Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1882-01-05

saved for our members. But like many
other powerful agencies IL is capable OF
perversion, and thereby may be- used to
even destroy that which il was intro.
dnce TO upbuild. In some cases IL has
been permitted to- absorb the attention
and consume the time OF the Grange.
In others IL has finally passed into the
hands of few members who have
grown selfish and levoured their breth.
ren for the sake of gain. In all these
instances il has been detrimental
paralyzing the Grange, dividing the
members and. in not Il few instances,
leading to dsorganization. In using
this arm OF our Order we cannot do
better than to follow the plain sugges.
ton and methods laid down 10 the
Digest. The advice there given is based
upon wide experience, and will not mis-.
lead us. Especially should ii be insisted
upon that all who are members and
officers OF 90 Operative agencies shall be
members in good standing in some
Grange when they assume such rela'
tions, and shall forfeit them when they
lose such standing.
CORPORATIONS AND THE GRANGE.
Very early in our history it became
evident that chief hindrance 10 our
reasonable prosperity arose from the
acts OF great corporations. Notwith-
standing their exactions, and many
other unjust proceedings, we freely adj
init that corporations may be very
useful, and that farmers have derived
many benefits from their exercise of
their proper functions. But no one can
close his eyes 10 the usurpations, the
invasions of individual rights. and the
violations OF wholesome laws which
many corporations have been guilty OF.
The creature has assumed the place OF
creator, and the humble suppliant for
permission to live nov arrogan,ly ap.
points to death those who gave him life.
In the great task of rebuking this pre-.
sumption, and restraining this flood Of
evil the Grange must take u prominent
part. Beside the duty We owe TO our
fellow. citizens the instinct OF selfpre.
servation impels us to resist the en-.
croachments OF corporations. BY per.
sistent appeals to every power in our
government, by the exposure and de
nunciation of every illegal act, and by
the wise and fearless use of the ballot
we must crush this monster before he
crushes US.
NEEDED LEGISLATION.
The right Of petition IS = most valua
bic one, aud should neither be surren.
dered nor neglected. The duty Of
directing public opinion, aud using
proper influence to secure needed legis-
laiion is one which belongs to us all /;
aud must be kerformed under disa
greeable as weIAAs agreeable circum.
stances. Therefore we should couiinae
TO demand the legislation which is re
quired 10 bring about the reformation
OF abuses, particularly those which 10
jure our own class. II is true that too
many who sit in legislative halls are
indifferent TO our wants, aud inclined
TO disregard our appeals but IL we ask
nothing but that which is right, and
patiently and perseyerinRlY use the
means provided by the constitution we
shall succeed nt'hst.
UNITY or ACTION.
In the accomplishing of such objects
as have been alluded to. and in the ex.
tension Of our Order aud the perform
aucc OF the duties which are peculiarly
cur own. ii ia essential that we main.
tain n unity which il a. complete as
possible. Without union there Is no
strength. Unlc-s We all act together,
and act With MI the force which we.
combined possess, W. will do no good
and will only deserve to die. do not
thus speak because of the existence OF
divisions aud difference. among Ia. for.
fortunately. wc are remarkably free
from these. but 10 recall TO your minds
the fact that our Order has a mission,
mission great and noble, and that 10
fulfil u every Grange and every Patron
must employ Nil the strength, zeal and
persistence which they possess. See,
brethren md sisters, whst has already
been done Not score of year, has
yet been numbered by our Order, and
we have been hindered by inexperience
and opposed by many opponents. Not.
wiihstandiug all difficulties we have
done much good for ourselves. huj
achieved results which have been bless
ings to many others. Let rsst sue.
ces.es spur us on 10 greater endeavoTs.
and the present call- Of duty excite our
utmost efforts and we shall have the
rewards Of those who neither live nor
labor in vain.
The Czar's Enemies.