Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-18
Afternoon Session.

The afternoon session was called to
order at F. NJ, with John H. Roberts
of Norway, q past overseer of the State
Grange and Il prominent and loyal
Patron whom many hoped to see chos-
en- as master this year, occupying the
chair by the invitation OF Worthy
Master Gardner. Mr.. Roberts is well
experienced as a presiding officer, and
though the business of the afternoon
was more varied in nature and offered
more difficulties for the presiding officer
than any other session of the meetings,
he handled all business with skill and
promptness, winning much praise from
all present.
The attendance fell off noticeably from
the morning session, not more than
800 Patrons being present, the others
leaving town on the afternoon trains.
The main business of the afternoon
was the report Of various committees.
e. f. Addition of Leeds, chairman OF
the committee On taxation, presented
the report of that committee, urging
continued efforts for the equalization
of taxation and the sending of more
men to the Legislature friendly to
farming interests. Special stress was
laid upon the need of q higher tax
upon the timberlands of the State. An
amendment was offered by Liberty B.
bennett of Portland authorizing the
executive committee to draw up a
constitutional amendment providing
that the timberlandS in unincorporated
places be assessed upon their valuation
of Is mills on a dollar, and authorizing
the committee to circulate petitions to
give the people of Maine a chance to eX-
press their sentiments on this subject.
The amendment was adopted.
The committee on officers salaries re-
commended that the salary Of the mas
ter be increased from 5000 to $780, and
OF the secretary from $500 to $500, and
the recommendation was unanimously
adopted.
a p. Starrett, chairman Of the COM
mittee OH agriculture, read the report
of that committee, warmly commend
ing the rural delivery system; urging
national aid for the good road move
ment; asking Il law to protect grow
ing crops against game: and demand
ing the enforcement of the law prohib-
ting gambling at fairs. 1t also recon-
mended cold storage facilities at apple
shipping points. The committee re-
ports unfavorably upon resolution
offered by Z. F. 1itchings of Water
ville master of Windsor Grange, by
which the State Grange was to offer
a prize of $25 for the best collection
Oh injurious insects on exhibition at the
meeting of 1904, and SIS for the best
collection of weeds. Remarks in favor
of this resolution We're made by Prof.
ana l.. b. bennett of Portland The
Grange refused to adopt the adverse
report of the committee, and almost
unanimously adopted the resolution.
The following telegram was received:
Concord, N H., Dec. II.
Hon. Obadiah Gardner Master of
Maine State Grange.
The New Hampshire Stae Grange
assembled in its 30th annual meeting,
representing $4,000 Patrons, extends
fraternal greetings and congratulations.
II. o. HADLEY, Master-elect.
The reading of the telegram was re-
ceived with applause and c. S. Stetson
of Greene, was delegated to send a
telegram conveying to the New Hamp-
shire Patrons the greetings and con-
VI IHe 1U,UUU lIleiilDciS Vi
the order in Maine.
Several changes recommended by the
committee on bylaws were adopted
without debate. One gives the masters
Of Pomona Oranges voting power at
, the State Grange, another provides
that the executive committee cannot
act for the State Grange between ses-
sions without the approval Of the mas
! ter: another allows the master to APP
! point as many deputies as the good of
the order requires, instead of fixed
number as at present; another gives
the deputies $3.50 per day for work,
instead Of 81 as at present and allows
them S. for recognizing a Grange, as
well as for organizing one; another re-
peals the present bylaw by which the
State Grange refuses to pay bill I'M
less presented within a year: another
provides that permit card shall be in
force for only one year. One recon-
nendaton of the committee on by
laws, providing a uniform minimum
fee of % cents and uniform minimum