The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1900-08-14
SOME THINGS LEARNED FROM THE
GRANGE.

We have recently received a copy
of the Proceedings of the Thirty
third Session of the National
Grange" and have read it with con
siderable interest in view of the
similarity in objects and methods OF
the Grange and the Farmers ALI
ance. The Grange has had its dark
days, just as the Alliance has had,
but it's membership is now steadily
increasing, it's influence is great, and
the prejudice with which it was once
regarded has been lived down.
The Declaration of Purposes of the
Grange and of the Alliance r. prac-
ticaIly the same. The Grange is con
siderably longer, and more specific.
For example:
ITO reduce our expenses, both in
dividuaI and corporate. To buy less
and produce more, in order to make
our farms self-sustaining. To diver
sifN our crops, and crop ne more
thanSwe a cultivate. To condense
the weight of our exports, selling
less in the bushel and more on hoof
and in fleece less in lint, and more
in warp and wool. To systematic
our work, and calculate intelligently
on probabilities. To discountenance
the credit system, the mortgage sys-
tenn, the fashion system, and every
other system tending to prodigality
and bankruptcy.
1--WE propose meeting together,
working together, buying together,
selling together, and, in general, act
ing together for our mutual protec-
ton and advancement, as occasion
may require.
We emphatically and sincerely as
sert the oft-repeated truth taught in
our organic law, that the Grange
National, State, or Subordinate-is
not a political OF party organization.
No Grange, if true to it's obligations,
can discuss partisan or ~sectarian
questions, nor call political conven-
tions, nor nominate candidates, o
even discuss their merits in it's meet
ings.
"Yet the principles we teach under
lie all true politics, all true states
manship, and, if properly carried
out, will tend to purify the whole
political atmosphere of our country.
For we seek the greatest good to the
greatest number.
1T is reserved by every Patron, as
the right of a freeman, to affiliate
with any party that will best carry
out his principles" F.,
All these things are as true of the
Alliance as of the Grange.
1t is interesting to note that the
speakers, as a rule, placed special
stress on five things whose presence
make the Grange successful, or whose
absence make it a failure:
1. Personal work. Each member
should feel that he as an individual
is responsible for the part he should
take.
2. An efficient lecture system.
3. Circulation of newspapers and
other literature supporting the prin-
ciDleS of the Order.
4. Proper attention to the secret
work of the Order. Members should
be kept constantly drilled.
5. Just appreciation and cultiva-
ton of the social and literary fea-
lures of the Order. .l.
Could you make a clearer state
ment of the causes of Alliance disOr-
ders wherever they exist or COM
pound a better prescription as a
remedy? ..-.
We also quote some extracts from
official reports that should interest
all Alliancemen.
Master Aaron Jones, in his address,
says:
OTHER ASSOCIATIONS.
My efforts have also been directed
to establish the closest and most
friendly relations between our Order
and the agricultural departments OF
the various States and the General
Government, agricultural colleges,
State and local agricultural societies,
farmers Institutes and farmers
clubs, believing that all these agencies
having the same general purpose in
view-the improvement of agricul-
ture-should be closely identified
with each other and should cn=nner-