The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1904-12-29
problem most carefully do not hesitate


day is how is this condition to be met
and overcome? am convinced that in
sparsely settled State like Maine with
its large area, the people of the State
are not in position to enter largely
into the construction of good roads, and
why should not the Federal Govern
ment aid in doing this work? A gov
eminent of the people, by the people
and for the people surely can as con-
sistently and properly use money in
constructing good roads to travel over,
as to expend, as has been done by Con-
gress the past five years, $16S,000,0 900
improving rivers and harbors. The first
thing to do is to obtain Government
aid, and to do this | would advise and
urge every Subordinate Grange and
every Pomona Grange in Maine to take
steps to convince our Representatives
in Congress that we ask their support
for these measures; also that steps be
taken at this session along the same
line We can get this aid if we work
for it; if we do not, we are not entitled
to receive it. Another matter of great
present interest to everybody is the
establishment of government parcel
post delivery, which can easily be done
through the machinery of rural deliv-
cry of mail. We regard these two
movements of great Importance to the
farmers of Maine, and they demand
your attention"
Taxation and Legislation was the
next topic for consideration, and then
followed few words as to agriculture
itself. He closed with the following:
81 wish to take this opportunity to
thank you all for the uniform kindness
and courtesy extended to me by the
Patrons everywhere. The readiness and
heartiness with which you have assist
ed me in the high and responsible posi-
ton that | have been placed in has
very materially assisted and lightened
my labors. Let us enter upon the labor
of this session with determination to
make 1905 the banner year in the grange
history, both in increase of members
and results obtained
The report of the Worthy Lecturer
w. J. Thompson of South China, fol-
lowed, and we give the opening para
graphs:
Worthy Master, Brothers and Sisters.
There is no proof of success like success.
The large and steady growth of the or
der of P of H. in the State of Maine
beautiful halls that have been built,
until now the property of the grange
of the State amounts to about three
quarter of million dollars, the organi-
cation of new oranges and re-organiza-
ton of old ones; the large and enthusi-
astic meetings, the interesting pro-
grams, the confidence not only of the
members of the order but also those
who are not members in the purpose
and power of the order, all go to show
that in the main the policies pursued
and methods used are right.
AS the grange increases IN number
and influence, and as the several and
educational features are brought more
prominently to the front, the Lectur
er's responsibilities and duties natural
ly become greater, and every effort
should be made to direct this great
amount of energy SO that the work
shall not only be made pleasant and
enjoyable, but shall elevate, encourage,
strengthen and improve the members.
We are pleased to notice the marked
improvement in the character OF the
program of the oranges throughout the
State during the past year. There has
been a decided increase in papers and
discussions on practical topics and poll
teal. social and educational reforms.
We must advance still farther i'll this
direction if the dignity, influence and
usefulness of our order are to be main
tanned. While field days and gala days
and dress parades may be pleasant, and
perhaps necessary to demonstrate the
life of an institution like this, yet we
must not forget that in the discipline
and every day work of the subordinate
grange lie the real power and useful
ness of our order.
The report of the Worthy Treasurer,
NJ. B. Hunt of Belmont, showed that
the State Grange is in good condition
financially, with balance of s4,9lo.2o
in the treasury.
The report of Worthy Secretary E.
II. Libby showed that the grange IN
this State now has 45, 466 members ana
is rapidly increasing. There have been
46 new oranges organized the past year.
The closing session of the State
Grange was held in City Hall Thurs
day night and was largely attended.
The report of the committee on resolu-
tions was the most important business:
The resolutions for an investigation u
Shiloh, equal suffrage, and a commun!-
cation for resubmisslon OF the pronlpl-
tory law were indefinitely postponed.
Resolutions recommending the teach
ing of agriculture in the normal schools,
for the Improvement of the Maine high
WAYS, restriction of the rights of auto
mobiles and resolutions relative to the
Maine game laws we're adopted.
By order of the master, the resolu-
lions relative to the recommendation
of an amendment to the game laws was
not given out The question of whether
or not the latter resolutions should be
adopted was one of long and earnest
discussion.
At the conclusion of the business
meeting in city hall all the members
adjourned to the Lewiston board OF
trade rooms, where an informal recep-
ton was held and refreshments served.
A vote of thanks was extended to the
Lewiston board of trade for the excel
lent entertainment rendered to the
State grange.
An invitation was received from the
Bangor board of trade that the next
annual meeting of the State grange be
held in Bangor No action was taken
on the matter.
OA5To7TA.