Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-12-22

decorated with festoons of grapes and
other tropical fruits. There was also .
fine variety of dried fruits all contributed
by the same parties. Tho Grange being
opened in the sixth degree the chairman
of the Committee on Credentials report
ed twenty-four States represented, which
number was subsequently increased to
thirty, after which the National Lecturer,
Bro. Mortimer Whitehead of New Jer-
sew, elected as such in Boston, at the last
meeting of the National Grange, was
installed. A recess was then taken to
receive a delegation of gentlemen re-
presenting the business men of the city.
Mr.. John Garitee addressed the meeting
for the merchants, and extended hearty
welcome to the delegates, inviting them
to attend various places of interest and
amusement, and to take trip to Atlantic
CITY. Governor-elect Luce of Michigan.
extended the thanks of the body TO the
merchants, for the courtesies offered.
The delegation of business men then re-
tired, and the reports of the Secretary
and Treasurer were read, which showed
that ninety-one new Oranges had been
organized during the past year; that
Maine had increased its number of
Oranges eleven, and had enrolled the
largest number of Patrons, and had pal |
the largest sum into the treasury, $685.
IS; that the membership in Connecticut
had been doubled, and large increase
made in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania
and other states, and that there remained
in the National Treasury balance of
100000. The Worthy Master then read
his annual address, which was listened
to with much attention.
The next day, at three O'Clock in the
afternoon, there was held a public recep-
ton. The hall was filled, aud many per-
sons were obliged to remain standing.
Three thousand spectators were present,
nearly all of whom were Patrons of
Husblndry. The leading points SO well
set forth in the remarks of distinguished
speakers at this public reception are
worthy of our special consideration. The
able and eloquent speech of Governor
Pattison of Pennsylvania, was full of in
teresting conclusions and sound advice,
based upon statistics representing the
numerical strength of the farmers the
magnitude of the area of cultivated
fields and their vast productions. He
claimed that the pursuit of agriculture was
by far the leading industry Of The coun-
try, and as such should be universally
recognized, and should have powerful
influence in the management of State and
national legislation. He showed that
valuable information wHs obtained and
great progress made in all of the varied
together at stated periods of intelligent
men and women, representing different
sections, for the purpose of interchange
and comparison of views. He eloquent
ly made mention of the recent convoca-
ton of the alu. of Harvard University.
which met to celebrate the two hundred
and fiftieth anniversary of its birth,
picturing the many "reminiscences and
pleasant memories which clustered
around that gathering in the interest of
liberal and higher education, and adding
that "after they had gone, there remained
higher education" mirroring forth what
might be expected from this and similar
g ,therings of the Patrons of Husbandrv
in the interests of another great purpose.
Another speaker, Col. A. X. Mcclure,
representing the press, enumerated some
wholesome truths; he admitted that the
farmers of the country were not recog-
nized as they should be by the law max
ing power of the land, but that it was
their own fault, for the remedy was in
their hands; that instead of fault finding
they should come to the front, and by
their own power of numbers and influ-
enca demand their rights, thereby re-
moving the many burdens which retard
the progress Of the first and best indus
try of the land.
The daily sessions of the Grange were
honored with the presence of Hon. Nor
man j. Gilman, Commissioner of Agri-
culture at Washington, who is member
of our order. H. took a deep interest
in its deliberations, and gave much val
liable and wise counsel on important
measures. The reports Of the several
Masters of the State Oranges were hope
full and generally satisfactory. Tho
reports of the standing committees and
speeches of the members on agriculture,
education, transportation. cooperation,
and the general purposes and interests of
the order were instructive and able, and
commend them to your careful reading
Among the resolutions was one commit
ting the National Grange to the election
of United States Senators bv the people
The memorial exercises in consequence
of the death of our worthy and beloved
National Lecturer, Brother Henry Esh-
baugh of Missouri, Henly James. Past
Master of the State Grange of Indiana,