Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1910-04-14
GRANGE IN NEW YORK
Patrons Outline Their Policies In
Series of Resolutions.
Comments on Some Of the Resolutions
Adopted, With Brief Mention Of a
Large Number on a Great Variety Of
Subjects

Large Number on Great Variety OF
Subjects.
Some Of the resolutions adopted by
the state grange at its recent session
will bear consideration. One relating
to county agricultural securities may
be mentioned. In view Of the fact
that the state appropriates $25O,OO0 a
year to encourage farmers to grow
better crops and raise better stock
and to exhibit the same at their re-
spective county fairs and because a
certain class Of exhibitors pick up the
best exhibits Of fruit, vegetables, poul
try and live stock and take them the
30 per cent Of the premiums. the reso-
luton asked the legislature to pass
q law similar to one now In force In
Pennsylvania requiring each county
agricultural society drawing money
from the state to restrict its entries
to their own county or district. There
are arguments on both sides of this as
Of most questions, but we think the
weight Of popular opinion is with the
sentiment expressed in the resolution.
In the resolution on parcels post we
think the grange had the right idea.
The preamble recited the fact that
there is a large deficit in the postal
service as now conducted, but this is
to be attributed largely to the too
general use Of the franking privilege
by congressman and officials of the
government and to excessive rates
paid railroad companies for carrying
the mails. Therefore the resolu-
ton asked for the adjustment of the
franking privilege. except for strictly
government purposes, and that each
federal department or legislative
body pay its own postage bills and
that all mails presumably second
class nails be weighed and the exact
weight paid for. as is done with the
express companies with merchandise
Furthermore the resolution opposed
any increase on postage on any class
OF mail matter. We think the posi-
ton taken by the grange in this mat
ter is sound one.
On the subject Of representation in
the national grange the state grange
spoke In these words:
Resolved. That the New York state
grange reafirms its belief in the principle
of representation according to member
ship and directs the worthy master TO use
all legitimate effort to secure the adop-
ton of that system by the national
grange.
In the matter of good roads the COM
mittee had this to say that is worthy
Of special mention:
While system and a certain degree OF
uniformity are essential. we hope that in
its zeal for perfection in system the high
way commission will not lose sight Of the
purpose for which the system exists-the
building and maintenance of the greatest
amount of good roads possible for the
amount Of money expended and the re-
turn to the people Of 100 cents worth OF
necessary tangible results for every dol
lar expended. We most respectfully urge
that care be taken that the cost Of the
mill and Its operation be not out OF pro.
portion to the value of the grist ground
While roads are for the use of al
the people. We feel that our greatest in.
terest is in the local market roads and
realizing that however perfect a system
may be worked out the success of 1t de-
its various branches. we urge that the
greatest care be exercised in our town.
In the election of town superintendents oil
highways. upon whose practical eff1cienc,
as we'll as honesty of purpose so much
depends.
Other Resolutions Adopted.
Favoring proportional representation
In the national grange; advising incor
poration of grange institutions instead
of forming stock companies; that agri
cultural products produced by inmates
of state prisons and industrial schools
should not compete in the market with
farmers products; favoring indirect
taxation; the repeal Of the recording
tax law on mortgages and the restor
ing OF the annual tax law; opposing
voring the appointment of commits
sion by the governor to investigate Ia
Dor and immigration problems plac.
ing telephone and telegraph lines with
In the state under the public service
commission; making the cost of fight.
ing forest fires county charge instead
OF town charge and exempting lands
being reforested from taxation for ten
years; opposing the Thanking privilege
except for strictly government bust
ness and opposing any increase on
postage in any class of mail matter
favoring better qualifications Of super.
yisory officers for common schools and
requiring them and teachers to pass
an examination on the elements OF
agriculture; favoring the establishment
of industrial schools, trade schools
schools Of agriculture, mechanic arts
ETC.; favoring an increase in the mum
her Of scholarships to Cornell Agricul
tural college from six to twelve and
accepting three from Syracuse univer
sity; urging great care in the selection
OF superintendent of highways, favor
ing the improvement of local marke,
roads first; favoring direct primaries
increase in liuuOP liconso fov for ho