The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1881-07-16
Arkansas state Grange.
LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY

LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY.
Editor Patron. There is now
more activity in the Grange in Ar
kansas than at any time since | have
been connected with the State
Grange, and earnestly hope that
our brother Patrons all over the
State will join the grand revival
that is now going on, and help to
push the good work until there is
not single dormant Grange in the
State or a single farmer outside the
gates.of our noble Order. Then we
can accomplish untold millions; then
we can unite and demand our rights
and privileges, and our power will
be seen and felt. We can purify the
political atmosphere of our country,
see that our rights are respected, that
we bear only our legitimate part of
the burdens of our government, and
that the government is run in the
interest of the people and not in that
of any political party or monopoly.
Agriculture is the source of all
wealth, the foundation upon which
every other superstructure is built,
the corner stone Of every edifice that
is constructed. The beautiful cities
that dot our untry, with their lux
ury and splendor, could not exist,
nor the magnificent ships that pillow
the great deep nor the palatial steam
ers that ply our rivers could not turn
a wheel without the aid of agricul-
ture; the great railroad interest in
this country, although it has reached
gigantic proportions, is dependent
upon the productions of agriculture
for existence; and the merchant who
becomes a millionaire does so upon
the fruits ..of agriculture and at the
expense of the laboring man, and
could net maintain a business or ac-
cumulate profits so rapidly but for
agriculture. Hence we see that the
votaries of agriculture could and
ought to be the most independent
people OF earth, if they would only
unite and demand their rights and
take care of their interests. They
certainly have the power to become
free and an independent class, and
it only remains to see whether or
not they will exert that power.
The tanners of Arkansas cannot
be so Indifferent to their own inter-
est as to longer delay this important
matter. | trust that they will at
buckle on the armor,I while the bat
tie, cry is being sounded all along
the line ofthe great army Of agri-
culturists that are earnestly in pur-
suit of tina. freedom and independ-
ence that their calling demands they
should have, and assist us in our eff
forts towards reform. | call upon
every brother and sister who reads
this to put forth every effort to re,
vive and reorganize the Grange in
this State, that we may realize the
grand benefits that are to accrue to
those who stand true to the cause
and battle for the farmers rights.
Let US all do our duty nobly; let us
be Patrons in deed and in truth; let
us both Practice and preach "Gran-
9eriSm"-zractice 7vhat ne breach
and preach 7Vhat ne practice, and l
tell you that success will surely
crown our Efforts.
[ am daily in receipt of letters
from all parts of the State, some in
forming me ofthe reorganization of
a Grange and others asking how to
proceed and upon what terms they
can reorganize, and in the next issue
of THE PATRON the terms of reor-
ganization and the proper way to
proceed will be given for the benefit
Of those who are anxious to know.
Fraternally, ]. V, SCoTT,
General National Deputy for Ark.
Texa kama, Ark, July 9, 1881.