The National tribune., 1896-11-19
PATRONS OF HUsBANDRY.
Thirtieth Annual Convention of the Nation
Grange.

Thirtieth Annual Convention of the National
Grange.
The National Grange, Patrons of Husbandry,
met here last week for their 30th annual Con-
vention. Master ]. II. Brigham opened the
session in the sixth degree and after the ofhcial
preiiminaries of the session were disposed OF
and some delegates were obligated, the session
was continued in the fourth degree. General
Secretary Dr. John Trimble made an introduce
tory address.
Worthy Master William Saunders said, among
other things, that the permanent habitation of
the National Grange should be at the Capital
of the Nation. He had advocated this for 80
years for he believed it would preserve the
harmony of the organization as implied in its
divisions OF subordinate, State and National
Jurisdiction.
Master J. Fl. Brigham, in his annual address,
said: az greet you as the representatives of
the greatest National organization OF farmers
in the world. The members of this Order look
to you for advice and practical suggestions.
Consider we'll every subject brought to your
attention. 1t is better not to advise than to
ad wise unwisely. The need Of organization
among farmers is SO apparent that but little
argument is necessary. Someone to lead the
way is the one thing needful just now. am
fully convinced that now is the time to send
organizers into the field; men who have gift
for the work. Such workers will be able to add
before We meet again in annual session. Where
the Order is weak the National Grange should
CO operate with the State Grange in the effort
| to strengthen it.
1.-THE Grange is doing more to educate and
| broaden the American farmer than any other
| one organization Of our country. 1t supplies
| long-felt want; it gives the farmer the means
| of social enjoy ment and culture; it encourages
| him to READ, discuss and think for himself and
/! thus prepares him to analyze the statements
| presented by writer's and speakers who seek to
| win his support.
1--WE cannot control production nor regulate
| the cost thereof in foreign countries. There Is
| no profit in selling in the markets Of the world
| below the cost of production. II We cannot
compete with the cheaper land and labor in
these markets we can ut least control our own
| mark ets and produce nearly everything needed
! to supply our own people. Why should we buy
! sugar. wool. ETC., from other countries when we
| can produce them at homer The people seem
| to have decided in favor of adequate protection
! to American industries. We can, therefore,
| without regard to our own personal views, con-
sistently demand for agriculture the full meas
| uEe of protection accorded to other industries,
| aud We should accept nothing less
| I'VE should labor to equaliZe and fairly dis
! tribute the burden Of taxation. The farmer is
| bearing far more than his proportion of the
| cost of maintaining local seif-g0vernment, and
W
| well-directed efforts. We should discuss thor
oughly every proposition suggesting remedy.
| We cannot afford to make a mistake and try
remedies that will be far worse than the ills
| which we now endure"
Master Brigham advocated free mail deliv.
cry fo- farmers.
Sister Eva Mcdonald, of New York, Treas.
urer, reported that the receipts for the year had
been SIS, 565.7l; expenditures. ST., 643.72; but
of the expenditures 50, $40 had been invested
in mortgage.
General Secretary John Trimble, of this city
reported that the number Of dispensations f0i
new Oranges had been 1863; Oranges reorgan.
lied, -; seventh degree certificate conferred
on l,3lS; sixth degree certificate National
Grangel conferred on SOB; sixth degree certif
cate (Stste Grsnge) conferred on 1911 receipt!
by him, Sc. 1897. 81 balance on hand, $l9l.9l.
The Grange took up tho reports from TIT
States. These proved to be of considerable in
terest to the members for they presented
knowledge of the actual condition of the Orde
in the different sections Of the country. Frou
the reports read it was apparent that the Orde
is stronger in the East and West than in thu
South.
The features of the proceedings of the las
day were the submission Of tho report Of thu
Executive Committee and the calling Of tn
} members in . body on President Cleveland
The Executive Committee reported . total o
over $5l. 600 loaned on real estate securities de
posted with the fiscal agency. The report say
agriculture is suffering from disproportioDat
burdens which, If long continued, may caus
such disastrous results IS have overtaken tn
agricultural class in other countries. The re
port is strong plea for farmers rights.