.-tn...‘ VOLUME lI.—No 30. WHOLE NUMBERfl9. l " THE FAR./HER IS OF MORE COJVSEQ UEWCE JV’ E FAR./ll, ./IJVJ) SHOULD 1: l —.a_.-4\ ...e_..__.._ O COLDWATER, MICH; MARCH 15, 1886. FIRS’! mrprzo VED.” . ALDRICH. &- C0.. Printed. hy, A. WATER’ REPUBLICANL Publisllausoll tits’ CO ' OFFICIAL DIRECTOR Y. Oflcers National Grange. H4n‘er—P‘UT DARDEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mississippi 0veruer—-_jAMES C. DRAPlSR.... . . Massachusetts 1;;-turyr.—MORT_ WHITEHEAD. . . .New Jersey &eIs\crd——]. E. HALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .West Virginia Asrinant Stervard—\V. H. STINSON. . New. Hampshire aaplar'u—A. J. ROSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Trrancrer-F. M. MCDOWELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . .New York .SIcrdary—]NO. TRlMBLE. 514 FSt.,Washington, D.C. Cate Ktefer—H. THOMPSON . . . . . . . . . .Delawa.rc G'rn—MRS. KATE DARDEN . Misissippi Pouuam—MRS. S. H. NEAL . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kentucky Flora—MRS. JAMES C DRAPER.. . . . . .Massachuset- lad} Assistant Stat/ard'—MRS. E. M. LXPSCOMB. Souxh Carolina Executive Cornmlttee. J. M. BLANTON, Ch'n.... . . . . . . . . . . . .Virginii }. H. BRIGHAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .()hio _]. WOODM.AN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michigan tlaioers Michigan State Grange. flflu1n‘—C. G. LUCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gilead Oauvsecr-JOHN HOLBR()OK.. . . . .Lansing IArhmer——.l‘ERRY MAYO ...Battle Creek SJ¢ward—HARRlSON BRADSHAW". . . . .North Bmnch Auiataal Stan-ard—-—A. E. GREEN . . . . . . .Wallcd Lake £3a[Iar'u—l. N. CARPENTER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sherrnan Trva.r1trtr—E. A. STRONG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vick.sburg .Secrv!ary—}. T. COBB . . . . . . . . .Schoolcraft Cola I('eefer.—A. M. AG!-INS . . . . . . . .. . . . Ludington Carr: —MRS. \V. BELKNAP . . . . . . . .Grecnville }buwrm—MRS W’. T. REMlNGTON.. ...Alto Flora —-MRS. c. G. LUCE ..................... ..Gilcad L. A. Stnvard——MRS. A. E. GREEN. . . . . ..Walled Lake Executive Committee. H. D. PLATT. Ch'n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Ypsilanti 11105 F. Moorzr; ........................... ..Adrian J G RAMSDELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Traverse City THOMAS MARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Berrien Center _|. Q A BURRINGTO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tuscola WM. 5ATERLE.l‘:.. . .. . . . . . Birmingham W, T. ADAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Rapids ."‘ - - ‘.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Gilead £'h017”wj . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . School-zraft State Business Agzr-N 'l'H()MAS MM"-,().\' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Chica§;..», lll General De-pu ties. PERRY MAYO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Battle: Creek MRS. PERRY MAYO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .l:lattle Creek Special Deputies. WM. H. LEE. Harbor Springs, for Emmett County. POHN HOLBROOK. Lansing, for Ingham County. TASON \V'0ODMAN. Paw Paw, for Van Buren County. BRONSON TURNER. Flushing, Genesee County. FRANK H. DYER. Ferris, Montcalm County. S. H. HYDE. Traverse City,Grand Traverse,Antrim, Lec- lanaw and Bcnzi-2 Counties. R. C. THAYER, Benton Harbor, for Berrien County. GEO. W. SHEFFlEl.D.]ohnstown. for Barry County. LUTHER _I. DEAN North Star. for Gratiot County. I. Q. A BURRINGTON, Tuscola, for Tuscola and Hu- ton Counties. Michigan Grange Stores. A. STEGEMAN, Allegan. C- GOODNOE, North Lansing. PRICE LIST or SUl;PI.IES Kept in.the ofice of the.Sea-etary of the MICHIGAN STATE GRANGE, And rent out Pm’!-paid, on receipt of Cash Or- der, over the Seal of er Subordinate Grange, and Me signature of it: xllarfer or Secretary. Porcelain ballot marbles, per hundred. . . . .5 75 Blank book, ledger ruled, for Secretary to keep accounts with members . . . . .. I 00 Blank record books (express paid) . . . . . . . . I oo Order book, containing 100 orders on the Treasurer, with stub, well bound. , . ~50 Receipt book, containing 100 receipts from Treasurer to Secretary, with stub, well bound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 50 Blank receipts for dues, per 100, bound. . . 50 Applications for membership, per 100.1. . . 50 Secretary’s account book (new style). . . . . 50 Withdrawal cards, per dozen . . . . . . . . . . .. 25 Dimits, in envelopes, per dozen. . . . . . . . . . 25 By-Laws of the State Grange, single copies loc, per dozen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 75 "By-Laws, bound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 "Glad Echoes,” with music, single copy x5c, per dozen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. I 80 The National Grange Choir, single copy 40 cents, per dozen . . . . . ._ . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 oo Rituals, single copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 " per dozen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 4o “ for Fifth Degree. for Pomona Granges, per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . to Blank “Articles of Association” for the in- corporation of Subordinate Granges, with copy of charter, all complete. . to Notice to delinquent members, per 100. . . 40 Declaration of purposes, per dozen, 5c, per . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 40 American Manual of Parliamentary Law. . 