The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1903-12-24
tate their yalnntion is very low.

't"I' tH'll NuluulIou ~ very low.
We indorse the action of the Nation
al Grange in favor of II parcels post, the
further extension of the free rurai mail
delivery, the establishment of postal
savings banks, the granting of increas-
ed powers to the interstate commerce
commission, and the election Of United
states senators 10y direct vote Of the
people,
Your committee believes that there
is no better paying investment than
our public schools. The country school
house has been and will be the main
factor in educating the great mass of
our rural population. The township
high school is good thing, the graded
country school has many advantages,
but we caution our people not to be
too fast in disposing of the old red
school houses. Every patron of the
country school should give one or two
days during the winter in visiting the
schools of their district. A little en-
enlargement along this line will pay
big returns.
The farmer is not only a producer
but consumer, which makes him
bear heavy burdens of indirect taxa
ton. JIe pays more for some articles
than the manufacturer charges the for
eigner. This injustice should be cor
rected. On this subject we can use no
stronger language than that of the
worthy master of the National Grange,
Brother Aaron Jones, who said n year
ago:
ANY law in force which enables
manufacturers to sell-and they do sell
in foreign countries any manufactur-
ed articles at less price than they sell
to American citizens, said law or laws
should at once be revised, amended, or
repealed, and all such practices made
impossible"
AT the recent session of the National
Grange at Rochester he said 81 again
repeat it and assert that if those who
have the power TO correct these abuses
to American citizenship do not correct
them, the people should and will cor
rect them.n
Tile high charges of transportation
companies and their unjust discrimi-
nation should in some way be regu-
lated.
The operations of the trusts have so
far proved not only harmful but are
robbing the people in every conceiva-
BILE way. While we are not an advo-
cate of boycotting, we believe it would
be to our best interests to patronize so
much as possible the few remaining in
dependent manufacturers.
We would suggest that in order to
secure the reforms advocated by the
Grange that each County Grange APP
point IA legislative committee to ques-
tion candidates for the legislature and
Congress before they are nominated as
to their position on these questions,
and accept no doubtful answers.
CONCLUSION.
In making this report we do not
want to be misunderstood, as we be-
lieve that agriculture is most honor
able vocation. Notwithstanding the
many disadvantages named we are
alive to the advancement of the inter-
ests and rights of agriculture. We be-
lieve whatever is done to further these
interests is for the good of the whole
people. And we further believe that
many of our young people are making
a mistake in leaving the farm. The
Grange offers many opportunities for
and advancement. 1t |
has accomplished "A great deal and can
do more for our agricultural interests. !
A leading agricultural paper says:
"The order of the Patrons of Hus-
oandry stands for what is best in agri- |
culture. More and more are our law
makers beginning to recognize the
power of the Grange. Well they may. |
No other organization, when it makes
is position known, can be held to as
'ully represent the views of its MEM
oers. This is why the Grange, when
t speaks, speaks with the voice of one
having authority, and why our legis-
ators listen. More farmers should
DIN the order"
Respectfully submitted,
w. II. HILL,
5. II. BRUNGEs,
WILLIAM II. GREASY, Secretary.
Postoffice Growth