The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-09-03

throughout tne state. mere l. steady
aud healthy growth aud we have reach
ed To about 2900O in numbers. And we
also are increasing in influence and re-
spect.
The State Master referred In the pro
posed grange cottage at Good Will aud
has faith to believe that il will be built
by the grange and urged each to do
a part in the grand work. \ recess Wa
declared till 200 p. m.
Before the time for the afternoon ex.
ercses. the threatening clouds seemed To
break, and the multitude, were inereas-
ed by large numbers who completely fill
ed the hall. Victor grange quartette
opened with song. and Miss Annie K.
Maddoeks gave recitation that was
warmly received; the quartette sang
The Old kentucky Home and Nation
al Master, j. II. Brigham was introduce
meet those present. He was still in the
work which he believed to be a grand
and exalted work that was telling for
the good of all. The speaker drew
a comparison between what we call old
times and the conditions that meet Us
today. The conditions of today demand
of the farmer training in a direction far
different from that of our fathers.
Methods must be adopted, and changes
made TO meet the requirements of the
age in which We live. The old must be
discarded and the new adopted. system
must be established and a knowledge of
the best course TO pursue should con-
stantly be sought. Farmers should I'M
derstand that their business is the most
essential of all. We could if absolutely
necessary, dispense with the professions
and other occupations, but we cannot
dispense with the farm and the farmer
and long survive. Farmers must not be
too modest in asking for and even de-
manding that which rightfully belongs
to them. They should not cut them
selves off from society, but should
mingle with society. and be broadened
and developed by coming in contact with
associations that are helpful. He must
meet with his fellows in order to reach
the full perfection of manhood The
new farmer knows this and will take the
opportunities that are within his reach
to make success in life. He will not.
under any circumstances, try to go
through life alone. but take companion
and consult with her in all the work of
the farm. The new farmer will also be
somewhat of politician. He will study
the great questions that are before the
people for adjustment, and understand
that he is mighty factor, even a mighty
power in the settlement OF these ques-
tions. He will be we'll informed 10 re-
gard to them and be able to make wise
decision. Heretofore the farmer has not
taken the interest that he should in af-
fairs of government. For that reason
things have gone against him, and he
has suffered in consequence. The new
farmer will be on hand at the caucus and
conventions ana take an active and con-
trolling part in them. He will show his
interest by being there first. The new
farmer will also discourage litigation
and avoid the meshes of the law. The
grange teaches this and we need to learn
1t more aud more. The speaker closed
in grandly eulogizing the grange and its
principles and urged the farmers to
unite in this great organization to guard
and protect their own interests.
The address was spiced with stories
and pleasing illustrations that were
loudly applauded. Credit is due the
executive committee of the Pomona for
the success that attended the exercises
of the day. Secretary.