Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1893-05-10
BLAINE MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION.
AN OPEN LETTER
From Master HUNT Of the State Grange 10
Patrons Of Husbandry.

BELMONT, May 81 Special. THE fol-
lowing open letter to the members of the
Patrons of Husbandry of Maine has been
issued by State Master Hunt;
Two years ago last December the ques-
ton of tax reform was discussed in the
State gsange and plans laid to carry,if pos
sible, measures into execution, that should
secure to all the people of the State, just
and equal taxation, that all might be made
to bear their just and equal share of the
taxes and no more.
We had confidence in the justness of our
cause, and because Just, had reasonable
grounds to believe the people of all classes
would readily consent to a proposition so
manifestly right and fair. But our attempt
before the Legislature of 1891, met with
almost a fiat refusal to consider the ques-
ton and convinced US that any hope to Sc
cure such law as would equalize taxes
would be vain without persistent effort on
our part. A large proportion of the MEM
of that session of the the Legislature,
showed by their acts that they were unwil-
ling to bear their Just proportion of the
of the public burdens.
We were gratified to learn, however,
that many senators and representatives
showed their willingness to work for the
right, because it was the right, and
bestowed their influence in favor
of this question Notwithstanding
the Listing bill'' was defeated by the Leg
islature of 1891, great progress was never
theless made; the question had been
brought before the people, and for the next
two years was largely discussed in grange
meetings and elsewhere until it had become
quite generally understood,
The friends of the measure, though not
quite as successful as they bad hoped, in
the Legislature of 1898, were much graft
fed with the result in the House and
pleased that such substantial gain bad
been made in the Senate. But because we
have again encountered defeat in the "list-
ing BILL" is no reason whv we should be in
the least disheartened. We have made a
good fight.
Though beaten, we have not struck our
colors: we are in it to stay until justice
and right are secured. Let us take a cheer
full view of the situation; it is not much OF
defeat after ALL our friends in both
branches of the Legislature did nobly, full
as we'll. perhaps. as we had right to ex-
pect. When we grapple with problem OF
such magnitude as the ''listing bilr', and in
two wears from the time the first encounter
is had succeed in carrying the House by
such an overwhelming majority and tie the
Senate. we have no reason TO be discour-
aged
Let US close up our ranks, reform ou,
| lines, and once more give battle for the
right. We have nothing hard to say oi
I 2 q. II.
posed us They have simply shown how
unscrupulonsly selfish and unfair they are
| Now let US, worthy patrons, to our duty
as we see it. Let US ever be open to con
| yiction. ready to hear and consider al
I friendly suggestions, and to adopt the bet
| ter way. In all things let us seek to ad
vance the interests, elevate the character
and increase the Influence of all our people
and especially the members of our order.
From January 1915, to the present time
have been an interested member of the
grange. 1t has been my fortune to occupy
positions through which have been able
to make myself familiar at all times will
! the strength and influence of the order il
this State and am free to say in all sin
cerity that verify believe there has neveI
been time during all these years, whei
the orier stood so strong in the estimation
/ of its members, or was ever so much ap
preeiated as now.
We have every reason to feel en-
couraged.
The long continued. severe cold weaihe
and blocking storms of the past winter ha
greatly interfered with our plans for grang
work Busy spring and summer are nov
upon US: work on the farm that must be at
tended to will continually press for recog
milton but let US not, amid all our care an
labor on the farm, forget or neglect tn
work of the grange. Steadily keep up tn
interest do not let it flag Jr grow cox
through neglect: and when the create
press of farm work is over for the season
be prepared and resolved to take hold o
grange work with \ greater zeal and
stronger courage than ever before
May we be able to build to higher level
and extend to broader fields the induenc
and usefulness of the order of the Patron
of Husbandry.
Frsrernally and Truly,
NJ. B. HUsT, Master State Grange