The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1912-04-19
THE GRANGE
Conducted by
J. w. DARROW, Chatham. n. T..
Editor Of The Neto York state Grange
ReCicU
NEW YORK NOTES.
A Great and Influential Grange State
With Its 100000 Patrons.

With Its 100000 Patrons.
The New York state grange is get
ting to be large institution. The to-
tai grange membership of the state
now exceeds 100.000-an Empire State
indeed in members, as it is also in
good works in the farmers behalf. In
over 700 subordinate oranges, meet
ing twice month, discussions are
held, resolutions adopted, educational
forces set in operation and public sen
timent aroused and directed, 50 that it
may be truly said the grange is the
greatest organized factor in promo, ing
the material welfare of all farmers
not grangers only--that the sun shines
down upon. Its influence on agricul-
tural legislation is great ana never so
greutas now. 1t has been said that
there is no desirable legislation whicA
the farmer really needs that he canno,
get if ne organizes for H. The Eran%e
IS organized for it, and its representa-
lives IRE accorded every considers ion
at Albany and Washington, II thing
quite IN contrast with former years
Recently the state grange declared its
policy on several important questions
that affect the farmer. That policy
will he discussed in 100 oranges if
there be need for it,. and their position
4 1N,, nv
by resolution or otherwise and made
known at the proper time to our leg
islators at Albany, and be assured
this action will receive the most care
full consideration there. The state
grange has acted wisely in the past in
seeking legislation for and against such
measures as affect the farmer Not
too much. but very perS Stent for the
little" has been the slogan And this
will continue to be its policy. backed
and enforced by unanimous grange
sentiment and grange influence.
The State Charities Aid association
is endeavoring to interest subordinate
and county oranges in the work OF
providing homes for destitute children
1t is an excellent charity and noble
work. 1t has received the sanction of
the state grange. The subordinate
oranges can be of material assistance
in helping the association to secure
good homes for the waits whom the
aid associations have taken under their
care. On the other hand, these chill
;,,f i'm tn
the homes where they are placed. and
some of these may be the homes OF
grangers. Let us aid in the worthy
purpose by providing homes for the
homeless.
State Lecturer Lowell has devised
crop report system, the report being
published in the official paper of the
state grange every month. Postal
cards for the questions for which an
swers are desired In blank spaces
therein are mailed to the subordinate
grange lecturers IN each county and
when filed out are returned to the
state lecturer, who summarizes them
for publication. These reports cover
all crops as to yield. production, price,
etc
The Jefferson County Patrons Fire
Relief association is in a most pros
porous condition. The secretary's re-
port shows an increase of approximate
ly 100000 In policies issued during
1911. In 1910 the total policies held
in the association aggregated $15,234,-
1856. The report for 1911 shows poll
cies aggregating $15 100000 held in the
association by farmers in Jefferson and
Lewis counties. New policies number
ing over 5000 have been issued during
1911 The largest losses in the history
of the organization have been paid dur
ing the year The fire losses amounted
to $3.50, 400, caused largely from light
ming, the summer of 1911 being mark
ed by frequent electrical storms. There
is balance of cash on hand amount
ing to over $4,000. Ira Sharp of Low
vile is president and w H. Vary Of
Watertown secretary.
The change of basis for representa-
in the form of q resolution again this
year AT its last previous session the
state grange declared itself as being in
favor of representation in the national
grange according to membership, but
simply declaring its opinion will never
win proportional representation. Some
body must come forward with prac-
teal solution of the problem such as
will appeal to the good sense of the
delegates in the national grange. 1t
would appear from previous considera-
ton of this subject that the state
grange has a majority who are not
satisfied with the present two delegate
plan. but until some common Basis of
agreement can be reached on some
really practical plan each state will
continue to have two delegates-New
York, with 100000 members. with no
more voting power than Minnesota
with scarcely 1000 members.-J. W. d.
On Tribune Farmer.
National Master,s PoIiev