Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1889-01-03
PATRONS OF HUsBANDRY.

This is not new organization bat
only n change OF name OF the old
Granger. 1t has no other objects but
that which relates to the educational,
economic and social welfare of the far
mers and others allied in kindred bust
ness. The writer has had some consid-
cradle experience in the Changers an
active member for many years and
knows of what he writes. What the
Grange attempted to do and has so
much done, namely: to bring the Sons
of Husbandry to the intelligence and
dignity that should clothe the farmer
and his help, by process of social and in
tellectual interchange of what would
develope all that could be desirable to
make good and intelligent citizens, to
raise them above the power of victimiz-
ing schemers. But, alas deterioration
must find its level. An organization
called the Patrons Of Iusbandry whose
apparent Objects to protect in the pur-
chase of goods, namely, to purchase
from certain stores at a certain mar
gin agreed upon.
Now is it not true, that, by doing SO,
it is admitted that merchants in gener-
al have been selling goods for more
than they ought? 1t may be they are
but it is a noticeable fact that none Of
them get wealthy.
The writer has seen the Grange store
tried and it always failed TO meet the
situation. 1t gave no credit. and many
farmers had to go back to their old
friends who had trusted and carried
them in the time Of need and it was
not long before the great bulk of the
Patrons found out that the dealers
who catered to their wishes quietly did
a good business in getting cash and
duplicating wholesale bills and upon
careful examination 10y experts, getting
bigger per cent on goods than other
merchants.
Farmers, what do you know about
prices of commodities you purchase
every day? can safely say you know
nothing comparatively, nor can you,
but by going into the wholesale market
and seeing for yourselves. All other
information is mere bOsh.
But there is another phase to the or
ganization if some members statements
are to be believed, namely that the des-
truction of our rural villages is one of
its ends. What would be the effect of
such? Why the educational, social
ana property interests must suf-
fer, farms lessen in value and many of
the social enjoyments that go to make
up life by the mixture of villagers and
farmers. TO destroy your villages you
destroy home market for much you
raise on the farm, lessons farm value
and prevents those who wished to set
tie there and purchase the products Of
the farm
But there is another aspect and that
is is it the creed of Patrons to go back on
their old dealers who have stood by
them in need and try to crush them into
the earth? Just ask the question,
would you like them to do so or would
you think well of them if they would
organize and refuse to help you in your
need? Build up industries amongst
you, invite factories and workshops
and dealers in all you need at your
doors and trade with them, and you
will be sure to increase your own
wealth, happiness and prosperity. But
some will say these men make more
than they ought BE honest with your
intelligence, do you know or is it what
some one told you? l think you will
all say lit was what l heard" The
writer is a Granger and friend to far.
mers and the sons of toll, and would
say in conclusion that no man, mer.
chant or any other, can buy without
the necessary knowledge of the mar
kets and prices and that without such
knowledge such must in the nature OF
things become the victims of impostors
and schemers. y. GRANGER.
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