The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1905-08-31

ANNUAL FIELD DAY At LAKEWOOD.

ANNUAL flEID ORf Al lAkEWOOD.
Large gathering of the Patrons Of
Somerset and friends of the order we're
on the grounds early TO bear part in
the exercises of the day, when the Skow-
hogan Military band took the band stand
and discoursed music during the re-
mainder of the forenoon. There was no
speaking during the morning hour; but
it was announced that the exercises
would commence at one o'clock sharp.
Precisely at the appointed time the band
gave a selection and l.. l.. smith, Master
OF the Pomona, introduced Hon. T. D.
salley of Arson Grange to open the
speaking He WAS pleased 10 meet 80
many of the Patrons at this time. 1t
ia we'll t. come out occasionally and enjoy
such a day as this. lie rendered the
thanks of all present to the proprietors
of the electric road and of the grounds,
for the kind reception We have received
today.
Rev Costello Weston Of Readfeld was
the next speaker. Mr.. Weston spoke of
the privileges, opportunities and pleas
ant associations connected with this
great order. Any order or organization
is useless unless in has general benefit; ;
u less it is helpful to all who come with
in its gates. We make no vain boast
when we say that the Grange is doing a
vast amount of work for the welfare of
these interests connected with the rural
homes. We have right in our meet
ings to congratulate ourselves because
of the influences, social, educational and
moral, that are constantly going out
from our order. In the past, that in
tluence has been great and we look for
constant increase In the future. There
is great responsibility resting upon us
to uphold in every possible way the
principles of the Grange
Prof. W. j. Thompson was the next
introduced. AS State Lecturer of the
Grange. Mr.. Thompson is we'll known
as an eloquent and forcible speaker
His theme naturally would be upon
Grange work. This great meeting here
today is only one of the many going on
all over the wide country, all working
together for the same object The
speaker gave an account of the legisa
tive work accomplished by the Grange
in the interest of the rural towns One
of the great questions confronting US at
this time is the problem of taxation
The Grange favors an equal burden of
taxes, resting alike upon all property
holders There is a vast difference be
tween the roads and schools of our
poorer rural towns and the schools and
splendid streets of our cities The
Grange demands that taxes should be
80 levied and expended that all shall
reap equal advantages 80 far as it can
possibly be done. The action of the
Grange legislative committee was con-
sidered and discussed by the speakers,
from the fact that Patrons generally do
not fully understand the work of that
committee. In closing, Prof. Thompson
congratulated the Patrons of Somerset
TO the work and enthusiasm manifested.
Hon. O. $. Stetson of Green, came up
on the platform next. Mr.. Stetson is a
brother of the State superintendent of
schools, and has a large share of his
brothers fire and eloquence. His theme
was the Grange building up our Maine
| agriculture. He believes in Maine and
Maine farming and our young men have
great opportunities right here on the
Maine farms We are all interested in
our common work of developing and
building up our homes and communities
We are better for the meeting here
today and shall go home with an in
creased interest in our work Let us
always speak a good word for our own
State, section and town. There is no
place on earth where we can get more
out of life, financially, Intellectually and
socially, than right here in the State of
Maine Farmers should send men to
the Legislature that will represent them
and their interests; men outside of the
farm will not do this; and If we ever
expect to have equal rights and opportu-
mites we must respect our homes. our
country and our fl &. May this grand
order of the Patrons of Husbandry grow
and fulfill its great mission.
The Field Day was great day from
start to finish.