The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1910-03-31
GRANGE IN NEW YORK
Patrons Outline Their Policies In
Series of Resolutions.
Comments on Some OF the Resolutions
Adopted, With Brief Mention Of
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 S250000 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
rounds of the county fairs and scoop
80 per cent OF the premiums. the reso-
luton asked the legislature to pass
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 IL 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.
tion asked for the abollshment 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 mailsl 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 mall matter We think the posi-
tion 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 resfirms its belief In the principle
OF representation according TO member
ship and directs the worthy master TO use
all legitimate effort 10 secure the adop-
tion OF that system by the national
grange.
In the matter OF good roads the com
mittee had this to say that IL worthy
OF special mention:
While system and a certain degree OF
uniformity are essential. We hope that In
It's zeal for perfection In system the high
way commission viii not lose sight OF the
purpose for which the system exi3ts-tbe
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
'HAc fpaNH dlt ios tiif 1rr Dt 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 II de-
penos upon the men directly IN charge OF
iis various branches. We urge that the
greatest care be exercised Ia our towns
In The election Of town Superintendent OF
highways. upon whose practical efficiency
as well as honesty Of purpose 30 much
depends
Other Resolutions Adopted.
Faroring proportional representation
In the national grange. advising incor
poraiiop OF grange institutions Instead
Of forming stock companies; that agri.
cultural products produced By inmates
Of state prisons aud Industrial schools
should not compete In the market With
farmers products: fayoring Indireei
tarsfiou: the repeal OF the recording
tar law on mortgages and the restor
Ing Of the annual lax law; oproslps