Year: 1874

Settling Law Suits.


The question Of how to prevent mem-
bers Of the Order going to law seems to
be one universally discussed by Oranges,
and anything hearing on the subject has
become matter ofinterest. With this
in view We reprint from the Farmers
Union the following resolutions passed
by Pleasant Mound Grange. They
may be Of use in the discussion of the
subject before the Goodhue County
Council tomorrow she 18th:


WHEREAS, We the members Of the Pleas
ant Mound Grange Of the Patrons
of Husbandry, deeming it to be for the in
terests and well being Of the order that
system Of arbitration be established for the
settlement and adjustment Of the civil &C.
tions that may arise between the members
Of the order, and thereby promoting con-
cord, unity and good fellowship in the Or
der and obviating the necessity Of litigation
through the courts of law which tend to
discord and ill-will between parties
Therefore be it


Resolved, That the following rules and
regulations shall govern all civil actions
that may arise between members Of the
Order as follows:


SEC. lst, Any member believing that he
or she has cause Of action, may make COM
plant to the Worthy Master in writing,
setting forth that he or she has sufficient
cause Of action against the party, when it
shall be the duty Of the Master to issue q
summons running to the Steward or Assist
ant Stewart, commanding him to summon
the party to appear at q time and place to
be designated in the summons, to make
answer to the complaint, giving at least six
days notice. The Steward shall make due
returns to the Secretary.


SEC. 2. The Secretary shall have charge
of all papers in the case and keep record
of the proceedings therein.


SEC. 3. At the time set for the meeting
of the parties. which shall be at a regular
meeting of the Grange (or special meet
may be. called for the purpose. The par
ties shall join issue as provided by law on
all points Of entering pleadings. Trial may
be had at the first meeting by the consent





titled to at least one weeks adjournment if
called for.


Sec. 4. The Worthy Master shall act as
court, Of justice in all questions Of
law and order but, notwithstanding, should
either party object, as provided by statute
to remove suit from justice, then the Wor-
thy Overseer shall act in his stead as a
court and decide all questions Of law and
order pertaining to the case. Trial may be
held before the court by consent Of
the parties.


SEC. s. It shall be the privilege Of either
party after issue is joined, and before the
trial has commenced, to call for jury. It
shall then be the duty Of the court to order
the Steward or his Assistant to make list
Of eleven names of members and the par
ties shall alternate in striking off names
until six names shall have been struck off :;
should the parties refuse to strike off names,
then the court may strike off names in
their stead, the remaining five names shall
be impanneled as ajury to try the case.
The jury shall be sworn by the statute
oath, in form. \ majority vote shall de-
termine verdict.


Sec. 6. The parties may appear by at
torney, but he shall be Patron. Any men,
ber shall be held to testify in any action
before a court Of the Grange. Parties vino
| are not members may be admitted as wit
| nesses. Witnesses shall be sworn by the
statute oath, and may be by affirmation.
Every oath may be administered by JUS
tice Of the Peace but he shall be a member
of the Grange.


Sec. 7. All rules Of taking evidence, en-.
tering and amending pleadings, and all
points of law not herein provided for, shall
be governed by statute and common law.


Every verdict Of jury and every award
Of a court shall be made according to Low
and the evidence given in court.


Sec. 8. Every award made by court o1
the Grange shall be entered as judgment
against the losing party, and the said par.
ty shall satisfy the same within forty days
thereafter.


| Any party to suit who refuses to com.
ply with these rules and regulations ir
connection thereof, shall be expelled from
the Grange-providing, nevertheless, il
case the party should notify the Maste,
Of his inability to pay the judgment at the
time set, and that he will provide proof Of
the same, then the Grange shall examine
the evidence, and if the Grange become sat
isfed of such inability, then the time O.
payment may be extended, but not to ex
coed one year from date Of judgment, ane
to be decided by majority vote Of th'
house.


SEC. 9. Any member Of the Grange
who may be summoned to appear as wit
ness before any court of this Grange ani
shall refuse to comply with the order O
the court in connection Herewith, may b