Year: 1875

Trenton Grange, Trenton, Wisconsin,
Feb. 10Th.


The above with the exception of MAX
ing few remarks to a crowded house
on election day in the town of Hay
Greek are all the invitations given for
my services.


l would here say that my limited
means, together with my short appoint
ment, prevented me from iacurring the
expense Of procuring the necessary
tools, in the shape Of books, papers and
statistics, which every speaker ought to
have within his reach. In lieu of these
l have been thrown on my own re-
sources. Notwithstanding the severity
of the weather, have met every invi-
tion given. As to the result of my ser
vices whether beneficial or not, good
bad or Indifferent, I have nothing to say
as all the meetings have been public,
the public will give the verdict. l do
most willingly aud cheerfully say, that
in every instance where l have been,
l was received with that hospitable and
brotherl y greeting, such as is the true
characteristic of all true Patrons, to all
of whom l return my sincere thanks,
feeling assured that whoever may be
my successor he will meet with the
same courtesy.


While the necessity of giving my un-
divided time and attention to my farm
and domestic affairs, renders it impossi-
for me to continue this work, with a
full assurance that many of our broth
els are more competent than myself for
a lecturer, do most sincerely and ear
nestly recommend that this Council APP
point lecturer for the future, to prose
cute this work, which, in my opinion,
only needs to be carried out in a proper
spirit, for great good to ensue to the Or
der, both numerically and financially.
There is great field for labor. The
work would be much better done if
some one was appointed that could devote
his whole time to it. For any one to
be fully prepared to meet public criti-
criticism, he needs all his time for either
reading, studying, writing, travelling or
speaking. There are many erroneous
opinions entertained and expressions
made use of against the Grange, which
only need to be explained to be expelled
or refuted. In short, the better lec-
turer is posted in the work of the Or
der, and other topics and issues of the
day in which the true interests of the
farming community are involved, the
more easily will he combat and over
come ignorance and superstition. Per-
haps there never was time when the
masses of the people, and especially
the farmers were so aroused, as at
present, seeking after light and knowl-
edge in all matters in which they are
financially concerned. l would suggest
that this Council recommend to the
State Master to appoint its Lecturer
for Deputy in this County. If this
could be done, the work of both being
so near the same, it is my opinion that
all new Oranges would be more eff
ciently organized than heretofore, by
this method, one person could instruct
all new Oranges, in the capacity of
Deputy and Lecturer, which would
leave them much better posted in the
work from the commencement and
in many instances would be a saw
ing in travelling expenses which would
make an item of economy.


In my brief engagement, I have not
failed to observe a few features, which
directly or indirectly affect our Order
for better or worse. In the first place
it gives me great pleasure to
say every meeting being public, good
order has been maintained, and the
deepest interest manifested throughout
on every subject introduced in regard
to the Grange movement, which I have