Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-08-27
ANNUAL GRANGE PICNIC.
Good Gathering In Spite of the Threat-
ening Observation-Disclosures Address
es by the National Overseer and State

n GOOu OatherinR IN spite OF the Threat-
ening Vveather---Interestin Address
es by the National Overseer and State
Lecturer.
Windham county Pomona and Protective oranges
held their annual picnic on the fair grounds last
Wednesday Clouds and rain prevented many
from attending who would have done so had the
day been pleasant. However, a goodly number
were present. The Artillery band gave a concert
from 10 to l2 O'Clock, after which dinner was
served on the basket picnic plan.
The downpour of rain drove the people to the
grand stand for the afternoon exercises, which
proved fine place to listen to the program. p
S. Eames welcomed the visitors in behalf of Pro-
tective grange and F. H. Spauldng for Pomona
grange.
Hon NJ. l. Reed was introduced and spoke very
interestingly upon education for the young. He
discussed the present methods comparing them
with those of the past. He thought there was
need of a change. The pupil needed to be taught
self reliance, and that they hau something to do
in life.
F. A. Galusha from Jericho, lecturer of Vermont
state grange, was present to represent the absent
state master, c. j. Bell He referred to the organ
izations of people engaged in other kinds of busi
ness and when meeting was called for business
each profession was well represented. When a
farmers meeting was called large part of the
farmers stayed at home and did not avail them
selves of the chances offered to better their con-
ditions He spoke of the large appropriations
made by Congress for the farmers benefit. but
many still did not know how to use them. They
realize how beneficial they are to those who
make use of them.
Hon. F. A. Liscom of Hnsdae. n. H. spoke of
the efforts made by the farmers in the legislature
for permanent improvements in agriculture, but
they failed to hang together and insist that they
have justice in the way of laws favorable to their
business.
Aaron Jones of Indiana, overseer of the ma
tional grange, was the last speaker introduced,
and spoke earnestly and forcibly upon subjects
relating to grange work He alluded to the great
interest through the country in the gran at the
present time More oranges have been formed
during the ten months of this year than in any
one year for long time. The success of the
farmer was an important matter to all people az
all depend upon the farmer. Sixty per cent of
all traffic upon our railroads or by water are the
products of the farm. The farmer has a greater
influence than ever before. The grange has done
much TO help those engaged in agriculture 1t
was the father of the bill known as the interstate
commerce law, and has given valuable aid in
legislative halls. He referred to the position of
assistant secretary of state now occupied by our
National Master Brigham, and the work he has
done ana aiming to do. He said the farmers
must sand together from the Atlantic to the Pa
cidc in all good work, especially regarding equal
taxation and education, and equalization Of
prices,
Miss Alice Butterfield and Mrs. W F Mixer
gave charming recitations which delighted the
audience. The program was nterspersed by very
satisfactory music by the band