The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1882-06-10
From the Master OF the National
GsramUa

| Ed3f0f LDdfr0H: ours of the
April 10th was duly received, and
improve the earliest opportunity
to answer your inquiry relative to
the general condition of our Order
throughout the country. Judging
from the reports which come to me
officially, and from the best informa-
ton | can otherwise obtain, I am
able to say with great confidence,
that the general outlook at the
present time is truly encouraging
The Order seems to be gaining
friends and members everywhere
! and its influence for good is being
felt as never before in the history
of the organization, Intelligent
and thoughtful farmers have be-
come convinced that our Order is a
necessity, demanded by the exigen-
cies of the times, and that its mis-
sion is a wise and beneficent one.
The fears of an organization intend
ed to unite the cultivators of the
soil of our whole country, North
and South, East and West, into one
common brotherhood, and hold
them together with ties that bind
as gentle as a silken thread, yet
strong as band of iron, have been
dispelled from the minds of thought
full, candid men, and now our Or
der or its work is seldom criticised
by those outside the gates, or by
the public press; but often COM
mended. Farmers read, and think,
and transact business more intelli-
gently and methodically than ever
| before. They have learned through
| the teachings of the Order, to love
their calling, and how to honor it.,
and make it honorable They are
getting out of the old ruts of igno~
rance, superstition, and narrow
mindedness, and stepping upon a
broader and higher plane of life
! and usefulness. The operations of
the farm are becoming more prac-
teal and systematic, and the labors
of the field and strain of muscle
are being relieved by the aid of
science and we'll directed thought.
AS result, the soil is better cult
vated> and yields better returns.
Home surroundings are made more
attractive. The family library is
better supplied with useful books
and journals, and more time is given
to reading, social culture and to in
nocent and healthful recreation.
The cause of edqsation is receiving
more attention; and the question of
elevating our common schools, so
as to make them what they should
be, schools where every child in
the community can obtain prac-
teal and thorough knowledge of
all the primary and some of the
higher branches of learning, in
Guiding the elements of practical
and scientific agriculture, is being
discussed in the Subordinate Gran
ges, and ably advocated by the
journals published in the interest of
the farmers cause; and good results
must follow.
The action taken by the National
and State Oranges for encouraging
the establishment of agricultural
schools and colleges, experimental
stations, State agricultural depart
ments, and elevating the National
Agricultural Bureau to depart
ment of the Government, has al.
ready been favorably considered
and acted upon by the Legislatures
of several States, and we may con-
fidently expect that the interests of
agriculture will receive more atten-
ton from legislative bodies, and be
more literally supported and better
protected than heretofore. Such
will certainly be the result if Pa
irons stand firm and united in their
demands, asking for nothing but
what is right; and resolved to sub
NIT to nothing that is wrong, with
out using the whole influence of
our organization to correct it.
am also convinced that Patrons
and farmers generally are taking a
more active and thoughtful interest
in the politics, the legislation, and
the general welfare of the country
than ever before. They seem to
realize more fully that political par
ties should be made TO serve the in
terests of the people, rather than
the interests of politicians, and that
the triumph of principles and meas
ures calculated to benefit the people
and the whole country by fostering
and encouraging the productive in
dustries, are of more consequence TO
them than the triumph Of parties,
or mere political victories.
These are among the good results
and signs of progressive reform,
brought about by the influence and
teachings Of our Order, and speak
we'll not only for its past work but
for its present standing and condi-
ton; and indicates with a certainty
that the interest is reviving and the
good work progressing. The rally
ing cry has been sounded and re-
verberated from every hill top of
the land. Our ranks are filing up
with those of stout hearts and strong
arms, and an onward movement
call along the line" has begun.
Fraternally, J. J. WooDMAN.
Paw Paw, Mich, April 25.
l stepped upon Gilpin sulky