Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-12-19

Continued from first page.)
vate and support. and are attached to
their form Of Government. The peas
ants of Germany, Austria and Italy are
burdened with ancient usages and use
the fields, and the husbandman is not
recognized by the aristocracy. The
farmers of Republican Switzerland love
liberty, they cultivate the intervales and
hill-slOpes, and their cottages dot the
sides Of the snow-clad mountains. They
are industrious and happy. These coun-
tries are considered as the best portions
of the Globe, but everywhere, from over
land and sea, farmers are coming to
America. The State of Maine is as
prosperous as any State in the Union,
and her people as happy. We welcome
the stranger from foreign lands if he
Will only become true American citizen.
1t was a source of great satisfaction to
the members of the National Grange. at
their meeting at Washington, to enjoy the
presence and listen to the cheering work
Of five of the original seven founders of
our organization. The roll of this devot-
ed band remains unbroken. The pres
ence of Brothers William Sauders, John
Tremble, J. X. Thompson, William NJ.
Ireland and F. NJ. Mcdowell added much
to the importance of our interesting meet
Ing. Brother J. X. Thompson in his adj
dress of welcome said: 1.-The Grange is
one of the most beneficial institutions ex-
listing. II has not vet reached the extent
of its usefulness, but is sure to enter high
err and broader fields" | reiterate the
truth Of this statement. We have
reached the end of another year of Grange
labor and the cry comes, "What OF the
night" Have our stated Grange meet
ings contributed to our moral, mental
and social elevation? If not the prime
object Of the Grange has been disregard
ed. Our declaration of purposes when
followed, secures brorder and better
manhood and womanhood. Have we ac-
complished all we can for our material
interests! Have we combined together,
when practicable, and stood nearer the
manufacturer and wholesale dealer in our
purchases, and nearer to the consumer in
sale Of our farm productions! Have we
patronized our own Insurance companies
and cooperative aid societies, which are
in the interest of large savings. Do we
buy less and produce more in order that
we make the farm self-sustaining? Do
we discontinue the credit system, the mort
gage system, the fashion system, tending
to prodigality and bankruptcy? Brothers
and Sisters, consider these matters. l
thank my vigilant corps of Deputy Mas
tiers for the great work they have acOm-
plished during the year. thank the COM
pany of earnest MatrOns who have made
such sacrifice to make our Order perpetu-
al. They have stood faithfully at the
gate guarding the Temple of Ceres, Po-
mona and Flora with fidelity. The order
extends to omen equal rights. Patrons,
cultivate those noble elements of well
adjusted character which are so easily de-
velOped in the pursuit you follow.
There is but short step from the field of
the husbandman, who scatters the seed.
to the abode of "Him who giveth the in
crease" This close relationship should
teach us faith and confidence in the Su-
preme Being. The well directed efforts
of nature are slow, uniform and sure.
Let us read from the book of nature, for
it contains mighty lessons of instruction.
The life of the farmer is at variance with
the noisy, exciting, turbulent life of the
busy world. Haste in accommodating
riches leads to sfeverish ambition, it en-
Gus experiment. Rather, cultivate pa
thence in waiting for slow results. The
power and efficacy seems to be illustrated
in the fields of nature. Our greatest
gifts and pleasures from nature are the re-
suits, oftentimes, of slow but sure de-
velOpment. The stately pine tree which
once shaded the waters of your own Pc
nobscot and for years has been floated
down in RATS to be finally made into
ships and costly buildings, is the product
of growth of century. God and Ma
ture teach us to bring all our work and
desire into harmony with this great prin-
ciple of slow and sure progress. 1t is the
sudden tempest that devastates the
country. it's the gentle dew, the soft
winds and the refreshing shower
of summer that brings the golden
harvest. Be content with your vocation,
for it is the most respectable and remu-
nerative of all pursuits. Patrons, be
mindful of all this, and let the good old
farm with its ancestral shade trees, its
flowers and productive orchard trees, its
rocks, valleys and hills with holy ven-
Grafton be handed down with good roads
and fences, well cultivated fields, and the
best of improved herds of cattle, and with
school-houses on the corner of the road
leading to the village church. Thus hav-
ing fulfilled well all the duties of life,
keeping the eye of faith firm and steady
on the star of hope, may we leave behind
the footprints of Charity and Fidelity,
and then joining in the sweet music of
Harvest Homc," enter the gates of the
Grange above.