The Portland daily press., 1885-12-18
Worthy master Robie's ADDRESS.


We publish in full in this issue the address OF
Hon Frederick Robie Worthy Master Of the
State Grange, delivered before the Grange and
the public at Meonian Hall in this city Tuesday
afternoon. 1t occupies large space, but we do not
see how it could be condensed and treat the vari-
GUS topics with the candor, clearness and marked
ability, with which they are dealt with by the
Governor His devotion 20 the interests of the
growing Order has led him to ma the various
questions concerning ii study, and when he
speaks 1t is from the standpoint of afriend whose
energies are enlisted for its highest interests
The Grange never had more intelligent advo-
cate or watchful sentinel on guard devoting his
time and talents for its upbudng, than Freder-
Robte, and his third election yesterday was as
handsome compliment as could well be bestowed
upon that gentleman. He has honoredthe Grange
by his unsefsh labors, and it in turn has hOnored
him.
The address welcomes the organization to ths
capital OF Maine, and recapitulates the progFssS
made during the nineteen years existence - ,ti tne
National Order, and the part 1t has had i@ heaing
the breaches made by the civil war = S gtthcel t -
cent cent session or % Of the er Naopai cesnge in Boston
The topic of agriculture-tbs ledulng nuustIy,
which makes possible the ia deai nd
upon the nation Heclaims that the tiller5 OF the
soil are entitled 70 protection. 1t Is a thing OF
antiquity but it's glory, strength and triumph have
rested Ipop its continuous triumphs, The effort
has been through all the ages TO restore TO the
earth the true EQen, WHICH may DC tcSdiAlcu
through true progress In agriculture. The busl
ness itself inspires confidence i'll the human heart,
y vigorous manhood, temperance, frugalIty and
the high virtues of personal character In this
portion of the address there is glowing, but just,
tribute to the farmer and his occupation, and The
possibilities in the pathway Of him who believes In
and practices progressive agriculture. The rela-
tiOn of agriculture to general prosperity is theme
handled with great interest, showing how much
all the varied Industries depend upon this leading
one. Important figures are given in this cOnnec-
ton, which speak volumes. The claims of the
Grange upon the farmer are presented in very
inviting light; the helpfulness of the Order in
many ways. Its wonderful achievements and
growth in this State are given. The Governor
shows that the Grange is neither narrow nor big
oted in its aims objects and practices, and takes
its members from those not altogether allied TO
agriculture, directly, but who have no interests
antagOnistic tOit In the ranks of the Patrons
are found not farmers altogether, but cergymen,
teachers, artisans, physicians, editors and mechan
les, whose attachments and faithful services
have not only added character and dignity to our
Order, but whose presence and Instructions have
brought blessings for which we should always be
gratiied."
Various important suggestions in relation to
business matters are made, and the WORTHY Mas
ter olosoG his address with review OF the prOund
position Maine holds as an agricultural State, and
the bright prospects before the intelligent and
progressive tiller of the soil Every word and
every line of this memorable address will not only
be read by our readers but will be kept for refer
ence as one of the best contributions OF these
times to our agricultural literature.