Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-17
STATE MASTER STETSON'S
ADDRESS To STATE GRANGE.
Urges Cheap Waterpower for the Farm,
Conservation of Maine Forests, CO-opera=
tive Credit System, Condemns Single lax,
Recommends Non=Partisan Assessors.

Following is the text Of the annual
address of State Master Charles 5.
stetson Tuesday before The State
Grange at Bangor:
State Master stetson's Address.
oficers and Members of the Maine
State Grange:
In accordance with the constitution
and laws of the order We are assem-
bled in the 10th annual session OF
the State Grange. 1t is with feel
ing of pride that we recognize the
cordial greetings extended by the
citizens of this beautiful and growing
city. We express the hope that our
coming may prove mutually beneficial
TO the entertainers as well as the en-
tertained Today more profoundly
than ever before We realize the ne
cessity for broad gauge, comprehen-
sive stand on the part of our organ
ization for policies resulting in mu-
tual benefit to all the people. The
farmer realizes that in the prosperity
of all the people he must prosper ana
from their reverses he must suffer.
He is not trying to environ himself
or his interests by any wall of pre1u-
dice and he has grown too wise and
too honest to allow anything to step
In between or in any way to inter-
fere with that great unity of interest
which is common to all the people.
And so / say, II good for us to be here
in annual convention as the guests OF
our city cousins. And realizing that
our deliberations must be conducted
with that calmness and dignity which
imposes respect, let US face the re-
sponsibilities of this session with con-
fidence and with courage. Let us APP
proach the problems presented to US
for solution with open minds and
determination to be fair, broad-mind-
ed and Just With such standards as
an inspiration, and such aims in view,
we may rest assured that the ulti-
mate benefits resulting from our COM
ing together will be State wide and
= lasting.
In treating the subjects of which
1 shall speak in this address, l do not
purpose to so extend or discourage
the reader of these pages. hope to
call your attention to some matters
that seem to me to be of moment as
to the condition, work and outlook of
the order.
Condition of the Order.
If increase in attendance at meet
ings, IL interest in and manifest de-
sire to arrive at correct solutions of
vital problems count and indicate any
thing, / am able to report the Grange
In Maine in healthy and prosperous
condition. The faithful 1abors of the
officers supplemented by the untiring
efforts of the members, have continued
that healthy growth commenced many
years ago, and am glad to note that
q large proportion of the Patrons are
working harnAoniously toward still
higher standards. The outlook is both
encouraging and stimulating. Condi-
tons and situations sometimes arise
which, at the time, tend TO discour-
age and perhaps minimize results. In
the final accounting, 1t is usually
shown, however, that they only inspire
and develop renewed activity and an
idea of increased responsibility. Diff
culties spur on to renewed effort and
the right discharge of all responsible
itiesy
In Grange work, as In all activities,
the work habit has direct practical
value. 1t pays to so live and work
that we go with the worthy activities
of the world. 1t is pratice promoted to
habit that lifts us out of the ranks of
the novice and makes 1t easy for US to
do big things and in big way. In
the Grange we must live with our
yp1r1x IN he nOSeihla n IL
We should get life and inspiration out
of It. These things are the product of
thought and system. Our plans should
be definite, our spirit should be alert
and our records should tell the facts
and then results will reward our la
bors. And say, that by a comparison
OF results and by directing work along
the lines indicated, find the order in
very gratifying condition, and as a
whole and as units in the great body,
we are doing something which appeals
to thinking people.
Field Meetings.
One of the most helpful agencies in
promoting respect for the Grange has
been the field meetings held in every
county. numbering 81 in all. In the
numbers attending, interest manifest
ed and good wrought they far exceed
ed the hopes of the State officers The
national master lecturer and seere-
tary were in attendance. one being
present at each meeting. Representa-
tives from nearly 400 Oranges were
present at these meetings, and the
messages brought to us by these ma
tional officers were inspiring showing
careful thought and study, and were
valuable as the means of spreading in
formation as TO the work and policy of
the Grange.
Taxation.
We always know the amount de-
nanded of US in taxes. We are not
always as well informed as to the re-
turn received for payment made. We
have opinions on the equity of the ap-
portionment Of this burden among the
people. We are sometimes wanting in
the details that would give these opin-
ions influence.
The whole matter of valuation, as
sessments, collection and the purposes
to which the sum raised shall be ap-
propriated, are of vital importance and
personal interest to US. We will readi-
~ accept any solution of this perplex-
ing problem, to the end that all prop