Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-12-18


danger Of over production is not yet i'm
mincnt. For this danger, as for Others
that may in the future threaten our
Maine Agriculture we must look TO the
West. Should the depression in the bust
ness Of producing the great agricultural
staples continue in that section, we may
yet find the dairy products Of the West
competing with US to disastrous extent
in our eastern markets
1t is well for US in orr grange meetings
carefully to consider these questions in
order that as an organization we may
make our influence felt in any effort to
remedy existing evils. We may well con-
slider whether at the present time, agri-
culture, the parent and support Of all in
dustries. is receiving that degree OF atten-
ton and care from our government that
its Importance demands.
We do not believe that all ills can be
re1nedied by legislation, yet as farmers
and as patrons representing the great
organized body Of farmers in our country,
We should demand that while other in
dustries are protected by our government
measures should be taken, If possible, to
protect this, the greatest Of all Industries
We should demand that hand in hand
with legislation that starts a mill and
makes It's operation profitable should go
kindred legislation that will start plOw
and render It's work remuneratiye.
Education.
The work of the grange along educa-
tional lines is two fold. 1t has to do with
the intellectual culture of its members by
means Of discussions, essays, courses of
study and other literary exercises in the
grange, and it is also expected to exert il
healthful influence upon the general
cause of education throughout the State
The opportunity for intellectual culture
afforded by the grange constitutes one of is
chief claims TO the support and patronage
Of the farmers of the State. That it has
done and is doing more than any other
agency or influence for the education Of
the farmer and his family, not only in
matters pertaining to agriculture, but
along all the lines of mental and social
culture is a fact conceded by all. The
literary exercises of the grange have slim
ulated thought and study and this
5tudlous thought has taught the farmer
that it is within his own province to
know and understand many of those
lulDBS " IIItu ue lids IciiB DtbU ttCtuSJCllctt
to regard as beyond his reach and only
attainable by the professional man. The
education acquired in the grange is CIV
ing the farmer a greater degree of self
confidence and is teaching him that he
has made the mistake of expecting men
in other callings to right the wrongs
under which he is laboring, work which
he and he alone can perform successfully.
Upon the general subject of education
in the State the grange is in q position to
| exert d potent and favorable influence.
The educational system of Maine may
be said to be at present in somewhat of a
transition state and much depends upon
the methods and plans adopted ard de-
cided upon during the next few years
! Some Of the legislation receGtly ADOPTED
may perhaps be regarded rs experimental
and no doubt radical changes will be
asked for in the future. While school
men and professors are viewing the ques
| ton from the standpoint of the study, the
oranges have an opportunity to be
| brought in direct contact with the prac
| teal workings Of our school system and
are able to give much reliable informa
tion ana make valuable suggestions rs to
the changes to be made in the future
| Thus with the trained doctors of peda-
| g0gy and the practical observers of the
pranges working together and each hav
| ing the benefit Of the others thought, cx-
pcrience and observation, improvements
in our school system may be evolved that
| will ne of permanent benefit.
! While we should foster and encourage
| in every way our colleges and higher tn
stitutions of learning, yet we must never
lose sight of the fact that our first anu
most important duty is to the common
! schools of the State.
They are the nurseries in which tbH
Young and tender minds are trained and
! from them a majority Of the youth of the
| State are graduated into the active duties
of life.
1t should be part Of the work of the
oranges to see to it, as much as they have
is in their power that the common
schools in their respective Jurisdictions are
brought to the highest possible degree OF
excellence. The tendency in our State is
largely TO shirk personal responsibility in
matters of school administration. We arc
too apt to think, when we have chosen a
school board and made proper provision
fer the payment Of teachers, that our
further is required OF us, except it may be
to find fault at times without being able
to give an intelligent reason for our
criticism. The great need and lack in our
educational system today is that of per
sonal supervision and co operation on the
para of the parents of our pupils 1t
requires the united efforts and interest OF
pupils, teacher, school board and parents
TO make a successful school.
The grange should encourage frequent
visits TO the school room and ~ intimate
and friendly relation between parents and
teacher.
! When pupils and teacher find that the
parents, by frequent visits, keep strict
watch of the work of the school, not for
the sake of adverse criticism, but for the
purpose of aiding and assisting by their
countenance aud their encouragement, a
/ renewed ami increased degree of interest
in school work will be the immediate re-
suit aud the conditions will be made
/ favorable for the best work by all,
State College.