Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1920-12-17
MASTERS ANNUAL ADDRESS.
BY L. G.. ATKINSON. MASTER.

the second session held in this
beautiful little city. Long before
the days Of railroads .Lewisburg
held a prominent place in history
and around it has ever clustered
the traditions Of culture, refinement
and chivalry. In many respects
Lewisburg is unlike most other
towns of the State and its unlike
ness has always made it a delight
full place 10 me. Yet while we are
assembled here in this pleasant en-
vironment We must not neglect the
serionS things that arc now con-
fronting our Order and Agriculture,
our State and our Nation. Edward
A. Page, Of one of the Washington
Universities, recently said i'll i
public address that there had never
been time when 1.-The foundations
OF public order have been more
seriously shaken than at this
moment. The great crisis of 1913
has been followed by a far more
serious one which is still hanging
over the country. No one can say
as yet that we have passed beyond
the limit Of great industrial crisis
which is the greatest menace TO
America"
Our government is founded on
authority and the welfare of the
American people depends upon
due respect for authority. The
experience OF other governments
and other peoples emphasizes the
fact that there is no possible safety
for democracy except in consti-
tuted authority. The Grange has al
ways stood for orderly and efficient
government.
THE GRANGE AND POLITICS.
The Grang in none of its branch
eS is a political organization and
for more than fifty years it has
fought shy OF entangling alliances
Of every kind and its greatest as
set today is the fact that it has liv-
ed and prospered so long. Many
other farmers organizations have
come and gone and still others have
sprung up and taken their places.
Politics in some form has been the
mdoing Of most of them. During
the recent somewhat heated pO-
litical campaign the Grange pursued
its time-hOnored course and kept
out of the struggle. Now that the
election is over the candidate of
one party must become the Presi-
dent Of all the people. and regard
lss OF how we may have voted as
individuals, as citizens of this
great country we are united in our
purpose TO sustain the adminiStra-
ton and the laws OF the land until
they shall be changed in an order
ly and lawful way.
RECONSTRUCTION.
In our annual address two years
ago l said, 1.-The farmers Of America
are proud Of their part in the
World War. Ir loyalty and dcvo-
ton, i'll food production, in finan--
cial aid. and in the gift of their
sons they have again shown their
sturdy Americanism and have JUS
titled the confidence always re-
posed in them when serious dam
ger threatens the republic.
Just as agriculture has had a
vital part in the war, so it must
have a strong voice in the recon-
struction that is to follow. This
task is hardly less gigantic than
the great war itself, and will com
mand the best thought OF its Lead
ers., ,Broad-mindcd craftsmanship
demands that our entire citizen
ship, without distinction Of class
or occupation shall unite in keep
ing the nation steady in the newt
able price-leveling process that
must come. Justice to all must ac-
cordlngly be uppermost in our
minds, while we inSistently urge
that the interests of agriculture so
fundamental TO the prosperity of
the whole nation must be safe
guarded at every point"
Not much has been accomnlisb.
"a In the way of reconstruction.
Inc unfortunate muddlc over the
peace treaty and the League of
Nations, which we still have with
us, made wholesome ACCOMPLISH
mcnt difficult. but in spite of all
The encouragement substantial
progress has been made. The price
Ievcling process has begun and as
Il result the farmers are the first 10
suffer an a declining market.
THE GRANGE AT WASHINGTON.
AT its session Immediately fol-
lowing the signing of the armisticc.
which brought the greatest war OF
all history TO close. the National
Grange decided 10 establish an Of
flee with duly accredited repre-
sentative at Washington with a
view to looking after the interests
OF American agriculture before the
National Congress and the several
departments Of government.
Those OF you who have been