Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1906-12-20

time soundness and fraternal
economy together and such a
company properly managed would
make rapid Roadway In the next few
years. The Hon. Miles M. Dawson, an
expert actuary, who was one of the
| leading men in the recent investiga-
| tons in the three New York Compan-
| les, and who now is the consulting
expert for the Canadian Government
| in matters of similar character, was
present at the recent session Of the
National Grange and made lengthy
address on what seems like business
| insurance. This address is to be
printed in pamphlet form ror distribu-
l'tion.
The insurance matter is in the hands
of a strong committee with Brother
| Aaron Jones, chairman, and the re-
port of this committee will be a safe
one for any State to follow IN the
matter of Grange Life Insurance.
Free Seed Distribution.
The free distribution of seeds cost,
we are informed, nearly a half million
dollars annually We are Informed
when the distribution of seed was in
augurated it was to consist of new and
rare varieties for experimental pur-
poses in the different parts of our coun-
| try to test their adaptability for the
different localities, this has the hearty
support of the range-National and
State. But the sending of varieties
such as are being spread broadcast
each year. that are in many instances
| from fifteen to thirty years behind the
times, must be vigorously opposed by
this organization. The distribution of
new and valuable varieties of seed by
the agricultural department and ex-
pertinent stations should have the en-
dorsement Of this body.
Automobile Regulations.
The Grange has very properly taken
an interest in the use of public high
ways by automobiles and the position
of this organization was very clearly
set forth at the hearings given by the
Senate Committee having charge of
the automobile bills presented at the
last session of the Legislature While
the right of the autoists to use the
public highways is not questioned
they have no right to use them in ut
ter disregard of the laws, and we be-
| ing or other violation will be approved
by law abiding autoists as well as the
public generally. There must be
greater danger on our country roads
even if the danger is reduced to the
minimum by rigid enforcement, of the
law, and our regulations of automobile
traffic are not too strict nor the penal
ties for infraction are not too severe.
We say this with the highest regard
for honorable autoists and a full sense
of the great value of the automobile
as a means of conveyance. The fact
is the laws regulating the use of auto
mobiles are more strict and the penal
ties more severe in other countries than
in this. In France, Germany Austria,
and Holland. the speed limit is much
less than in our State and the penalty
in some of these countries is imprison-
ment These facts and others that
might be cited indicate that our laws
are not unreasonably severe. The
laws here. as we'll as in other coun-
tries regulating the running of auto
mobiles, are not for the purpose for
suppressing the use of the machines,
but for the purpose of promoting the
safety both of those who use the ma
chimes and the people who use the high
ways for other purposes, thereby max
ing the use Of automobiles more popu-
lar and advantageous. Some mischiev-
Gus inclined persons have endeavored
to make it appear that this organiza
tion was opposed to the use of the au-
tomobile. 1t is unnecessary to refute
the charge as all fair minded people
| fully understand the position OF the
Grange.
Our membership only ask that those
who are compelled to use the highways
are not subject to the dangers of the
reckless drivers of the horseless car
rage.
Warning to Public Servants.
The recent defeat of Mr.. James W.
Wadsworth, of New York, who was
/ chairman of the Committee on Agricul-
ture of the House of Representatives,
who repeatedly ignored the request of
farmers as expressed through this or
ganization and other channels, and
Mr.. Charles H. Grosyener, of Ohio, re-
piled to a letter from this organiza-
| ton of about million members call
ing attention to a legislative matter
i -
these words: "Your communication
is unworthy of the attention of any
fair-minded person." they antagonize
the greatest industry in the country,
and their defeat is a just rebuke and
should be warning to public officials
in all political parties claiming to
represent an agricultural constituency.
This should stand as an object lesson
to those who have the interests Of the
people entrusted to their care. The
sincere friends of agriculture in all
sections of the country believe its
Legislative interests should be in the
hands of the friends of agriculture.
Legislation Secured.
The passage Of the Trolley Freight
Law, and the new law regulating the
use of automobiles on our public high
ways at the last session Of the Legis-
lature should prove an incentive to
| the agriculture organization of our