St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1894-12-20
Horticultural Affairs.
STATE GRANGE. MEETING.

STATE GRANGE MEETING.
The twenty-third annual session of
the Vermont State Grange was held
at Morrisville, Dec. 12-14. The
order in the state was well represent
ed, besides some visiting patrons.
The morning was devoted to the
preliminary work of opening and
organizing The afternoon was
devoted to the annual reports of Of
fcers including the annual address
by State Master Messer. He touch
ed comprehensively upon the aims OF
the order and the value OF organized
efforts to the farmers of Vermont all
aiding in spreading fuller knowledge
of their duties to the state and
nation; referred to the development
of the dreaded tuberculosis in the
past year and asserted that the
grange is ready to join hands with
kindred organizations in the state in
the study of the science of agriculture.
The order in the country is prosper
Gus excepting in the South and the
drought stricken portions of the
West. Great progress is noted in
New England, particularly a very
prosperous condition in Vermont,
which has gained more members the
past year than in any year since the
earlier DAYS of the order. The grange
is now out from the period of de-
preston, and is becoming popu-
larized. The Vermont farmers are
not behind farmers in the other New
ha
watchword.
The speaker reviewed the work of
the National Grange meeting at
Springfield, ILL.,, in November, and
educational interests were treated
at length, the speaker showing how
vital to the farmers is the present
school system, and he referred to the
failure of the recent legislature to
correct some Of the evils Of the same.
The work of the grange is education
al in all it's features.
transportation and taxation were
touched upon. The question of
double taxation must be solved be-
fore the greatest degree of prosper
ity comes to the hard working farm
ers Of Vermont. The press is more
and more an educator. The farmers
without newspapers are like plows
without points.
The treasurer's report indicated a
sound financial condition. The sec
rotary reported gain of 500 mem
bers in the year.
Reports from subordinate oranges
gave glowing accounts of the growth
of interest. Rev. DIR. Booth the Uni
versalist pastor there, made interest
ing remarks.
The town hall was handsomely
and appropriately decorated for the
OCcaSiO
This evenings session was open to
the public and a large crowd was
present. The programme as render
ed furnished a very interesting en-
tertainment and was carried
into effect with the exception
of the address expected from Gov.
Woodbury., who was otherwise en-
gagged. George M. Powers, sec
rotary of Vermont state senate, well
coined the visitors in behalf of our
citizens in a characteristic speech.
was made by George w.
Pierce of Brattleboro in very
pleasant manner. V. l. Spear of the
state board of agriculture and M. S.
Stone of the board of education,
both spoke very Interestingly of the
they represent. Local
singers and reader gave variety to
theevening's programme.
The morning and afternoon ses-
sions of Thursday were mostly taken
he soJ ~f 81
fcers, considerable interest being
manifested in this distributing of the
honors of the order. The following
are the officers for ensuing two years:
Master, c. J. Bell, East Hardwick E;
overseer, c. w. Sargent, Brattle-
boro; lecturer, 6. w. Pierce, Brat
tleboro; steward, c. c. Whitney,
East Bethel; assistant steward, J.
II. Clark, Westminster West; chap
lain, J.. S. Jackson. Underhill: treasur-
er, F. B. Pier, Jacksonville; secre-
tary, D. D. Howe, Burlington; gate
keeper, ]. F. Bennett, Tunbridge,
Ceres. Mrs. c. ]. Bell, East Hard
wick; Pomona, Miss Anna Messer,
Flora, Mrs. Ethel Park,
Lyndon.
This evenings session was devoted
to the comforting of the sixth degree
upon large class of candidates.
Friday, the last day of the session,
was crowded with business. The re-
port of the education committee
called out lively discussion, show
ing a favorable sentiment for the |
present town system, strongly favor
ing the abolishing of incorporated
school districts in the state.
Resolutions were adopted favoring
the adoption of a farmer rather than |
a professional man for national sec
rotary of agriculture; and faporing
the creation of labor bureau under |
control of the state. The state agri- |
cultural college brought out an in