Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-12-18
Masters Address.


Masters Address.
Officers and Members of the Maine
State Grange lfe
Annually we assemble in state ses-
sion as the representation of many cit
liens CT the State, we certainly can de-
rive inspiration. from. a review of our
work during the past year. Our object
has been to compass results common
surate with the time effort and money
put into the work. The record Of each
Grange year should be of such char
actef that at each annual session-tie
sitting time of results-we may be able
20 demonstrate that our efforts are not
measured b! irtentions and resolutions
ruerely. mt by accomplishments result
ing in material benefit to the organiza-
ton and the individual. The Grange
WAS organized 10 do work along broad
constructive lines. These sessions, with
TIT iesSnas they embody as to the
aims and possibilities of the Grange,
shaula he impressive to the delegates.
feiteY1 should i'll and vitalize us with
tai spirit which viii send as to our
ZONES fired with the desire to be Bet
ter men and women, and controlled by
IN eager Willingness to serve each 9TH
er BY making the Grange a more pow
erfu' agency in all good Offices.
Persistent effortand devotioff.to duty
are the price we pay for the best
Things in life. A participation in those
efforts oniys which tend to selfish
and individual betterment will never
yield the returns which come
as the reward of earnest, voluntary Ia
Dor for the good of others.
An intelligent consideration of the
present conditions and the future needs
of the Grange involves a careful con-
sjderation of work accomplished in the
past, an ability to rightly summarize
this work, an intelligent conception of
what is required in the future, ana
how best to make the most of passing
opportunities. The problems now press
ing for solution call for the best en-
deavors we can make towards the de-
velopment of our members and the adj
voncement of the welfare of our state.
The Grange is now more than Al
years old. During all these years it
has been potent factor in developing
progressive, constructive measures for
helping the farmer. The present sat
isfactory condition of this organiza
ton is largely due to fidelity to our
principles exhibited by the membership
in the past and to keen sense of re-
sponsibility felt by the individual.
Maine has 10000 farms and nearly co..
900 Grange members. The Grange has
shown the farmer his strength and
that strength united is formidable and
accomplishes results. 1t has broken
UP the isolation of farm life. 1t has
been Behind all local. state and nation
al movements. in temperance, in NOR
ality. in education. in church develop
merit and in patriotism 1t has stood
for honesty in business and in politics.
1t has been teaching that an honest
man is the noblest work of God" III
the line of education the Grange has
been felt force in lettering cendi-
tons. 1t has supplemented the school
by literary programs and by discus
sions upon nearly all subjects. 1t has
established in the halls Libraries, and
books of reference are kept 1t has
trained the young men of the farm in
thesduties and practices of citizenship.
Wherever a live Grange has been
working for any length of time. it has
hroadened and deepened the lives of
its members.
ln business the Grange has been and
row is. a stimulating influence to bet
ter conditions. Ii is making us better
business men. 1t is teaching Us tie
cost Of producing a crop, market wall
Tics. how TO reach the best market at
the least cost and how to do for our
selves what we have once paio others
u 10 fer U.S. In legislation the Grange
= 3oine great work. 1t is securing
more equal tax laws, more money for
-,
fhe studies OF agriculture and of IA
tur. II is potent factor in securing
ale cnactmen1 If laws for better roads
an9 sheir naiutenance. These and
many other things the Grange hes
done AMI is doing.
BOT with whatever complacency we
laag lock- upon what our work in the
1frvnge has acc emphasized we must re-
member that IL the organization is to
BTuW and thrive, II must still more, in
The future, do work that appeals to
: thinking people. Unfetl ergd slatEtI-
f. sanship or sectarianism the Grange
Of the future must take upon itself the
solution of moral. economic and edu-
cational problems. II should not be
forgotten that the basis of progressive
work is the ability to think clearly, to
argue intelligently. TO come to definite
conclusions and to be possessed of a
courage and integrity to fight for ana
back up these conclusions with our
best efforts. The future welfare of the
Grange must be safely and saneIv
guarded. It's progressive work must
be carried forward by men and wome y
who are inspired by lofty ideals. 1t
must never drift to those who are
wanting in capacity or high aims. 1t