The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1906-02-01
RI! { MISSION OF THE GRANGE.

-euted at Seaside Grange, Belfast,
uth, by Agnes L. Abhott.)
-ems to be more or less contro-
Inference of opinion as to the
work and true mission of the
ways the pioneer period in the
.uy organization, order or inSti-
grange in its inception pur-
the farmer mainly from tinan-
-oint; direct benefit was to be
eliminating the middleman CO.
lying was to save the profits to
grange was destined to fill a
and answer a more vital need.
features very soon became ap-
he educational advantages We're
fest IN a marked degree. Yet
rk Of the grange lay along broad
per channels.
al body of producers gradually
-cognize their strength and intiu-
the rural communities began to
lands and to help themselves to
benefits and privileges that are
ra population centres.
pioneer days the grange was
l j jeered at , nothing but muSh-
NLh was predicted for it; but it
med startling proportions, and
Sc of compelling, in certain di-
some degree of justice hitherto
tnge has proven the agency
hich the great industry of agrl-
IL Ms lust recognition, and is most
.5pou in the hand of the farmer to
j. quare deal"
already portentious mutterings
ange is overstepping its bounds;
-.und its legitimate mission; not
ute close to the soil; meddling
n the affairs of State or,in com
nee, the grangerS or farmers are
their own business.
.at editorial in one of our leading
>paperS, our State Master Is
aud his annual address is char
Is being out of line with agricul-
r>-> and that it more reSembled a
luaugural' or a presidents
- interesting to know whether
son was intended as a c0mplir
ON the State Masters address.
+re are those SO kindly dispOs-
Iud love to take care of the
t-reSts, tell them how it is; as
.uue in time past tell them of the
the intrinsic value of the dol
Eat wonderful thing a tariff on
.T the American farmer, anG
.ble bits Of wisdom.
those who put up Scareheads
iauger of dissension in the
NhO would smother all vital
--- the searchlight of truth be-
ak places III their pet creed OF
''n.
~ officials are advised not to 20
uto the realm of politics" OF
Ha+ we should not be suspicious
nN that in the abundance of
.r : much wisdom. But do not
ujlJiouS behUOve every indie
respecting citizen and property
ak earnestly and inteIligently
interests For he has to con-
syndicates, trusts, banks and
III their watered stocks, graft
md "inhuman unconcerE for the
anybody but themselves.
IS that partisan politics and re-
.e-gIons are forbidden in the
Nt uo one wants to be accused of
The order, but if the intelligent
't such vital and essential queS-
bic highways and taxation of
ue treason, "then make the most
few Years have witnessed what
L be termed "a renaissance in
X, and in that work the grange
Hrcumscribed
for labor opens wide.
ID and discussion are primary
rward solving the great munich
and national problems which
III people
.4'd abate one jot OF little of the
tuence that may emanate from
e. halls. With what zeal should
our opportunities and stand
committed to such principles as
ipr the highest standards of citi-
L put on the dauntlesS spirit of
that we may "blaZe the traiP
24tion Of better conditions.