The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-09-03
Patrons of IIusbandry.
Grand Rally at Lakewood Grove

Il was unfortunate th1t III" mprning
opened 50 unflgorably for }he immense
numbers that would hars been AT the
grove if the heavens hal lot been over
cast aud rain falling AT the very time 50
many we're about i start from their
homes. Notwithstanding hi, drawback
that no one could prevent. delegations
were present from every grange in the
County a we'll A. many not connected
with the order.
II was little late when the audience
became seated IN the hlll aud the exer-
cises of the day began. Worthy Master
q. +. Savage Of the Somerset Pomona.
called 10 order aud took the chair as pre-
siding officer. Prayer was offered and
the tribute of song given when ;. F.
Emerson, Worthy Secretary of the
Pomona, welcomed the patrons and
friends as follows
brother chairman, pdtroDs a1td friends -
We gather again in this grove 10 hold
our annual festival. In this hour of eX-
IRENE political activity when the whole
nation is aroused to unnatural excite
ment, and political parties are arranged
against each other in open conflict, we
are permitted to gather, not as partisans,
but as a grand fraternity, rising far
above and beyond the boundaries of
strife into the higher realm of true
citizenship, of obedience 10 law, of de-
votion TO our noble order, of loyalty TO
our country and to our God.
We are not here today to bias auv
mans sincere political or religious CON
victions of duty and right, but We are
here to consider questions touching the
best interests of the great organization
which we each have the honor 10 repre-
sent; making and sustaining the de-
claration that these interests are in per
feet harmony with good government,
with exalted patriotism, with all that
makes US great and grand and free.
Patrons, we are doubly glad to again
welcome you here. We look into each
others faces and we see the sure indi
cations of victory. The veil which
shrouds the future is, for moment.
lifted and with prophetic vision we see
the time when the daughters and sons of
the farm shall stand as equals with any
other class in this fair land, enjoying all
the opportunities and privileges and
emoluments that free country can give.
This Is our birthrght and to claim it is
but claiming that which belongs to
every tilier Of the soil.
We welcome you, Worthy State
Master and respected brother, as we oft
have welcomed YOU before, assuring you
thnt Il
break ranks and remain idle in Somerset
county, but in winters cold and sum
mer's heat we are continually pushing
our picket lines further and still further
in advance.
Worthy National Master and respected
brother, for the second time we cheer
fully welcome you to our county. Real
izing that you are the honored leader of
our great fraternity whose jurisdiction
covers the entire country, we open wide
the gates today and give you most
fraternal welcome. And now as we
look out upon the wide field of work
that lies before US; as the future with
its mighty possibilities opens to our
vision, may we each, in our allotted
spheres, develop the true manhood and
womanhood within us and make known
10 the world that
"Along our front no sabres shine.
No blood-red pennants wave,
Our banner bears the single line,
We organize to save"
State Master Wiggn was the speaker
of the forenoon. He was always glad to
meet with the sisters and brothers OF
Somerset county. Always felt himself
safe in their company. The weather Is
forbidding but we meet nevertheless
under favorable auspices. And it is but
right and our duty to get away from the
labors of the farm on such occasions as
this and enjoy the rest aud recreation it
gives. We need it for our best good.
We may expect to continually profit as
we strive to uphold the principles of our
order and thankfully receive the bless
ngs that are all about us. Within the
grange there seems to be Il united effort
to advance educational work in our
public schools. Members of the grange
are fortunately in position where they
can give great aid to our rural schools
and parents should take deep interest
in the education of their children, teach
ers are doing faithful work and kind
word from parents is most encouraging
to them. The speaker referred to the
political campaign now going on and
while we have the right and it is our
duty to be connected with parties for
the unfolding of our political convict
ions, yet we are not TO bring our
partisan political debates into our grange
meetings. 1t would not fail of creating
dissentions aud eventually obstruction to
our noble order. Farmers should how
ever take an interest in the political
questions OF the day and think act for
themselves and not allow politicians to
do it all. In closing, the State Master