The Parma herald. (Parma, Idaho) 1903-1917, 1908-02-01
THE GRANGE.
Secretary for Washington Tells OF
Benefits 10 30 Derived.

By Fred W. Lewis, Secretary Washington State
Grange. Tumwater. Washington.
The Grange has, for forty years.
stood for the upliftment CT the farmer,
and we only have to look back, over
its history, to see what it has accom-
plished for us.
1t is to the Grange that we owe the
rural mail delivery, the oleomagsrine
bill, the denatured alcohol law, and in
many states 1t has forced the passage Of
better tax laws, and ether laws that
assist in giving the farmer the benefits
of his labor.
Nor is the work OF the Grange alone
directed to the urging the passage Of
laws. 1t becomes needful to prevent
the passage Of some laws that would be
detrimental tc the best interests OF the
farmer, and that is part OF the work
the Grange dces-
Space will not permit noe to go into
details, but anyone may obtain the de-
tails by asking for them.
Although we take an interest in the
legislative work of our people, we also
benefit them in many ways besides.
To the young man and woman, we
offer a chance to gain pleasure and
profit in the meetings Of the Grange, as
we carry On our meetings in strict par
liamentary manner, providing we get
the right person for Master, and 30 give
them a chance to learn how such work
is done. We also have literary pro-
grams, providing we get the right per-
con for Lecturer, and 80 give them a
chance to practice speaking in public,
and appearing on the rostrum before an
audience, all of which is a benefit to
any young or, in fact, an older person,
too, in these times Of public awakening.
To the father and mother, who are
the providers for family, it gives them
chance to purchase their needed sup
plies in connection with their brothers
and sisters, and 30 gain the advantage
that is to be derived from Wholesale
dealing.
To the home owner, it provides cafe
and sure, as well as cheap insurance for
his property, and any member Of the
Grange, who is attached to any subor-
dinate Grange is entitled to that benefit.
Our insurance is carried at exact cost,
and we are laying by no surplus to be
lost by poor Investments, OF by the die
honesty OF the officers, but we keep
enough on hands at all times so that
we can pay all losses promptly, upon
the proof being sent in.
In life insurance we have none tc
&c. tLok xx,tl1 onourar tho dapoopIo M
the great majority of our patrons, but
we are working on plan, that will Ill
timately furnish us life insurance al
well as a property insurance, and or
the same basis, that of actual cost.
In the line OF purchasing and selling
we are not as we'll organized as w
would like to be, but as the dealers arr
all in combines, and the commission
men are all united by common consent
it behooves us, as farmers, to combine
if we would protect our own interest
and obtain the just rewards for on
labor and enjoy the better accommoda
tions that we might have II we coul'
obtain the real fruits of our labors.
In the Grange we place woman wher
she belongs, on an equality with man
and 30 make our order a truly eocia
one, and our Grange work includes tn
enjoyment of the fruits Of our labors, a
we'll as the education Of the mind, ant
the guarding OF the purse.
In conclusion let me state the pur
poses Of the Grange, rs set forth in tn
declaration of purposes adopted by tn
founders OF the order:
To develop higher and better man
hood and womanhood among ourselves
To enhance the comforts and attraction
Of the home, and strengthen our attach
ments to our pursuits. To foster mu
tuaI understanding and cooperation
To maintain inviolate our laws, and t
emulate each other in labor, to haste
the good time coming. To reduce on
expenses, both Individual and corpoi
ate. To buy less and produce more i
order to make our farms self sustaining
To diversity our crops, and to crop n
more than we can cultivate. To con
dense the weight of our exports, sellin
less in the bushel and more in hoof an
in fleece, and less in lint and more i
warp and wool. To systematize on
work and calculate intelligently o
probabilities. To discountenance til
credit system, the mortgage system
the fashion system, and every othe
system that tends to prodigality an
bankruptcy.
II We propose meeting together, tall
ing together, working together, buyin
together, selling together, and in ger
eral, acting together for our mutus
protection and advancement.
II we, as farmers, become organized
, we have the power to ask for what v
want and to get it, because we have tn
numbers, and all thad is required is til
, union that is the means of unifyin
, that power.
Think the matter over, and decide
organize Grange and 30 help to mai
this world more worth living in.