The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1886-12-29

In Governor Robes address before the
State Grange Patron. Of llusbandry last
week we find the following in regard to
INrlrENCE OF InE GGtNGE.
The Grange weekly meetings send
warm current Of >ociahility and friend
ship into the farmers family. without
which life would he blank. The farmer
has peculiar advantages for mental study
and social enjoyment during the months
of SHOW and storms Of winter, which be
loup to no oth,r vocation. 1t i his
period Of rest and comfort. HE grange
should flourish during the winter months
Much Improvement can he nude arollnd
the firc>idc with the wife and children.
but mt the Grange meeting we can read
together talk together, sing together
improve together, cultivate sociabllitA
and devise the best methods to make
farming profitable. digniilcd and pleasant.
DO not let the best opportunities Tor al
vauccmrnt be lost. Avoid sccluschcSs
and narrow mindness. and always bear in
mind that we are everywhere in partner
shin and close communion with the SOILS
and daughters Of the "homc farm and
thnt those who live and thrive surrounded
by pleasant fields, meadows streams and
woods. and cultivate the soil, are mem
bers of the same noble family, having in
common the same interests and sympathy,
and should therefore all be Patrons OF
lIuSbanlry
This vocation, therefore, above all 9th
crs commend itself as the best and high
est employment for any member 81 the
great human family. The representatives
of the agricultural interests and pursuits
of Maine arc here assembled for Their
mutual advancement and protection. ne
State of Maine is one of the leading az
ricultural sections of this country. Not
withstanding its numerous and populous
cities, onc-cighth of the population of
the State is engaged in farming. There
wisely exists here deep interest for the
triumph of the purposes of the Patrons
of fusbandry. The lands are well di-
yded among the population, and proprie-
torship is fully recognized, and the evils
of tcndancy and monopoly in land do moi
obstruct the supremacy and happiness of
| individual rights. There are, however
some abuses and wrongs common Will
other States in the proper administration
of law and Justice, which need correction
in order that there should be equal an,
the same protection to the hnsbandmal
AS Is awarded to other pursuits.
Popular education is the hope of thi
country. The church nestlcs in our val
leys and crowns our swelling hills, lib
cral and complete graded system of in
struction honors our cities and villages
and the public school house stands on tn
corner of the country road. The Amcrl
can town house exists and is the plac
where local and national questions ar
discussed, and where the free ballot
cast which determines great interests an
practically elects all the rulers of this re
public. The Grange hall is erected in til
interests and for the elevation of TIL
American husbandmau, and is the patro
Of broad and intelligent agricnlt II
which Is the prime source of natlona
prosperity and happiness. Patrons, nj
tend to these great interests individual
and collectively, for they are the crown
ing glories of Il free and independent pee
pie.