The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1903-08-13
SOMERSET ORANGES
LAKEWOOD FOR THE ANNUAL
POMONA FIELD DAY.

FOMONA FIELD DAY.
The annual field meeting OF H.,
oranges Of Somerset Pomona was hoIl
yesterday at Lakewood grove. Though
the Attendance was somewhat below
that of last year, the crowds we're by mo-
means small Five extra ears Hrr,
needed TO carry those going from here
in the morning, and the regular ctr>
were crowded all through the dAl.
Besides those who came over the elrc-
tries, the steamer brought over large
number Of gfaagers who came by way Of
East Madison, and numerous others
came by team.
The band concert was the only excr-
else of the morning. The speakers did
not arrive until the 10 80 train, render
ing it necessary to defer that part of u,e
program until afternoon. The exercises
were held in the pavilion, and com
menced shortly after one o'clock. Will
mot B. Whittier, Pomona Lecturer, PR
sided. The audience was large and
attentive during the entire program.
A speaker was to have been in atterd-
ance to welcome the oranges on behalf
of the Traction company, but was unable
to be present. After a selection by the
band, Hon. Fl. j. Batcheder, Overseer
of the National Grange and Governor of
New Hampshire, was introduced as the
| first speaker of the afternoon. Gov.
Batchelder's remarks were optimistic in
tone, and his pleasing delivery and per-
sonalty held the closest attention of his
audience. Briefly summarized, his re-
marks were as follows:
"People holding high official positions
! are sometimes considered of different
material from the ordinary ciliz q, but
my experience has shown that they are
the same beings after their election as
they were before. 1t is source of great
satisfaction to me that my election was
due to the influence of the Grange.
81 resent the statement sometimes
made that New England agriculture is
declining. The value of our farm prod
uce is increasing every year. 1t is every
farmers duty to unite with his fellows
In an organization representing his IL
dustry. No organic ltion can better
serve the purpose than the Grange.
"The objects Of the Grange are
| financial, social, educational, and legis-
lative. Their influence has been felt in
these several lines by the lowering of
| fire insurance rates, the increasing social
| "a M n oil Of ha no
and the passage of such legislation as the
Rural Free Delivery Act and the Isthmian
| Canal Bill.
"Not the least of the good things to be
said of the Grange is what 1t has done
for woman in admitting her to an equal
lty of membership and privileges"
Gov. Batchelder was followed b.
Prof. A. E. Rogers of the University of
Maine, Orono, who took for his theme
THE Patron as Citizen" Prof. Rogers
address was a scholarly and able dis
course. Starting with the premise that
increasing influence and power brings
increasing responsibility, he showed
wherein the granger must be qualified to
meet that responsibility, and the steps
necessary to meet it,
State Lecturer w. j. Thompson OF
South China followed with an address
dealing primarily with the educational
value of the grange, showing wherein
| the practical or business side of the Oh
! der should be coordinate with its educs-
tonal and moral work. He spoke
earnestly of the evils The grange must
use its influence to remedy, mentioning
especially the appropriation of the
school fund and the inequality OF
taxation, but warned against any de-
parture from the legitimate objects Of
the order.
State Master Obadiah Gardner Of
Rockland was the last speaker of the
afternoon. The isolation of the farmers
occupation, In his opinion, has led him
10 allow other professions to impose W
on him. The farmer is the real strength
and glory of the nation, and his welfare
is Of vital interest to the country. The
grange is one of the grandest organi
cations in the work that it is doing in tho
way of advancing the farmers cause.
The speaker showed by statistics
wherein the taxation of the property Of
the farmer is much greater in proportion
than that of the manufacturer. The
farmer has only himself to blame for
such condition.
At the close of the speaking, large
part of the grangers left for their homes
Others remained until after the play in
the evening. Following the play, a dance
was held in the pavilion with music by
Lee. The attendance was exceptionally
large, and everyone entered heartily into
the spirit of the dance. The entire day
was one of the most enjoyable field meet
ings in the history of the Pomona.
Against Resubmission.
In reply to a letter written him Hon,
j. H. Manley writes the following ex-