Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-07-18
GRANGE QUESTIONS.

The quarterly bulletin has issued Ques-
tions for June upon three heads. First,
dormancy In the grange; second. why so
highly respected; third, Its leading feat
ures and their relative Importance. IL
was designed 10 carry this subject
June, but IL seems TO me that
the headings are 40 nearly related that
they can be considered as one topic and
upon one evening.
Ia regard TO dormancy, think the
blame may be about equally divided be-
tween officers and members, although
leaders of the order, both past and pres
ent. have been sharply criticised by the
grange press. The earnest work OF the
officers can accomplish much, but when
10 that Is added the faithful conscienti-
Gus work Of sll the members, then the
danger OF such grange becoming dor
mant Is indeed slight. When We con-
slider why the grange should be so hon.
ored snd respected now, we should look
about us and see what il has done In the
past TO merit this respect. II is the
universal testimony that the community
which supports grange IL Tar In sd-
vance Of places where none exists. We
hesrd In our Pomona recently that q
travelling salesman passing through the
states could always tell when he was in
the territory Of grange. The people
were more intelligent, more refined.
Again whed we wish our voices heard in
the halls Of legislation, concentrated
effort will bring IL about. We are vast
number Of people working together for
the same purpose. overcoming the same
obstacles, developing better and higher
manhood and womsnhood, enhancing
the comforts aud attractions OF our
homes, snd maintaining inviolate our
laws. The public Is bound to respect
such an order. 1t appeals to all that Is
noblest and best within as, and cannot
be too highly valued.
The grange IL power In the land and
is rightly recognized as such. Its
resl value Is In its social and educational
work, In the growth Of character and
the development Of manhood and woman
hood among Its members. 1t Is the
thought power Of the grange that gives
&c force and standing In q community
and makes It's influence felt In legisla-
tive halls. The origin Of the order is
attributed to Mr.. o. n. Kelley, native
of Boston, who In 1866, being connected
with the department Of agriculture was
commissioned by President johnson to
travel through the south and report
upon their agricultural and mineral
resources. He found such state OF de-
preston and dissatisfaction among the
farmers that he conceived the idea that
system of cooperation or an association
similar to Odd Fellows or Masons might
be formed with advantage among the
dissatisfied agriculturists. Mr.. William
Saunders, of the department OF agricult-
ure, assisted him and the name chosen
was Patrons Of Husbandry, and each
branch WAS called q grange, the French
word for farm. Ia April, "a, the order
comprised !, SOC, 900 members. Its sd'
| vaptages are educational, cooperative
ana progressive and are 30 closely allied
10 each other as to make Discrimination
between their interests, no easy matter
The grange is maintained for social ant
economic purposes and should not -
sumo any political or sectarian functions
Maine Farmer.