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

their facts or then memory Tor tnelf
wit.
Some Needed Reforms.
One of the surprising conditions
found in some Oranges and in certain
sections of the State, is the tendency
to nulIify or disobey the organic law
in what are. by some. termed non-es-
sentials. No organization or body OF
people subject TO laws promulgated
from a law making source. can safely
ignore or nullify such laws. Nc organ
ization can ever hope To win tile re-
spect of intelligent thinking people that
does not demand and observe a strict
obedience to the laws governing that
body. And if my observation is worth
anything. il has taught me th.s,-The
Oranges that are doing the best work;
the Oranges that are progressive and
have prestige and standing, are the
organizations that live up to and obey
our organic laws at all times. They
never nullify law because at times II
may be convenient to do 50. Too much
emphasis cannot be placed upon the
observance of jurisdiction limits be-
tween Oranges. Oranges are becoming
so numerous and the desire to increase
the membership so keen that sometimes
jurisdiction limits are forgotten. Let
me caution you that at all times jur-
isdiction limits must be rieIaiy op-
served. An observance of this law will
do much to promote harmonious rela-
tions between Oranges. To this end,
a frequent reference to Article IA, Sec
ton / of the Bylaws of the State
Grange, is recommended.
IF tho hnCinnGG nf q
is the business of the body. l. is not
the property of any outsider. and
should not be so considered. And most
assuredly is the secret work of the
order a sacredly secret thing in your
possession. / cannot too severely Gen.
sure any tendency toward laxness in
guarding our unwritten work.
would most emphatically state that
all degrees must be conferred in full,
as given In the ritual. That the elimi-
mating of any part of any degree is IL
legal, unlawful and unwise. 1t is not
only a violation of the rules of the
order. but it deprives the candidate Of
the beautiful significance of the lee
lures of the officers and cannot but OPP
crate to diminish the respect of both
candidate and officials for the thor
ouchness of the work. At the 1910 SEES
sion of the National Grange an at
tempt was made to give State Masters
the authority 10 allow the ohligating
and instructing in secret work only.
This proposition was Overwhelmingly
defeated. Any Master who counte-
nanees this practice renders himself
liable to suspension.
It is true that some people join the
Grange from unworthy motiyes,-peo-
pie WHO do not realize the breadth Of
the principles of the order or the far
reaching purposes on which it is
founded. l would recommend that
their attention be called to our decla-
ration of purposes. In fact, that this
document which thoroughly yet con-
cisely sets forth what the principles
of the Grange are and what it is or
ganized for. be. read. commented upon
and explained to every class of candi-
dates.
Grange Influence.
One of the gratifying conditions not
ed during the past year is the growing
influence of this organization. More,
perhaps, than ever before are all the
people of the State looking to the
Grange to aid in The successful solu-
ton of economic and progressive pro-
blems. The Grangeshas identified Itself
with and championed to successful
conclusion, many moral and economic
reforms, and to this it owes its intiu-
enee and standing today. The discus
sion of these subjects by the Oranges
of the State and action upon the same
at the proper time by the members.
has had much to do in promoting pub
lie sentiment in favor of them. A con-
tinuance along this line OF activity will
be of the utmost importance in the fu-
ture. Agitation vindicates the merits
of the worthy claim and exposes the
unworthy proposition.
would most earnestly recommend
that all Oranges adopt measures for
keeping in touch with current problems
in state and nation. And by agitation,
discussion and study be prepared at
the proper time to act eencertedly III
nnakings,the Grange a leader toward
developing these better conditions.
The Maine Grange believes in an
equitable division of the school taxes.
In heavier taxation upon the trusts
and corporations.
III tiiS NAOSA NAOPiAcit VI isuAei - ~
Delivery.
In the widest possible adoption of
the parcel post.
In better schools and better high
ways. Et%
In the recall of inefficient officials.
In the rigid and impartial enforce
ment of the Maine prohibitory law.
In vocational training at all our COM
mon schools.
In lifting the country residents above
the ruts of drudgery.
In; frequent appeals to the people
concerning the control of the State,
the county and the municipality over
every issue which concerns Maine, in
tellectually and morally.
Here are articles of faith which an
honest citizen Of Maine may live to
maintain, and gladly die in the main
tanning.
Read down the short list, and note
how emphatic the confessions of faith
are worded--as unmiatakable as the
Fen Commandments. 4
To merit and retain this enviable
position the Grange in the future,
more than in the past, must demon
strate its ability to obtain results