeded beyond the most san
guine expectations of those inter.
ested in them, others have failed
This was to have been expected
Some men succeed in business
others do not. Why is it? 1t is
not luck, but management. Sc
with our Cooperative Associations
But enough have succeeded to de.
monstrate the wisdom and practica-
bility of the system. -b
Some State Oranges have EN-.
ployed reliable agents and response
BILE business commission houses te
sell farm produce and fill orders al
a fixed commission, taking ample
bonds for fair dealing and prompI
returns.
This system has proved to be o.
much value to members, stimula
ting them to study the market re
| ports, and familiarize themselve:
with the principles and customs o.
trade and transportation. 1t is both
practical and thoroughly educa
tional.
There yet remained another wan
in our business system. Many
Oranges were so situated that they
could have no access to co-opera
tive stores, and to make small order:
from agents or supply houses wa:
attended with too much trouble anC
delay. This want has been pro
vided for, and many Subordinate
Oranges are now enjoying its ben
efits in most satisfactory degree
They raise purchasing fund ano
invest it in such articles as are con
stantly needed in every family anc
keep them in room provided fol
that purpose at the Grange hall ano
deliver them to members at the reg
ular meetings at nearly cost. The
purchasing agent, or storekeeper
who has charge of the business
gives security to the Grange for The
funds placed in his hands, and /;
small per cent added to remuneratt
him for time and expense. Thu
brings the primitive lessons ano
| pecuniary benefits of cooperation
| within the appreciation and mean
of the humblest member of tn,
Grange. 1t is both practical ant
safe. No great losses can occur, a.
everything is done on cash basis
There are instances in the histor1
| of this practice where results simila
to those which have marked tn,
| history of successful business mel
have been obtained. Commencing
with small capital and small bust
ness, they have extended their bust
ness as the confidence and wants o
members and their knowledge o
business has increased until the lit
tie room at the Grange hall has beer
exchanged for first class bushes
| place upon a commercial street ant
large and prosperous co-operativ,
store is the result l am clearly o
the opinion that supply houses o
arrangements for purchasing a
wholesale rates, cooperative store
where they can be supported
and well managed and arrange
ments made for shipping and sell
ing farm produce and the Grang,
purchasing fund used when needles
if properly systematlzed and en-
couraged, and all working together
| will constitute system of co-ope
ration well adapted to the wants o