The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-11-26
THE PATRONS OF HUsBANDRY.
The Object and Workings of the Order-How
the Equality of Sexes Is Preserved.

the Equality of Sexes Is Preserved.
Philadelphia Record.
The Patrons of Husbandry. who last week
closed their annual meeting in this city, embrace
an organization of about 100000 souls The
discipline of the order is complete and it's inner
workings are of such nature as to call to its
support the best energies OF its members. Its
constitution is skilfully devised and calculated
to attract interest, while 1t is one OF the most
peculiar in existence.
In accordance with it's provisions there are
township county and State oranges, and q ma
tional grange. Any person engaged in agricult-
ure to the extent that it is his or her paramount
interest, of fourteen years of age over. and Of
good moral character, may become a member of
the township grange, and be entitled under pre-
scribed conditions, to initiation into the mysteries
of the order. The county grange Is composed of
two delegates from each township grange,
these being the master and his wife. The State
grange Is formed of two delegates each from
township and county oranges. and the National
Grange of two each from the State bodies. In
each case the representation Is divided equally
between the sexes so that If each State is com
pletey organized the national meeting Is attend
ed by seventy-sX members entitled to vote. IL
the master in the State or lower oranges should
be a bachelor, or a widower or if married and
not living with his wife, his society loses the
vote the discrepancy not being filled, In this
way an indirect premium is put upon marriage,
and the order places the stamp OF its approval
emphatically upon the establishment and main
tenance of home on the farm.
The inside work is largely symbolical; and is
described as being very entertaining aud III
'structive. In the township grange fonr degrees
are conferred First, Laborer and Maid: second,
Cultvator and Shepherdess; third. Harvester
and Cleaner; fourth, Husbandman and Matron.
These symbolic the four seasons of the
year, and in the ceremony of investure
each is accompanied with scenery and surround
ings appropriate to the represented.
Specially prepared music is inlerspersed at DIFF
ferent stages. Both written and unwritten work
is performed. The programme OF exercises,
aside from the comforting of degrees, includes
literary entertainment and discnssion mat
tiers of interest to the order No mem Der can
vote who has not received the fourth degree.
In the County Grange the degree of Pomona is
conferred. In this scene of plenty symbolic
ing comfort and contentment is shown, the god
dess of Fruit being represented. The degree of
Flora is reached IN the State Grange. The pre-
siding goddess is revealed in charming and
beautifully arranged court surrounded by
profuson of flowers. The national body confers
the degree of Ceres, and with this the members
take the highest honor in the gift of the organi-
cation. The ceremony accompanying this is ex-
ceedingly interesting, and the tableau beautiful.
The goddess is seen lowering about a home of
contentment, surrounded by everything in the
vegetable kingdom that can add to the happiness
of those engaged in agriculture
The original purpose of the founders of the
order was to establish social organization to
bind farmers together in frateENal union. As it
progressed and strengthened, however its aims
broadened, and ideas of cooperation, education
and legislation have become associated with it
as an outgrowth of development, tina: now all
matters that affect the interests of farmers in
any way are considered by the various bodies,
and are proper questions for discussion.
In the United States there are about 40 600
township and 10000 county oranges and these
comprise the 2000,0 900 members, about 70 per
cent. of whom are voters The order has no
political affiliations, but whenever favorable
candidate is put forward by either party he
largely receives the support of local or
CARNATIONS. Governor Robe, Of Maine.
a member, was Loyalty supported in the election
by his brethren Largely through the same in
fuence General Jones wss elected Lieutenant
governor of New York, Governor Luce of Mich
igan. to the position he now occupies and Gen
eral Lipscombe, of South Carolina to the Office
of Secretary of State. Commissioner of Agri-
culture Colman is a member of the order and at
tended the last meeting. Many members OF
legislatures and congressman owe their election
in great measure to the influence of the order.
Notwithstanding the other matters in view,
the main object of consideration is the home
and the farm, and work in any other direction Is
undertaken for the benefit of the farmers fire.
side. for there the members believe their truest
happiness in life is conferred