The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1888-12-05
Meeting Of the National Grange.


the national grange convened in repre-
sentatives' hall in the capital building
at Topeka, Kansas, on Wednesday, No
vember II, 1883, Acting Master James
Draper of Massachusetts, in the chair.
Thirty-four states responded to the roll
call, which was the fullest representa-
ton for many years. After the pre-
liminary work of opening, Acting
Master Draper delivered his annual adj
dress, an able document and well re-
ceived by members and public. The
National Grange being a deliberative
body, the first few days are necessarily
devoted to routine work-the appoint
ment of standing committees and the
introduction Of business for reference
to the proper committees. The reports
of the officers and state masters showed
that the grange throughout the country
was in a very satisfactory condition.
The report of worthy secretary, John
Trimble of Washington, ID. c., showed
that 1913 new oranges had been organ
lied and very large number reorgan-
lied The order is most prosperous in
New England, New York, New Jersey,
Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Great progress has been made during
the year in North Carolina and Mis-
souri,. Alabama, Georgia, and some of
the other southern states, are also max
ing large gains.
Thursday afternoon was devoted to
the reception rendered by the citizens
of Topeka. Addresses of welcome
were made by Governor Martin, Mayor
Metesh&; Colonel Smith in behalf of the
state board of agriculture, and by other
speakers. Responses were made by
Acting Master Draper, Ex-Governor
Robe of Maine and other leading Pat
rons. The welcome given was sponta-
neous and hearty. The speakers were
strong in their faith in regard to the
brilliant prospects for the future of
the state of their adoption. The
speeches on both sides were eloquent
and warmly applauded by the crowded
audience.
Thursday and Friday evenings were
devoted to comforting the higher de-
grees of the order. On Saturday the
grange accepted an invitation to visit
the state agricultural college and ex-
pertinent station at Manhattan, about
sixty miles west of Topeka on Missouri
Pacific railroad. The road placed a
train at the disposal of the grange and
Farmers National Congress, which was
at session at Topeka at the same time.
The visiting party were given public
reception by the citizens of Manhattan
which included bounteous dinner, all
which was greatly enjoyed. On Sun
day, memorial exercises were held in
honor of the late Worthy Master, Put
Darden of Fayette, Miss. Past Master
Lewis of the Louisiana State Grange
Past Master Spelman of the California
State Grange and Mrs. Eshbough OF
Missouri. The Worthy Masters chain
was appropriately draped in mourning
and the speakers desk was covered
with floral designs and potted plants
Suitable resolutions were presented by
Hon. j. II. Brigham of Ohio and many
beautiful thoughts were expressed by
the members in their support.
On Monday the work of the grange
was resumed, receiving reports of com
mittees and acting thereon. The cleo
ton of officers to fill vacancies occurred
at eleven O'Clock and resulted in the
election of j. II. Brigham of Ohio as
Grand Master to fill the vacancy caused
by the death of Put Darden, and Hon
Leonard Rhone as member of the eX
ecutive committee. Colonel Brigham
has for many years been actively en-
gagged in promoting the best interests
of the order. He is at present master
of the Ohio state grange, an earnest
friend of farmers and gentleman
every way worthy of his exalted posi-
ton. The place for holding the mex
annual meeting of the national grange
was warmly discussed and left with the
executive committee, who are to con
slider the advantages of different 10
calities and make the selection and re
port the same at least three months
before the meeting of the nationa
grange.
Tuesday was occupied by the grang,
receiving reports and discussing tn,
same. The salaries of officers wa
fixed the same as the preceding year
and $1,000 was appropriated for thu
purpose of lecture and editorial worl
under the direction of the executiv
committee. In the evening the grang
held an open session to hear Professo
Atwater, representing the United State
department of agriculture. Professo