The midland journal., 1890-08-22
Aims of the Grange.


The Grange organization is now and
has been in active operation for about
eighteen years. 1t was organized and
is maintained for FIVE distinct though
kindred purposes: First, to improve
the farmer, his wife, sons and daughters
intellectually; second, to improve him
morally and strengthen and unity the
moral forces found in the rural homes
third, to elevate and improve socially
fourth, to protect and benefit him fnan.
cially; fifth, to increase his political
power. 1t has certainly accomplished
much in all of these lines of action.
The farmer is educated by coming in
contact with his fellow farmers. He
can and does through the influence
thus exerted become more successful
and prosperous. The success achieved
in this direction is perceptible in every
neighborhood where good live Grange
exists. Its meetings are conducted
and governed by the same parliamentary
rules observed by deliberate bodies
everywhere, and in this way members
become somewhat skilled in the meth
DDS adopted by conventions, associa-
tions etc. They are also taught to
think, speak and write, and in this way
broaden and deepen thought, and slim
ulate action in a way that shall make
them wiser and better citizens.
The mothers, wives and daughters
become active members and are endow-
ed with all the rights and privileges of
the fathers, husbands and brothers.
The Grange has accomplished wonders
for the farmers wives; it has relieved
toll, to great extent Of its drudgery.
1t has elevated and stimulated their
ambitions and aspirations. By families
coming in contact with families, hus-
bands have been compelled to think in
relation to the burdens borne by the
wives. The farmers calling in and of
itself does not stimulate the mental
activities to the extent that many other
vocations do, and hence an organization
that shall aid MIN, or even compel him
to think, is required by him to great
er extent than by other men.
The Grange in its declaration Of pur
poses pronouuces strongly in favor of
the highest morality. 1t teaches this
in the Grange room. 1t tries to oon-
centrate and utiliza the moral forces
While not claiming that the farmers
are all saints and other people all sin
ners, the members generally, as l be-
lieve society does everywhere, concede
that the highest average of morality is
found out in the country where the
temptations are fewer. 1t has strug.
gled long and faithfully to stimulate
and elevate all social life, and in many
places it has accomplished wonders in
this direction. The bright eyed boys
and girls in the country have the same
social aspirations, the same desires for
association with their fellows that actu
ate their brothers and sisters in cities
There has been no duty imposed by
parentage oitener neglected than that
which demands of parents opportunities
fer the social enjoyment and improve
ment of their sons and daughters, and
the Grange came in to use its influence
and operates to supply this long felt
want. And again, the isolated condi-
tion f the farmer renders him too Often
fit subject for the wiles of the specula
tors and sharpers, and the Grange comes
III WIN ito WOluS VI duIuUuiIiOu W dlu
and protect its members from imposition
and loss. 1t also invites all to study
t he market values of their products as
well as Of the implements, gsods and
wares which they purchase, and while
it has not made speciality of doing
business to any great extent, it stands
ready at alltimes to protect its members
from extortion. Its great mission is
not to tear down, but to build up not
to destroy, but to create not to oppress.
but to protect, and in doing this it op.
poses laws that open wide the doors for
extortion. In every State it has done
much to avoid the payment of royalty
to shysters and patent right spectators.
1t has achieved great success in the
courts, and has protected the farmer
generally from spectators in royalties
1t stands ready to buy implements in
quantity where the dealers will not
supply at fair rates.
1t encourages the building up of
manufactures and the growth of towns
hy