The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1910-12-29
State Grange Notes.

movement by Michigan, pennsylvania, maine,
Washington and Oregon, against the alleged
national grange machine" at the last session.
The report of the executive committee,
which included severe criticism of the ma
tional grange management, was adopted by
unanimous vote, and the criticism was received
with great applause.
Applause also greeted that part of the re-
port which contained the resolution adopted
by the executive committee favoring the cleo
ton of farmer to the u. S. senate.
Edward Evans of Belfast, the chairman,
made the report. Mr. Evans discussed at
some length the trouble between the national
body and the so-called insurgent States.
State Master Stetson said that for years he
had fought for reforms in the natl onal grange,
but was up against the machine. He wanted
to know how long Maine would cons ent to pay
$4,000 annually for extension work and get no
results.
Mr. Stetson said that he was ready to stand
by the decision of his State grange and if that
grange would stand behind him he would fight
the national machine 100 percent hotter in the
future than in the past.
Resolutions were adopted protesting against
the resubmission Of the amendment of the
State constitution which forbids the manufac-
ture and sale of intoxicating liquors and
against the present method of distributing the
mill tax which is assessed for the benefit of
common schools.
Ex-Gov. Frederick Robe of Gorham, for
mer worthy master, who is nearly 80 years Of
age addressed the session during the after
noon and was given an ovation.
In his annual address State Master Stetson
said: "By comparison we see that agricul-
tural development in Maine is growing rapidly.
We find that by abandoning the haphazard, 60
as you please style, and adopting know-so
methods we can amplify and develop our farm
ing operations almost indefinitely, with the
clear assurance that the earnings will keep
pace with the development and that the grange
has been q leader toward these better condi-
tions" He favored the election of u S. Sen
ators by direct vote, the placing of proper
restrictions on the transmission of electrical
power, the taxing Of power derived from
water privileges, forest conservation, the
parcels post, the building of roads to help
the farmers market their produce and the es.
tablishment of agricultural distilleries for de-
natured alcohol. He said: 1.-THE influence
which the grange has established in import
ed and managed will remain as permanent ard
secure as the State itself. There is no reason
why this organization should not be leader in
big constructive work along safe and sane lines
for agricultural and rural development and
betterment Better roads, better schools,
more equitable distribution of taxation and
the enactment of laws bringing the producer
and consumer in closer touch, are of vital i'm
portance to the farmer
"The Maine State Grange is against the re-
peal of the prohibitory law rather than against
resubmission itself" said State Master Stetson
at the opening of the Wednesday morning
session. "The order of Patrons of Husbandry
is in favor of temperance and against the re-
peal of the prohibitory la. l should have
protested against the Brown resolution had it
been directed against resubmission rather than
repeal"
Resolutions We're presented by Geo " Brown
of Caribou in favor of agricultural dstilleres,
parcels post, federal bureau of public health,
initiative and referendum, direct primary, cor
rupt practice act and recall.
Among the resolutions adopted were those
in favor of direct primaries, corrupt practice
act and the recall A feature of the afternoon
session was the spirited discussion of the re-
port Of the committee on roads, which brought
up the entire question of the various methods
of taxation for that purpose. The committee
recommended:
81. That an increased tax be assessed on
automobiles on the basis of horsepower, said
tax to be expended in the maintenance of al
ready completed State roads.
"2. That the State be asked to appropriate
the sum of 500, 600, to be divided among towns
according to their road mileage, for the repair
and maintenance of their dirt roads not desig-
mated as State roads, provided they have al
ready raised not less than three mills on their
valuation and that they accept the State super
vision for the expenditure of their road funds"
After considerable discussion and the elimi-
nation Of the proposed $1O0 600 appropriation,
the report was accepted by the convention
The reason given by most of the speakers for
opposing the 100000 appropriation was that
it was the purpose of the Grange at this time
to recommend a reduction of State expenses
Resolutions opposing the free distribution
of seeds by members of congress were adopted
by the grange The resolutions declare that
the distribution is waste of money.
In the evening so candidates took the fifth
and $50 the sixth degree.
At the Thursday morning session various
reports were submitted. S. H. Stockman of
Auburn, who reported on corporations, said:
ave must work together and collect nforma-
ton, relating to our calling The subordinate
grange symbolizes the farm home and the
duties of that home should always be done
The report of home economics was given by
Mrs. W. J. Thompson of China 1t dealt large
ly with the subjects that the name implies.
The household demanded the same care as the
farm. Shoddy does not pay in the home.
Proper food, good air. and exercise are neces-
sary. The cost of living demanded economy
by the housewife. Modern appliances would
strengthen the mother of the family and
leave her more time to devote to the children.
Hospitality in the home was encouraged and
this always brought sunshine and Joy. The
report was an able one and promptly adopted.
Mr.. Stetson then announced the following
names as legislative committee for the com.
ing year: Edward Evans, Belfast; c. o. Pur-
ington, Bowdoinham; Fred A. Pike, Cornish:
Moses ]. Dow, Plymouth:
The first business of the afternoon was the
memorial services for the past State officers
who have died during the year. These were
Past Master D. H. Thing of Mt. Vernon, Pro-
lessor w. w. Stetson of Auburn, R. D. Leayitt
of Auburn, and Liberty B. bennett of Port
land. The services were conducted by the
chaplain, Rev. ]. A. Little of Bethel, and were
of very impressive nature.
The report on taxation was written by Pro-
fessor A. E. Rogers of Orono. and in the alb
sence of the author was read by member of
the taxation committee. 1t contained new
idea to Maine people, which is that the poll
tax should be capitalized and taxed the same