The Abbeville messenger. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1884-1887, 1885-07-15
THE JOINT SUMMER MEETING.
A Statement from the Master OF the
State Grange Object OF the Meeting
...Free Passes and Politics..
COLUMBIA. july. 4th 1875

...Free Passes and Politics.!
COLUMBIA, July, 4th, 1896.
To the Editor Of the Nems and
Courier I'D. p. Duncan, President"
by his letters to you, dated j uly 1. 1885,
and printed iR your issue Of to-day,
forces me, rather than appear careless of
my official trusts and Indifferent to the
interests Of the Grange, to respectfully
ask of your space in your columns for a
brief statement.
Some years ago the State Grange in
stituted summer meetings, one Of which
having been arranged for Anderson. a
request was made by many, who were
then members Of the State Agricultural
Society and also Of the Grange, that the
Agricultural Society be allowed to Join
in the meeting, hoping that something
might be done to revive the society,
which was langnishing. This was done
and each summer since joint meetings
have been had, noted. for fraternal har-
mony and resulting in mutual bene fit to
both societies.
These meetings have always been ar
ranged by the executive committee Of
the two societies, and until now no act
of discrimination or disadvantage has
been done by any official or member Of
either.
or this action as to railroad passes I
have had no notice before or explana-
ton since, and must conclude from The
following language: SIN the first place
was fearful Of asking for so many
passes, and, in fact, at the time l was
only thinking Of building up the State
Agricultural Society,"" that was not to
know until too late to interfere or make
any similar arrangements for the dele
gates from Oranges.
This is SO different from the universal
action Of the preceding presidents that
l am at loss to account for it in any
way complimentary to the present "pres-
ident.
One word to the Oranges and the pub
lie and ! will not trespass on your kind
ness.
The policy Of the Grange has been,
and il, not to put itself in undue or en-
barrassing obligations by asking ex-
treme fnvors. The railroad companies,
in their own interests, make special
rates for occasions that extraordinarily
incr ease the number Of passengers
This the Grange avails itself Of to get
its delegates carried to all it's meetings,
winter and summer. but beyond this i,
does not ,sire to go and will not ask
the railroads to carry it's delegates free
The Worthy Secretary Of the State
Grange has made arrangements for all
to go to the "Joint Summer Meeting
at the special rates the railroads gcner.
ally grant to other meetings, excursions
&c. This amount the subordinate Gran.
ges will pay for their delegates. regular
ly appointed, and all visiting member,
and citizens will pay their own fare.
The first letter from Patron calling
my attention to this 'free pass" ar.
rangement, forwarded to the Worthy
Secretary Of the State Grange, with ,
suggestion that he act on it, but have
written recalling that hasty and thought.
less action on my part.
I do not know if could arrange foi
free passes for Grange delegates, should
try, but shall not try because an
unwilling to ask Of the road too much
and would misrepresent the Grange
and it's policy i'll did. sincerely
hope no Grange delegate will give tn,
want Of free pass as his excuse fo
non.attcndance.
In behalf Of the Grange I extend tn,
most cordial invitation to all the goo,
citizens Of South Carolina, including
the politicians" (if this be any way t,
distinguish who are and who ara no
politicians as class separate from
the rest Of the people, to attend and Z
fully discuss any and all questions Q
general interest TO tho people Of thi
State and County--whether It be agri
!, culture, commerce, education, transpoi
ttation, social cdstoms, legislation q
t..polities. Z, ss.. rs rs
LET no one misconstrus shss s!.ettsl
y President Duncan and myself viii j