Year: 1876

The following is the report of the
Worthy Lecturer, Mr.. Smedley, of Iowa:


WORTHY MASTER: In compliance with
the instructions of the Worthy Master Of the
National Grange and the Executive Commit
tee, based on calls from Masters of State
Oranges, L have devoted nearly all the time
since our last session to the work of my Of
fee. In answering these calls, have la
bored in fourteen States, and am gratitied to
report that the condition of the Order in
nearly all of these States is most encourag-
ing. The principles underlying our org nj
cation seem to have taken deep hold of the
hearts of Its members, and, as the work of
organization is nearly finished, they are
turning their attention in those practical
directions where real success is to be found.
1t has seemed to have been expected of me
in many localities, to eXempiifY the
unwritten work, and give opinion on
law and usage. I have, however,
been OF the opinion that this did rot come
within the scope of the National Lecturers
duty, This might have been, and undoubt-
edlv was, q necessity IN the early days of our
work But think now this should be left
entirely to the Masters of the State oranges,
whose duty and prerogative it is to settle
these questions. j have regarded it more in
the province and duty of the National Lee
turer to strengthen the authority, confidence,
and influence of the officers of the National
Grange and subordinate Oranges, to en-
courage the brothers and sisters to renewed
activity, to point out and urge the necessity
for such an organization as this, and to sug-
gest in a general way those practical
methods by which the desired results may
be obtained.


In doing this / have earnestly sought to
impress the Importance of the individual
responsibility of members in the work IN
which we are engaged. This point seems to
nae to be the key to.Our success. When we
have become convinced that on each indi-
vidual member of the Order, brother and
sister, rests a responsibility that each does
his or her part in the work sv essential to
the general good, success is insured.


have been everywhere received in the
kindest and most fraternal spirit-a spirit
which left the regret that could only meet
a small portion of the urgent calls for my
services.


had never before realized the importance
of this branch of our work. The very fact
of an officer Of the National Grange visiting
our members seems to encourage and
strengthen the cause and incite to renewed
efforts. 1t is of the highest importance that
the bond of fraternity between the consti-
tuted authorities and the Sub Oranges should
be made as close as possible. / cannot re-
frain from expressing my obligations to the
Masters and officers of the State Oranges
where it has been my lot to labor. They have
done everything in their power to make
work (Which at best is a laborious
one) as easy and pleasant possible. From
officers of National and State Oranges have
received constant encouragement and SYM
pathy. And the interest and fraternal kind
ness manifested in every community where
l have been has strengthened my faith, and
more than ever taught me that it only needs
that we as an Order should be faithful to
the trust given to us to make this Order,
under the providence of God, what it is de-
signed to be, the instrument which is to ele-
vate, strengthen, and educate the producing
classes of our Nation.