Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-18
MUCH WORK DONE.
Closing Day Of State Grange
Meeting at Watervi|Ie.
Notable installation Speech Of Worthy
Master Gardner.
Memorial esolutions-Lew-
istcn Wants 1904 Meeting.

W ava lAlN, huS., lISN. NopINidlJ.-
The last day of the Maine State
Oranges seth annual session WIS Il
busy one from morning till late in the
evening. Its own program included all
the work it could comfortably hold and
there was also enough business crowd
ed over from Wednesdays session to
occupy nearly all the forenoon. The
attendance was q little less than on
the preceding day, but there We're still
fully 1000 Patrons present when the
gavel fell at a. M.
One of the first things. attended to
was the election of two members of
the executive committee postponed
from the previous afternoon. The vote
resulted in the PREDICTION of John
Dority of Blue Hill. and Columbus
Hayford OF Maysville
The installation of officers was next
IN order and the ceremonies attending
it were carried out upon the stage
where miniature Grange hall was ar
ranged. The installing Offices. was c.
E. Stctson Of Greene. the county dep
uty for Androscoggin, who did his part
most imprlssively. A special seXtette
furnished music during the installation.
The following are the officers installed
for the ensuing year:
Master Obadiah Gardner, Rockland.
Overseer, BOyden Bearce, East Ed
dington.
lecturer, w. J. Thompson, South
China.
Steward, c. w. Benson, West Dur
ham.
Assistant Steward, e. c. Patten,
ToDsham. -
Chaplain Il. M. Titcomb, Farming
ton.
Treasurer, N. 3. Hunt, Belmont.
Secretary. e. II. Libby. Auburn.
Gatekeeper, S. X. Cushman, Stuben.
Flora, Mrs. O. Gardner Rockland.
Ceres, Mrs. Boyden Bearce, East Ed
dington.
Pomona, Mrs. r. G.. Pease, Cornish.
Lady Assistant Steward, Mrs E. c.
Patten, Topsham.
After his installation for his fourth
term Worthy Master Gardner took &C.
casion to say a few words relative to
his own position and policy. He de-
clared with earnest emphasis that no.
body could appreciate more than him
SELF the honor and responsibility Of
another election. He said Il fully APP
preciate that l have made mistakes,
and I also realize that to continue in
this position means no small personal
sacrifice. But l cannot refuse task to
which the Grange calls me, and to the
faithful discharge of my duty l will
4 y
person can say that l have approached
him seeking this honor. The cali has
come from my brothers and sisters, and
| am sincerely grateful for your express
sions of confidence. For one personal
reason I am glad this honor has come
to me again, but since that reason in
no way concerns the welfare of the Or
dor in Maine | need not mention it.
am aware that one member of the order
has said unkind things of my conduct
Mt the recent meeting of the National
Grange. 1 only wish that man would
repeat those charges to the people of
Rockland, by whom 1 am best known
and see what would be said to Kim.
Put as Master of the Maine State
Grange l have no enemies to punish
and no friends to favor beyond their
deserts / believe that this great or
yaniZatio is greater and Of more i'm
portance to the social and industrial
welfare of Maine than any political
party, or all political parties, and
pledge you my sacred word that while
I am at the head of this order l will
not seek amy political honors, nor will
I accept any political office, not even
the governorship of the State, if it were
rendered me by q unanimous vote. The
Grange must not be used to advance
political ambitions and l further pledge
you that will not directly or indirect
~ use my office to help any political
ambition I may have for the future.
appeal to you to give me united and
loyal support in advancing the inter-
ests of our order during the coming
two years"
A little later, Worthy Master Gard
ner, in speaking of the work and pros
poets of the coming year. dwelt upon
the law as laid down by the national
body relative to those who shall be adj
CONTINUED on page 81