The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1912-10-25
THE GRANGE
- -
Conducted BY
J.W BARROW. Chatham. N. T..
Editor OF the NeU York State GRANGE
RCUicip
GRANGE OPPORTUNITY.
It's Influence In Improving Condition,
an Enoouraqina Sion.

It's influence In improving Conditions
an Encouraging Sign.
The grange is fast becoming one of
the greatest factors for the uplift of
civilization that we have among us,
remarks the Lewiston (Mel journal
That this powerful organization is
using its great Influence for the better
ment of society is one of the most
cheering signs of the times Its latest
stand on the question of retaining our
prohibitory laws is the nobest action
of its history in Maine and will do
much toward strengthening the order
in this state. There are also other
fields in which it is capable of doing a
great work. There are in every town
many fine, cultured people who have
not yet learned that the grange means
more than the good time and frequent
supper, which has been their narrow
conception of the order, and therefore
they have withheld from membership
therein the talent. the strength and
the influence that would accrue through
their admission to the order. How to
reach these people can he no better an
swered than through some local under
taking of real uplifting nature.
For example, in every community
there is some local condition that can
be improved, and here the grange can
exercise a widespread influence In
many country villages the darkness of
the streets in the evening is most dis
tressing, and yet nothing is being done
to remedy it. What a chance for
grange meeting discussion, followed
by a modest beginning toward some
lights, The grange treasury may fur
nish the nucleus of the undertaking
and a grange committee assume the
raising of little money from many
contributors. Why not?
The town common in many places is
veritable beauty spot. though sadly
neglected Take it up in the grange,
arrange for half days rally, when
every one shall meet on the town COM
mon and clean it up. Amazing what
score of enthusiastic workers can
accomplish in a united half day. An
old home day is splendid thing for
any country town to get into the habit
of holding. and yet one has never been
held in country towns simply because
there has been no one to lead the way
The grange might well discuss for one
evening the benefits to a town of
home coming occasion and take the
first steps toward actual results by ap.
pointing a committee to see whether
a step of this sort is not advisable.
Such a start is almost certain to be
followed by interest sufficient to make
the event become Il reality
The country cemeteries have been
often a topic of criticism in the press
and magazines because of the i'll kept
and untidy condition that is sometimes
permitted to prevail Here the grange
may lead toward worthy ends by in
ducing the setting apart of day when
the resting place of the dead shall be
improved and beautlicd Surely there
can be no difficulty in any rural com
munity enfsting public response in
such a cause, if only there is some per
son or individual to take the lead Why
not the grange here? Here is a field of
usefulness that as yet has only par
tally been worked To make these
matters Il subject of discussion in a
grange meeting will he certain to
arouse a renewed interest and a larger
attendance.