Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1900-12-14
Master Bells Address.

Mr.. Bell stated that in looking
backward over the century now clos
ing we find the order of Patrons of
Husbandry has taken an active part
for full one third of this time in
moulding into working order the
grandest agricultural organization in
existence, and we believe that in the
century to follow it will take a prom
inent place in shaping the affairs of
the nation, for in it's membership are
the yeomanry of the country. II is a
well recognized fact that from the
farm come the great men and women
who are leaders in all departments of
our growth and prosperity.
The objects of our order are: To
add dignity to labor; to create a bet
ter manhood and womanhood among
it's members; and to elevate the
American farmer that he may hold
the position he deserves among the
legislative and business interests of
the country.
Mr.. Bell urged the necessity of or
ganization and cooperation. He
spoke at some length OF the 34th SEES
sion Of the National Grange, which
convened in Washington, Nov. IA.
Twenty-four states and the Dominion
of Canada were represented, and the
reports showed a gain of $4,000 in
membership with every prospect of
continual growth and prosperity.
At the national meeting the legisla-
tive committee waited upon President
Mckinley and told him of the de-
mands of the order IN regard to pure
food laws, free rural mail delivery,
and providing for the extension Of the
markets of farm products equally
with manufactured articles.
The work of the National Grange
shows that there is much for us to do
that national laws may be enacted in
the interests of agriculture, and il is
our duty to discuss these matters in
state and subordinate meetings. Ma
tional Master Jones recommends to
the several state oranges that they
continue to urge upon their respec-
tive state legislatures the enactment
II appropriate .gislation or :. TOl
lowing important matters:
l. Antitrust law and provision for
state inspection of all corporations.
2. Secure law on taxation that will
compel all property to bear its just
proportion of taxation.
3. Pure food laws.
4. Provide state railway commits
sions with full power of fixing maxi
mum rates of freight and passenger
service on all railways subject to
their jurisdiction.
5. Such a revision of the fees and
salaries as will place them on an
equitable basis
Mr.. Bell spoke of the growth in
membership and the encouraging
work in Vermont, and gave some sug-
gestive hints regarding the work of
Grange officers. and spoke of the OPP
portunities of identifying our homes.
He said the order will ever speak In
encouraging terms for better and
more practical education, a aigher
standard of social enjoyment If the
boys and girls, a standard of intelli-
gence which some do not possess be-
fore casting their ballot as American
citizens, and for the enforcement of
our prohibitory laws, which we be-
lieve make Vermont a better state to
live in than those that use more free
dom in this respect.
More uniform and systematic in
spection of subordinate oranges was
recommended. Seer etaries and cor
respondents were advised of the inn
portance of furnishing more news to
the local and state press.
In taking up taxation Mr.. Bell said
all industries ought to be willing to
bear their just proportion of the bur
den. Able men seem to differ as to
what is the best plan to adopt Dou-
BILE taxation all agree is unjust and on
the other hand with so many exemp-
lions many go free. Mr. Bell believed
that the sooner we adopt the Elan of
no exemptions whatever. tax all prop
erty, real and personal, and tax it
where it is found, Wa will d. much to
relieve the burden for some and place
the burden nearer where it belongs
and would very much reduce the rate
by charging the grand list.
The oranges were advised that they
could do no better service to the state
than assist in every way possible to
make old home week, which the legis
lature has made possible, a great sue
cess.
In closing Mr. Bell said: May the
Great Master watch over and guide
us in our deliberations, and may we
so build up our order and labor for
the good of our families, the Patrons
of Husbandry and the state of Yer
mont, that when we are called to lay
down our implements on earth we
may enter the Paradise not made with
hands and hear the welcome plaudit,
well done"