Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1908-10-08


This is a great day Of secret societies,
benevolent organizations and also trades
unions. Among them there is none more
prominent than the Grange, which has,
or is fast attaining organization in al
most every town and hamlet in the un-
ion. It is remarkable the showing and
strength which this organization has at
tanned and the power It has come to ex-
ert In all communities, especially where
farming interests predominant.
The Grange is thing of comparatively
recent growth, being first heard of in
Washington in 1867. Its spread. as an
institution, was for a long time mostly
throughout the western and northwest
ern states, although It had some growth
in the New England states, but in later
years it has extended its scope through
out the east and south, until now il
knows no special locality, being saproli-
&c" north, south, east and west; in fact
60 where you will in this broad land Of
ours and the localities are few that do not
boast Of grange, and not g sickly. puny
organization, but q strong, fiourishing,
healthy and growing body, in which the
tillers Of the soil and those who labor
with their hands are the representative
members.
LNA1ANE WMAt may De called the uT1-
mary purpose of the Grange is'to induce q
more lively social interest among its
members and In every way to elevate the
business Of farming. In this its most
valuable service Is rendered. Ii cannot
be denied that the farmer, remote from
his fellows and necessarily ignorant Of
what is going on in the outside world. is
often in danger of stagnation, Of falling
70 progress, and hence, by the inev liable
law, gradually dropping to the rear In
the march Of progress.
The Grange is one of the strongest
forces tending to counteract the retro
Rressive effect OF isolation. Its field in
this line has now been partially usurped
by the various means of intercommunica-
ton which railroads, highways and ru-
raj free delivery of mails have estab-
lished. But the meetings OF Changers are
OF ipestimable value in gratifying the so
cial instinct which il no less strong in
the farmer than the dweller in the town.
By their regular discussion Of agricul-
tural topics, much is done to raise farm
ing to the level Of science requiring in
teiilgence and thought in it's pursuit.
And It IL not only so in regard to agricuI-
turai matters, but in the frequent discus
SION ana interchange Of thought on poIit-
- ~-@1 8NANSA ~ tNkiACc THAT the Granger
becomes best informed and Is prepared
therefore TO act knowingly and inteIli.
gently upon those things which pertain
to the good and welfare of the town.
county, state and nation; and in this 4
set an example that people OF all cIasse.
might well initiate, az there is no doubl
greater Ignorance pertaining to thess
things among those who reside in town
and city than with those who live ia AZ.
ricultural sections.
By the mere fact Of frequent social in.
tercouFse with each other, q broader in.
hueEce Is exerted upon every member q
the Grange. Oranges are emphaticaIIv
| aids to culture, and as such cannot he tn
, much encouraged.
The functions Of the Grange. in faoiii.
! tating the sale OF products, in cheapeninp
] the cost OF extensive purchases and in
onering organized resistance to extortior
/ on the part Of corporations are also inn
portant, but involve too much detail -,
brief description.
] The Grange has q big mission to per
! torm-social, economic and educational
. It e . big thing now, and only in II
. teens. What it will be in maturity ".
D may not predict, but It Is certain to adj
no inconaiderable item to the total Of on
future civilization. Therefore we vial
u success and continued prosperity. be
cause OF the good it 10 doing for humnni
. y. May It long continue and NAV ii
? scope OF usefulness, grow broader an,
nroader.-MorrisviIle News and Citizen