The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1911-07-29
Grange Making
Rapid Strides.
Contrary to Belief, Organization Is
Not Political.

One of the most striking develop
ments in the upper peninsula during
the last two years is the remarkable
growth of the Grange in the agricul-
tural districts. Within the last two
years, the Grange has invaded every
county in the upper peninsula and has
become an important factor in the ag-
ricultural development of the district.
In past years, the Grange has been
chiefly known in the upper peninsula,
as semi-political organization, one
of the chief objects of which was to
SOAK" the mining interests through
legislation. whenever an opportunity
presented itself. 1t is true that the
Grange has played an important part
in Legislation for several years past,
but politics is only side issue to the
general object and purposes of the So
ciety, according to a prominent grang-
er.
"The purpose of the Grange is to de-
velop better and higher manhood and
womanhood among its members"
with that end in view the So
ciety works toward the improvement
of farm homes and the better education
Of farmers children, at the same time
endeavoring to inculcate love of farm
life, which will tend to stop the rush
of country boys and girls to the big
cities. Its foundation principals foster
whatever will tend to help the farmer
and his family, and to discountenance
everything that hinders agricultural
advancement and prosperity. The
Grange is not partisan and is not a
political or party organization, despite
general opinion to the contrary.
'In addition to the influence of the
Grange in bringing about happier con-
ditions of living among the farming
population of the country, it has &C.
complished much of a more tangible
nature. Through cooperative trade
agreements and mutual fire and life in
surance companies, the members of
the Grange are saved hundreds of dol
lars every year. Right here an expla-
nation should be made. Some are of the
oponion that the Granger caters to
the big city supply houses at the ex-
pense of the local merchant. This is
not at all true. BY buying in large
quantities, the Grangers are able to
supply their wants at less cost than if
each member bought by or for him
self. The Grangers prefer placing
their orders with a local firm, but,
strange to say, the local merchant fire.
quently has shown no disposition to meet
them half way, and in such in
stances, the goods needed have been
bought from whatever firm that made
the best price"
Among the modern institutions and
legislation, for which the Grange is
largely responsible, are the state agri-
cultural colleges separate fran mechan-
ical or classical schools, the state ex-
pertinent farms, laws resulting in
more equitable assessment of real
estate as between country and city
property, the pure food laws, and the
establishment of free mail delivery in
various parts of the country. The
Grangers claim most of the credit for
the establishment of rural free delivery
of mail, project on which the society
worked for years before it became
reality.
''The Grange is already an Important
factor in the agricultural interests fof
the upper peninsula and its influence is
bound to become more and more po-
tent, as its membership increases.
Through the Grange the pioneer farm
ers will be able to raise more on their
land, to buy and sell at better advan-
tage. and to have more conveniences in
their homes. The organization is work.
ing hand in hand with the Upper Pen
insula Development Bureau, and by
that affiliation, the early settlement of
the upper peninsula by thrifty class
of farmers is assured"