The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1898-09-22
Patrons of Husbaudry.

The morning looked little foroidding,
clouds obscured the sky and scattering
fell, but it soon cleared and at
the appointed time Patrons and friends
began to gather at Lakewood, aud soon
assembled in the hall for the morning
exercises.
Lester Holway, master OF the Somer-
set Pomona, called to order and we'll
organized choir, with Mrs. f. c. Dunton
at the piano, sang selection; Hon. L.
d. Salley offered prayer; 5. F. Emerson
welcomed the Patrons and friends to
this favored grove, saying that at no
time in our history has there been great
er opportunities for work in rightng
wrongs and in uplifting common hu-
manity than at the present day.
Hon. NJ. l.. Merrill was the speaker of
the morning session. Bro. Merrill
touched upon the grand institutions that
our favored country possesses, expressed
his loyalty TO our government, and be-
lieved that IL was most essential for us
as citizens of common country to ex-
ercise the important right we have of
using the ballot and not neglect it and
thereby disfranehise ourselves. The in
PERMISSION was passed in social inter-
course and the enjoyment of "a picnic
dinner.
The session in the afternoon opened at
100 After selection by the choir the
State Lecturer, Prof. Elijah Cook, WAS
introduced. Mr.. Cook began by appeal
ing to the citizens to exercise the right
of suffrage, for the reason that serious
dangers are continually threatening us
and the people can only rule by per-
forming the political duties that devolve
upon them. The master minds that to-
day lead In the great centres OF our
country had their origin on the
farm, hence it stands to reason that we
should start on the farm to build up
strong characters, strong minds and
physical endurance. We talk about
hard times, but II we look about US we
shall see that it is not so much on the
farm as in the city. Those who are in
the city IL thrown out of employment
have nothing to fall back upon and suf-
fering stares them in the face. But on
the farm it Is not so. Compare the far
mer with those in the city and you will
find that they are not worried as to
where their bread and butter is to come
from. We do not half appreciate the
opportunities that are constantly in our
b. IL 3 hn 1nk hD
gathering ourselves together as we dc
today are great advantages we need to
appreciate. But above all the advan-
tages we have of bringing up our boys
away from the bad influences that sur
round those in the cities.
The speaker compared the boys on the
farm with those in the city, saying that
physically, morally and intellectually,
the advantages are in the country. The
farm supplies fruit, fresh vegetables and
other dainties that are healthy and
strengthening for which we all should
be grateful.
Mr.. Cook emphasized the fact that we
are rapidly progressing In every thing
that aids US in our every day life. Pro-
gress in transportation was mentioned.
1t has been great 10 the steam age but
we are passing from the steam age to
the age of electricity, and it Is revolu-
tionizing the world. The rapidity is
greater and the cost Is less, working to
our advantage. And the prospects are
that another factor for advancing our
interests is about to come as motive
power and science is at work on liquid
fled air, and the result we cannot
measure.
The speaker referred earnestly to the
necessity of building up character, and
took for examples the splendid charac-
tiers of Washington, John Quincy
Adams, Lincoln and others. By their
efforts and the advantages Of their en-
vironments they were enabled to become
strong men, grand men who were q
blessing to the age III which they lived.
The grange today affords opportunities
for thought, education and advancement.
The design of its founders was to make
better men and better women and
grandly it is doing its work. We must
study, investigate, learn for ourselves.
Duties are before US and we must fulfil
them that we may take with US as we
pass over to the other side the influences
of grand and unselfish lives.
Mr.. Cook was obliged to take the after
noon train from Skowhegan and had to
be somewhat brief in his interesting re-
marks.
B. II. Ladd of Watervlle, was intro
duced, who spoke eloquently in relation
to farm life, referring to the future of
the farmer as one of happiness and
pleasure. He will be a specialist and
devote his energies to identifying his
home, planting fruit trees and the
smaller fruits. While all cannot adopt
this special line, yet thousands can who
do not now, and make an extra good
living. Do not go to California, to Da-
kota or elsewhere. Stay at home and
take the advantages that are directly
before you for making life like the dia-
mond, bright and sparkling.
Mrs. May Lawrence presented an
essay on growth In life. "Spring, Sum
mer, Autumn, Winter" song, was rem
dered by G. X. Foss, which was encored
Miss Annie |. Maddocks gave recitation
OF humorous character; remarks for
the good of the order were made by S.
F. Emerson, c. E. Smith and S. 5.
WoOdman.
A unanimous vote of thanks was ten
dered Mr.. {. A. Fairbrother for opening
up the grounds and hall TO the use of
che Patrons. SECRETARY.
Maine Farmer: There was honor