The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1886-11-24

DfOtHCfS 07tU StStCFS ~ We NOtt0hOt
Grange:
We meet to-day, as an Order, after
an existence of twenty years, under
encouraging auspices and with flat.
tering prospects. The Grange has
been on trial during this long period
of time, has successfully combatcd
the strongest opposition, has passed
the experimental age and been cstab-
lishcd rs one Of the permanent and
stable institutions Of the country
notwithstanding its large member
ship-scattered over this broad land
in nearly every county, parish, State
and Territory--it has never disturbed
the peace Of the country, or done
anything hostile to the general wei
fare. Opposed to all class antagon-
isms, its tendency has ever been to
development and Improvement. l.
offers to the American farmer the
only we'll grounded hope for protect.
ing and advancing his interests.
Prior to the establishment of the
Grange, the farmers were without
organization. Indeed, the Grange
was the first organization established
in the history Of civilization for the
protection and advancement of farm
crs' rights. Through its influence
and developments channels Of
thought have been opened up to tho
people that have resulted in the es-
tablishment of number Of organiza-
tions among the laboring and pro-
ducing classes, which will be potent
factors in determining the future civ
iliZation of our country.
Prior 10 the establishment Of the
Grange, there were few newspapers
devoted to the Improvement of the
methods and the development Of Ag.
ricultural science, and none advo.
eating the political rights Of farmers.
Now number Of Grange Journals
are doing efficient work in arousing
farmers to the necessity Of organiza.
tion, and demanding equal protcc.
ton with other classes for Agricul-
ture before the law-making bodies Of
the land. Prior to the establishment
Of the Grange there were no colleges
in this country where boys were
taught practical farming. Now
through the influence Of the
Grange we have a number of first
class Agricultural Colleges, where
"practical agriculture, domestic sci
ence, and all the arts which adorn a
home," are taught.
Prior to the establishment Of the
Grange there was no cooperation
among farmers. Now in nearly every
State large sums Of money are annu-
ally saved to the Patrons by prac-
ticing the principles Of business CO.
operation as recommended by the
National Grange. There are nun.
Der of CO operative associations con-
Quoted by Patrons, whose annual
sales exceed one hundred thousand
dollars A number of banking
houses are conducted successfully ny
the members Of our Order. Prior to
the establishment Of the Grange there
were no restraints upon the aggres-
sions Of monopolics. Now there arc
restrictive laws in nearly all the
States upon the injustice and dis
elimination practiccd by transporta.
tion companies, and the agitation in
augurated by the Grange against
the unequal and unjust protection af-
fordcd the oil companies, the telc
graph companies, the manufacturing
and banking establishments, ETC., is
having wholesome effect upon our
law.making bodies with prospect of
adjustment.
But why cnumerate what has been
accomplished by the Grange? 1t has
done more than all other agencies
combined to "dcvelop higher man
hood and womanhood" among agri-
cuiturists, to elevate our calling and
place us in position to secure the
rights to which we are justly entitled
under the constitution of this govern.
ment.
For the prosperity which has at.
tended the work Of our Order for so
many years, and for the good it has
accomplished "for our country and
mankind" we should return our pro-
found thanks, with grateful hearts,
to the great / Am, whose kind Provi-
dencc ovcrrules all human enter
priees.
Much misconccption exists rs to
the objects and methods Of the
Grange, and there is some difference
of opinion among members, upon