The patron of husbandry., 1882-05-27
FROM TEXAS.
EreeSIOne Comfy.

Edifor Patron. To give an idea
OF my feelings with regard to the
influence of the organization of the
Patrons of Husbandry is the object
of this undertaking.
Every calling of which have
any knowledge is now partially. if
not fully, organized, which means.
to me, that the Order of Patrons OF
Husbandry is plainly indispensable.
Through organization alone can the
agricultural class hope to succeed, il
seems to me.
We are asked the question, "Why
can't small farmers do as well now
as they did before the war;" the
soil is the same, the seasons are the
same, why not the results be equal?"
There is but one answer: every
class or calling of man is organized
for se'f-protection, and these small
farmers in an unorganized condi.
ton, of course, fall easy prey to
thoroughly organized and drilled
effort on the part of the speculative
masses. Then to sustain the Order
of Patrons of Husbandry is our only
hope. We are trying to do this in
this section, but we are not making
the progress we desire. The
Grange is looked upon with better
feeling by the masses, | think, than
formerly, and ! think that it is due
largely to our efforts in financial
cooperation. Which proves that
the Grange is a school where we
learn TO manage our business, and
to manage 1t in business way. The
better we succeed the more we are
respected, for we then have shown
that we were entitled to success.
The attempt at store keeping made
by the Grangers of Freestone and
Limestone counties, so small three
years ago, has now the confidence
of those who were its bitterest en-
emies, and who would today be
glad to know of its certain failure.
1t is in their way, and of course
they wish it removed; but it is Just
what we want and need, and we
will still try to help it on to com~
plete success. We sold last quarter
over So, 500 worth of goods, all for
cash, and during the next to the
worst quarter of the year for our
trade. We can safely count on a
trade of $4,000 this year. But our
cooperation does not stop with our
financial effort; it goes on to the
social and educational features,
which are Strengthening probably
as much or more than the financial.
1t is plain to an observing individ-
ual that where the Grange is al
lowed to exert its proper infu-
ence tie people are growing better
and more social, are happier, better
educated, understand more of their
own needs, and more of the needs
of the country at large, have broad
er views of life, feel more the wants
OF others, in short are better citi
zens every way. Then why flag in
our zeal? Let us persevere.
The meeting of the Texas Co
operative Association, P. of H.,
will in all probability be held in
Leon county, and it meets the 4th
Thursday in July. At that meeting
one will have a splendid chance to
learn something more of the work
ings OF co. operation and better than
he can possibly at local councils.
Crop prospects are not fattering,
but we think of gathering a good
crop. The season at the start was
so adverse that we seemed almost
doomed, but afterward becamahet-
ter and so favorable for us that we
are now @h good condition.
The Grange is gaining some good
material, and losing some members.