Daily Kennebec journal., 1908-12-16
STATE MASTERS ADDRESS.
First Annual Address of State Master
c. S. Stetson.
Officers and Members of the Maine State
Grange:

We are assembled in annual session as
the representatives of G.0G citizens of
our state We might derive comfort and
inspiration from review of the years
work. Our purpose iE taking n farewell
look at the road we have Travelled would
he to decide whether or not NE have
achieved material advancement as an or
saniZatinn and discover if as local units
we have scored successes, attained posi-
tiohs and compassed results commensu-
rate with the sacrifices made in time
effort and money. Pleasant rs this retro
spcct would bc. still our main motive in
conling together at this time is to foInu-
late plans and outline work tor the new
year, and to this task should address
ourselves with intelligent zeal. Every ses-
sion should he characterized in itE york
and deliberations by dignity that iusti-
fies respect and by that wise conserva-
tsnl which compels attention and merits
confidence. These assemblies We're not in
but were intended to be used for taking
an account of stock and blazing paths
leading us toward the sunrise. They fur
niSh us our best opportunities for decid
ing on and assigning work for the future
that will promote the welfare of the or
der.
enbody as to the aims and possibilities
of the Grange, should be impressive to
the delegates. They should tili and vital;
us to our homes fired with the desire to
be better men and women and controlled
by an eager Willingness to serve each
powerful agency iii all good offices
Individual effort and devotion to duty
are the price we pay for the best things
in life. A participation N selfish pleas
ures can never yield the returns which
come as the reward OF earnest. voluntary
ahors for the good of others.
l do not propose in this my first annual
report to 90 into details in treating of
the subjects of which l shall speak, or so
to extend its volume as to weary the lis
tener or discourage the reader of these.
pages. I hope to call your attention.. in
general statements, tc some matters that
seem to me to be of moment as to the
condition. work and outlook of the order.
| leavinr tie elaboration Of tire several ton
| les to those brothers and sisters who have
been Appointed to present reports on the
same
Condition Of the Order.
The faithful ,abors Of tie other State
| officers. Irost effectively supplemented by
| the 1lnti,ing offcrts of the members. have
| continued that healthy growth which was
| commenced more than a decade ago. l
| rejoice that l can report that large
MA iolitv of the patrons are working mar
| moniouslv toward II still higher standard.
The outlook is both encouraging ana sum-
ulating. -
large as is consistent with the best inter
osts of all persons concerned 1t is IlSn-
| " gratifying to be able to commend IN
most cordial terms me wolk zone H inc
the merits of the Grange to their nei!l-
| bors and friends ard thus making possible
many additions and the organization OF
Under the leadership of MY predeces,
| sor the grange made an unprecedented
growth. He did work that hat pliiced has ,Inn Imo
for it the commendation and respect of
ali our people. This is inspiring history.
but we are facing the, interesting Ae' ,s.,
ton and the Individual members to c;ifry
forward this great work and thus make
good :. hoo ,,oo,,
thought best not to employ deputies te
preach the grange EospGi amu 3s"e,tH. TX rt.;
new oranges; The fine showing me, ,ne s'i,- a.
the efforts of the subordinate gfangrs. &c
them full need OF recognition ana a. pfalsIt daI
is for SO heartily respond@ing ling TO ., me, esnon eal
sbility, the saving in fees ana exPehse
of deputies and the handsome gam II
numbers are the best fruits $, ol 1t ailS n,,s pones
The total membership one year age
was 54.574. The records for the presem
year credit the organization ird Mith . s:M sai,
patronS in regular standing. belnS gan
of /, $50 members for the twelve montn
ending Oct l. 1908. One. year ago ther' @
were ils oranges in good standlng haGe nnr lan,
sure endered. II new oranges nave beei
organized, making net gam OIL ara
net total of 426.
, | Tho benefits to be derived from intel
Eaant cooncratjon cannot be oNer-eSti
Waited AS its scope is enlarged the III
terests involved should receive the mos
naipstaking attention and the anaiIs =
, Tho several societies should be cohuIc.
| cd on the soundest business prihciPle'
| Tb,Sc departments which 30 not pa;
+ | should be eliminated and those WlIic,
| show n surplus should be ueNelooeu
When property administered, c9ope. q q
tive brving and selling canllo. @ ue ar ap
, Ien,nhatically endorsed. Ihe hei,"cM.s ~ a.
urged to study this subject in ail ltS ot
. tails. These Investigations VIII hiake iii' =
: clear that business methods applied .
ononcration will give material returns Z
those who use this self-protective agency
r,ooncration as a theory has diVln
| sanction In practice IT haS proven !.
| yalue to those who have useo tilS Inn
for material advancemen! II .Mo MI Nh
tinue to nay large dlyidenos - t,oeo oxten
: mt intelligence and heart INTO IT'S eA'e''
sion. las S.,ye
| (,ooneratiye fire insurance Eas save M
many thousands Of dollars 70 our pa, p;s H.
IcoCnerative life insurance. II scle'i III -
r maaaged, will make showing insani., ~ M j.
trartiye. 1t is earnestly rin recoIil.eiinr i'a y
that the conln'ittiee on coop@,htbtor tn tbep th
sder these matters. giving 10 f,' ,me. ra,,e, ts
Il study needed to present ID pian- ~
al cooperative work.
Education.
), ,aucation fruits in service. say ,
r.aoith and the graces and plessil,Ss nl.a,t.
G;s,;l;zation Ignorance spehSsr ri, soi,s
cN .e axnense and menace. me up,i; s !;
/ crns.as crnr., IN the school pays dlVldehds