The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1889-08-09
THE GRANGE.
National lecturers Department


The proofs are constantly accumulating Of
what farmers can accomplish through
thorough organization, such as is found in
the grange, when after careful consideration
they have arrived at conclusions as to what
should be asked for in the way of leglsla-
ton. And that all fair demands will be
recognized by our lawmakers when proper
ly placed before them.
The latest illustration of this is found In
the action of Congress in promptly taking
steps at its last session TO carry one of the
requests of the national grange agreed upon
at its session last November, viz: that o.
preserving the waters coming from the
mountains Of Colorado for irrigating pur-
poses.
The grange in its Declaration of Pur-
poses" has for long years said it favored
'irrigating canals" and other improve
ments in the interests of agriculture, and
faithful adherence TO such principles as
twill insure our mental, moral; social and
material advancement"
AT the sessions of the national grange al
Topeka, Kan, last November, the Commit
tee on Agriculture, in its report, advocated
and the report was adopted-"that our
members of Congress take immediate steps
to collect and conserve the waters flowing
from the mountains of Colorado, and pre-.
serve them for the use of actual settlers
Congress did heed the request, and the SEN
ate appointed a special committee on irriga'
ton and arid lands. The U. S. Geological
Survey of the Department of the interior
has expressed its wish TO cool crate with
the oranges of the west and northwest in
securing facts and figures for the members
of this committee, TO be used by them in
advocating the necessary legislation, and
the secretary of the national grange has
been requested by this department of the
government to communicate with the grange
officials in those states that are especially
interested, that close co operation may be
brought about. All Of which has beer
promptly done. Thus organized efforts il
good cause receive the rewards they
deserve.
The people are the "rulers." the ''sov.
ereigns' in this country, is favorite striue
played upon by politicians Of all parties ii
their efforts for place and power. 1t is true
in theory, and should be more so in fact
The shrewd politician feels the public
pulse, seeks to ascertain public sentimen
and acts accordingly. The influence fol
good by the grange, in creating public sen
timent, in calling attention 10 needed re-
form, specially in the interests of agrlcul
ture, and that means the general good, the
greatest good TO the greatest number, is wei
illustrated in this latest recognition" above
mentioned. In tens of thousands of loca
oranges, then in county oranges, again in
state oranges, with lis delegates from thu
other grapges, and finally in the natona
grange, with AL states and sections repre-
sented, is carefully considered some needed
reform. At one time it is the need o
national control of transportation, then i
is national oleomargarine law. 1t is dis
cussed in all its bearings, the favorable
papers open their columns for its considera
ton, gradually the truth is arrived at, pub
lie opinion and sentiment are formed, leg
islators must listen as Representatives O
The people and finally the law comes and re-
lief is found, thus illustrating the power OF
united concentrated action.
A citizen may be patriotic and wish to dc
his whole duty for his country. An enemy
comes, perhaps from foreign shore. Doe:
he take his gun, go out on his farm, or or
the street, without any arrangement for
quartermaster or ammunition supplies, and
with his one-gun battery attempt to driye
away well-disciplined, well-organized foe!
''Discretion is the better part Of valor," sc
if he is wise he will join the nearest ''com-
pany;" it will be mustered with several
other companies and form a regiment
from his county; it again becomes part o.
brigade; the brigade of a division; the
division of corps, and the corps with 9th.
ers form the grand army of freedom. Just
so one farmer alone is powerless. He must
unite with his local company, subordinate
grange. the regiment is the county OF
Pomona grange, the division is the state
grange, and the national grange our grand
army corps, gaining victories of peace 10
day as great as those of war. We must or.
gauize to educate, educate public opinion in
the cause Of equality and justice and right