The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1882-07-29
Newton Comfy.

that day was designated on which
this Grange would hold picnic at
Conehatta bridge. All the neces-
sary arrangements had been made
and the occasion was looked tor
with the most intense anxiety and
hopeful anticipations. The early
morning was unpropitious, in con-
sequence of big rain the night be-
fore, and we had to move from our
selected place in Conehatta swamp
TO beautiful oak grove. near Bro.
George PAGES. By o'clock the
threatening clouds had cleared
away, and old Sol had appeared in
all his magnificent splendor. Soon
the enthusiastic Patrons and non
Patrons began to collect by tens
and scores and fifties from every
pointof the compass. Every mode
of transportation was brought into
| requisition-people in ox-wagons
and people in horse-wagons, in
carts and buggies, on horse back
and on foot-crowded the byways
and highways by every possible
avenue of approach, until by 10
o'clock the grove was working,
moving mass of animation and the
hum of the hundreds of voices made
the air redolent with the music.
The assembly was called to order
by music from the choir, led by
Pros Edmunds and Thornton.
The programme for the day was
announced by DR.. Bailey, after
which he read and commented upon
our Declaration of Purposes" with
splendid effect. A great many who
had been in ignorance as to the
fundamental principles of our Or
der gathered new and wholesome
ideas as regards the aims and pur
poses of the Grange. Itwas clearly
elucidated that our organization is
non partisan and antagonizes no
legitimate enterprise, but seeks the
greatest good for the greatest num-
Der. The exercises of the day con-
sisted of speeches and essays by
the following named young broth
ers and sisters: Bros. L. d. Lang
ford, H. E. Clark, Alex. Langford,
Zoe Pace, and Sisters DOME Bish-
OPP, Henrietta Pace, Emma Cooksey
and Julia Eady.
Mr.. Editor, each of these brothers
and sisters deserve special notice
for the manner in which they &C
Quilted themselves on this occasion
but it would make this article too
long 70 do so. The only encomi-
ums l will add is, they proved
themselves equal to the occasion.
Bro. J. S. Scott, of Harperville
Grange, Scott county, was present
and delivered ell-timed, logical
and eloquent address on "The
Grange" The speech was re-
ceived with universal applause.
We predict for Bro. Scott bright
and prominent future.
Prof. Willie Craig, by invitation
addressed the audience on the sub
ject of education. After paying a
handsome compliment to the
Grange, he proceeded to elucidate
his subject in a mastery and elo-
quent style that would have done
honor to an older head.
And last, but by no means least,
Bro. "A. g. Farmer, Lecturer of
Scott County Grange, who was
present by invitation, made one of
the best efforts of his life would
be glad to give a synopsis of his
speech, but am unable to do so.
Every farmer and every man in the
land ought to have heard it. He
treated the influence Of the Order
of Patrons of Husbandry in an able
and intelligent maner; and he also
pictured our expressions in vivid
colors, which will not be forgotten
by the thinking part of that audi
ence for years to come. In fact his
speech was overwhelmingly con
vincing and won golden opinions
for the Grange cause.
After the meeting many were
asking, "Why the Grange did not
put Farmer in the Lecturers field,
and keep him there? He is one OF
the ablest opponents of the princi-
piles of the Order that we have
heard" This shows the manner in
which he is appreciated, and, /
think, Bro. Farmer, "stuck another
feather in his cap" to-day, that will
add brighter laurels to his crown in
! the near future.
On picnic occasions, I believe, it
is customary to give the dinner the
biggest notice, but / was so capt.
waited by "the feast of reason and
the fiowof soul" that l had almost
forgotten the dinner, but will
say that CenterviIle Grange outdid
herself on this occasion. The din
ner was bountiful and was "gobbled
up" in way that would have done
honor to the most distinguished
epicures of the ancients. This was
good days work for the Grange
and will undoubtedly result in
great benefit to Order. [ feel proud
that l belong to that grand or
ganization that represents "the true
nobility of the land" The Grange
should give more attention to
putting forward and developing
our young people. "They are the
hope of the land" and only need a
little encouragement from the older
members to make them useful and
prominent members of our organ
ization.
Wr. Editor, / have but few more
word to add, they are these: Hur-
rah for the Grange! Hurrah for all
Granges!! Hurrah for everything
that has for its object the improve
ment and elevation of mankind!,i
Fro tam LIZ L I .nrnn