Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-12-04

The present resources are stated as
S94, ,672, of which sum $40, ,S96 is on de-
posit with Farmers Loan and Trust Co.,
Sl3,S77 is in savings banks, $40, 233 is in
vested in bonds and S39, ,437 in loans on
real estate, while $227 is an unexpended
deputy fee fund.
Denver gave cordial greeting to the
National Grange on this occasion. AT
the opening session, addresses were
made by National Master Bachelor, Ex-
Gov. C.. j. Bell of Vermont, E. B. Nor
ris, Aaron Jones and Geo. w. F. Gaunt,
national lecturer. j. A. Newcomb,
master of the Colorado Grange, pre-
sided.
Twenty-four state oranges were repre-
sented, Kentucky being the only state
entitled to representation whose master
was absent. South Carolina, which has
usually sent delegates, this year reports
two oranges fewer than the number en-
titling it to representation, and Iowa
will another year be enrolled in the Ma
tiosal Grange circle of states, as it lacks
but two or three of the requisite num-
Der.
The secretary's report showed most
prosperous condition. There have been
249 oranges organized and 66 reorgan-
lied. The state masters presented most
favorable reports of the work in their
respective states, with two or three ex-
ceptions. The oranges of the east are
notably prosperous, New York leading.
This state paid $3162 into the national
treasury last year, sum far greater
than that paid by any other.
Pennsylvania reported 3S new oranges
organized, II reorganized, and Sl6OS was
paid into the National Grange treasury.
Five grange banks have been organized
under the national banking regulations.
Vermont reported gain of Is subordi-
nate oranges and two Pomonas, and
general prosperity among the older
oranges. School conditions are being
improved, and the introduction of ele-
mentary agriculture and manual training
are being considered. A strong effort is
being made to secure the preservation OF
the young forests. q.
C. d. Richardson, master of the Massa-
cbusetts State Grange, said the order
was never more strongly intrenched in
that state than now. There has been an
increase in membership the past year OF
1860, making total for the state of 81,
22l. Field meetings play an important
part in grange work, and are helpful in
increasing membership. Grange ire in
surance is very popular.
New Hampshire reported 265 subordi.
nate and 10 Pomona Oranges, with total
membership of over $4,000. Special at
tention is given literary and degree work.
Two grange measures are to be intro
duced at the coming session OF the state
legislature, one in the interest OF more
equal school privileges; the other to re-
construct the game laws of the state, 30
that farmers shall receive pay for the
damage done by game animals protected
by law.
Obadiah Gardner, master of the Maine
State Grange, submitted report, from
which we make extracts:
"We have organized sixteen new
oranges and reorganized six. We have
40S subordinate oranges; average mem
bership, 1872. We have added 43Ol new
members, making our total membership
90, $3.50. We have erected five new grange
halls which cost S21 900; 355 of our 4Os
subordinate oranges own and occupy
their own halls. The aggregate value OF
our grange homes, with their furnish
ings, is $SS7, 900. Our Patrons Coop
erative Corporation will transact bust
ness of $275, 200, and the cooperative
financial work among our oranges beside
that mentioned will amount to at least
800, 900 more. We have three fire In
surance companies representing busi'
ness of S25, 100000, furnishing protec.
tion at a cost of one-fourth of one pei
cent. Our membership represents one.
twelfth of the population of the state. "
Connecticut reported 126 oranges In
fair working order. Ten circulating IL
braries have been supplied to oranges
not having access to public libraries.
The subject of parcel post came to the
front early in the session. A determin
ed effort will be made to secure the law
at the coming session Of Congress.
The National Grange has been en-
deavoring to do something with the mat
ter Of grange life insurance for two OF
three years past, but without success, a.
no one seemed to know how to dea
with the practical side of the question.
This year it was deemed advisable tt
get "expert advice" and it came in tht
person of Miles NJ. Dawson of New Yori
City. He outlined plan of action, 6u
as it included as feature the afh 'iatioi
with a certain fraternal insurance or
gauization, 1t may not prove acceptable.
At any rate, the following resolution on
this subject was adopted at the mex
session following the address:
"Resolved-That q committee OF nv
be appointed to investigate and repor
at the next meeting of the Nationa
Grange some plan Of life insurance ex
clusively for benefit of grange member
and independent of any other ritualisti'
bodies"
On Nov. 16, the sixth and seventh de
grees were conferred in full form AM
with the impressive ceremony OF TN
highest degree of the order.-Countr.
Gentleman.
II