Norwich bulletin., 1917-01-10
STATE MASTER DAVIS DELIVERS ANNUAL ADDRESS
Grange Measuring Up to ResponsibiI ities and Entering Broader Fields

The afternoon session opened short ly after o'clock when the remainder of reports from the deputies were heard.
 In his annual address State Master Charles T. Davis stated that it is gratifying to be able to state that the hanced responsibility, and that more and better work is being done and broader fields of work are being en- tered than ever before. In part State Master Davis said: We are assembled in the 32nd an nual session of the Connecticut State Grange, to deliberate upon, and devise ways and means for promoting the interests of this organization within our state.
 This is, perhaps, the greatest farm ers' organization vet known, and the one that has stood the test of time have been formed and become ex- tinct; we point with pride tolits rec ord and to it's present prosperity The past year has been a fruitful one, in spite of many unusual conditions which our members have been obliged to overcome, and those conditions are the best evidence that can be pro- duced to show that cooperation is as essential to farming as to any other occupation.
 Grange influence is being felt in ev- cry department of life: it has become a strong factor in shaping legislation,
 
 legislation is for the best interest of the masses.
 As time goes on and CT order grows in numbers and influence more is expected of us, and justly so; more resi- ponsibility is placed upon us. In consequence, We are compelled to as sume greater burdens of responsibil- ity, and to reach out into greater fields of usefulness.
 It is gratifying to be able to state that the grange is measuring up to this enhanced responsibility, and that more and better work is being done, ing entered than ever before. And thus it must continue if we are to hold the confidence of the people.
 The word "co-operation" is, perhaps, too often construed to mean finance only, and in that respect the fire in surance company and the patrons ex change are the two main branches of this organization with1R our state, nei- ther of which is being participated in as it should be.
 The Patrons Mutual Fire Insurance company was never on so good a fi- nancial and business basis and is Wor- thy of your attention and support. In some of our neighboring states, insur- ance has reached enormous propor- tions, and is the means of saving much to all those who participate in it's business, and our own company should carry at least ten times as many risks as 1t is now doing.
  asked to cooperate with many socie- ties and organizations other than our own, and much work Is being done in this line.
 The Allied Temperance Forces of Connecticut are asking that we join hands with them to amend the state constitution prohibiting liquor traffic.
 We are asked by a committee from assist in the regulation and equaliza- ton of taxes.
 We are asked by a commission ap- pointed by the governor to assist in
 We are asked to assist in forming an international peace movement, and it would appear that your. organfza- ton, at present. is engaged in CO., operation toward improving conditions to 8 far greater extent than toward financial gain.
 We must remember that the achieve merts of the past increase rather than diminish the demand for rural organizations.
 Great Need for Grange.
 If the grange was needed fifty years ago, when the larger majority of the people was to be found in the coun- try, and when the industries and oc- the need for the grange is doubly great at the present time. when about 75 per cent of the population of our state is in the cities.
 This state Is largely covered by su- bordinate granges, so that the oppor- tunfty to improve the granges that we have, and to materially enlarge their membership and attendance. It seems much better to improve a weak grange, than to reorganize after it has become dormant.
 As there was no session of the leg islature last year, the work of your legislative and executive committees was directed largely to the efforts of the milk producers to get milk ship ped into Boston by what is known as the "open car system" instead of tho