50 (t ‘L (6 ll Ii (Morocco Tuck) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1 00 Digest of Laws and Rulings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Roll books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . r 5 Patrons’ badges . . . . . . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . .. 25 Oflicers’ “ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5o C0-OP]-‘.RA'i lVl.1 LITERATURE. History and Objects of Co-operation“ . . . 05 What is Co-operation? . . . . . . . . . . . . . ._. . . . 02 Some of the \V'eakncsses of Cooperation. 0: Educational Funds; How to Use Them. . . o1 Associative Farming . . . . . . . . . . . . . I . . . . . . 0! The Economic Aspect of Cooperation. . . . 01 Association and Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03 The Principles of Unity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01 The Perils of Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . or Fundamental Principles of Cooperation. . or How to Start Co-operation Stores . . . . . . . . 01 Logic of Cooperation . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. o3 Origin and Development of the Rochdale Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . o3 Addresses and Lectures by Eminent Men. . 03 Address, J. T. COBB, Sr._c’v Mien. STATE GRANGE, Schbolcraft, Mich. ALAMAZO0 NATIONAL BANK. Oxapoo. Surplus. $10,000. Southwest cor. Main and, ndic Streets. Dr'ru'!or:-Jacob Mitchell. john Den Bleyker, Me‘ ‘ D. Woodford. Melville . Bigelow, I. Wilfred Thompson Georg:hT. Bruen. Satnu A. Gibson. Albert 5. ‘White. Edwin]. el . E. O. Humphrey, N. Chase. . Panes, Bwident; Muvrux J. Brczww. 7121- ' I: Tnoiuts S. Conn. Casllier. febryx Annual Address at the National Grange of the Patrons of Hus- bandry—l9th Session. Palron: of //urbarrdrjy an.-1' Jlmrfierr if Me _‘\':I- tiomrl (frrrngcx As representatives of our great Agncultural Brotherhood, we have come from the Middle States, front the great Northwest, from the Pacific slope and the sunny South, to meet our broth- ers and sisters of New England in this historic city. One year ago we met in the beautiful city of Nashville, in the State of Tennessee, which boasts of having furnished two Presidents of the United States, whose ashes repose in its sacred soil and whose tombs are under the watchful and paternal care of the commonwealth. To day we meet near the spot where the Pilgrim Fathers landed and planted the first New England colo- ny. lt was here where the first form of constitu- tional government upon this continent, based upon political equality and recognizing as its crowning glory and excellence, its chief conserv- ative principle, the paramount authority of the Divine Will, was founded. We are assembled to-day near the place where the first resistance to British tyranny was made, and within a few miles of the battle-field where the first blood of the Revolution was shed. We are almost under the shadow of the monument which marks the spot where the battle of Bunker Hill was fought, and where thegallant \\"arren fell, and among a people who old proprietorship of that ancient and spacious hall, which history has denominated the “cradle of liberty.” Corning together as we do from every portion of our common country, and holding our annual sessions in the great business and commercial centers of the nation, widely separated from each other, flttingly demonstrates the importance of our calling, the nationality of our organizafiou, and that in our purposes and our fraternal work we recognize no ‘North, no -South, no East," no Vliest, but, as citizens of one common country, are working togethcrin a common cause. \\'e have reason to congratulate ottrselves upon the favorable auspices under which we have assembled in this nineteenth annual session of this body. The present year has been one of usual health and prosperity to our people.‘ No pestilence lms visited our land, and the earth has yielded an abundrtnt harvest. The principles which underlie our organization, and the purpo- ses we aim to accomplish, are becoming better understood and appreciated by the American farmers, and the glorious work of our Order is going forward with unabated zeal. Then let us with thankful hearts render praise to the Great Dispenser of all good, and invoke His benedic- tion upon our cause, and His aid in our delibera- trons. ORIGIN or UUR ORDER. Much has been said and written upon this sub- ject; and it is recorded that on the 4th day of December, 1867, in the city of Vlfashington, the Order was formed. But the circumstances and events which inspired the thoughts and action of its founders had their origin long zmteriorto that event. The germ of civil liberty planted upon these shores by the early colonists, and subse- quent events which culminated in the establish- ment of a form of govemment based upon the natural equality and inalienable rights of all men. laid the foundation for an intelligent and independent agriculture upon this continent. It is a part of the history of the stirring events which resulted in the separation of the colonies from the mother country, that farmerswere called from the plow and the harvest field, to lend armies in fighting the battles forliberty, and sub- sequently to sit in the councils of the nation. Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of In- dependence and a true friend of agriculture, de- clared that his confidence in the perpetuity of republican institutions in this country was based upon the fact that agriculture was to be the chief occupation of the people. Washington, the famier President, in his fourth annual message to Congress, recommended legislation to aid and encourage this great national industry, and the committee-having the matter in charge reported a bill for creating a National Board of Agricul- ture, to be composed of “the Judges of the Su- preme Court, members of the Cabinet, and of the National Congress.” The apparent ludi- crousness of creating a National Board of Agri- culture to be composed of judges, cabinet oth- cers, and members of Congress, will, in a meas- ure be dispelled, when we reflect that at that time Cultivators of the soil were frequently to be found among the counselors and law-makers of the nation. This bill did not, however, become a law, and it does not appear that any farther at- tempts to aid agriculture by national legislation was made until i839 when Congress appropriated $500 to be expended by the Commissioner of Patentsin collecting agricultural statistics. The Commissioner of Patents was thus made the na- tional guardian of the agricultural interests, and foster father of the Agricultural Bureau. Small appropriations were annually made thereafter for this purpose until I862,when the infant Bureau was taken from its unnatural guardian and indif- ferent rotector, and made a separate and inde- pende t department. The act of Congress creating it, was the first friendly recognition which this interest had received from the govern- ment and to the organization of this new de- partment can be traced the culminating circum- stances which resulted in giving birth to thc"()rder of the Patrons of Husbandry.” Contrary to usage and precedent, but for rea- sons which have never been fully e:.'pl:1ined, posi- tions were given iu the department to two true and earnest friends of agriculture. William Saunders, a practical and scientific pomologist and horliculturist, was placed in charge of the gardens and grounds, and O. H. Kelley, a prac- tical and representative farmer of Minnesota,was given a clerkship. Mr. Saunders had previously been engaged in organizing and conducting as- sociations of gardeners and fruit-growers,both in Great Britain and in this country; and as early as I855 he published an article in the American Farmer, in which he “deplored the lack of or- ganized unity among farmers,” showing at length some of the unjust burdens the farmers were com- lled to bear, and the extortions they were sub- jected to; “that notwithstanding they were large- ly the majority of the laboring classes, and far more numerous ,than all the professions com- bined, they were seldom represented in legisla- tive bodies or cabinets, and had little, if any, in- fluence in the government of the country.” As :1 remedy for these evils and grievances he recommended “the formation of a national‘ or- ganization, to embrace all persons interested in agricultural pursuits, in which to combine their , power and influence, and thus procure their full and proper share in the government of the States and the Nation." The plan proposed “town- ship or district societies; representatives from these to form county r-iocicties; these by represen- tatives to constitute State societies, and these agaiu to be represented in :1 National society, to supervise and direct the interests and affairs of the entire unity.” It will be seen from this brief reference to Mr. Snunders‘s plan that itvirtually embr:xcer.l the organization and general purposes of our Order, except its ritual and its secret signs and tokens of recognition. But it does not seem to have met with any favorable response from the farrhcrs of the country; at least there is no- account of any effort being made to put the sug- gestions into practice. It was not until Mr. Kelley, familiarizcd with the condition and necessities of agriculture by practical experience in farming, took his position in the Department in 1864, and subsequently traveled through the Southern States under in- structions of the Commissioner of Agriculture,to collect statistical information upon the resources of the South and condition ofits :tgriculture,nnd by him, that the necessity of :1 great agricultural brotherhood, national in character and unsec- tional in its work, was presented to the under- standing of intelligent and thoughtful men and women, with such well grounded reasons and un- faltering faith as to elicit their careful investiga- tion and inspire them to action. Whether Mr. Kelley had ever seen the article published by Mr. Saunders twelve yearsb ore or not, does not appear, but if he had, it cou d not add to, or de- tract from, the honors whichj belong to each, as originators of our frateruity;.' It is presvmable at least, that the idea of such an org:tniz._1ti0n was original with Mr. Kelley, and incited by the stirring events which were going on around him. In Washington he had an opportunity to see and learn something of the potent influences which combine to direct the executive work, and shape the legislation of the country. He snvv the conunercial interest, the niztlmfacturing inter- est, the mining interest. the banking interest, and the great railroad interest, all largely rep» rcseutcdin botlt branches of C-;mgr4:.».~;, and in every department of the govcrnmmt, lilltl all thoroughly organized with rational, state and local organizations, aided by the best legal talent of the nation, ever at their command, and co- operating together to so influence and mold leg- islation, as to turn the .\i(.‘£lLl_V and constantly flowing stream of wealth, which the toiling hus- bandmcu of the country are constantly pouring into the avenues of busixxcss. into their own cof- fers. On the other hand he saw the greatest in- terest iu the couutry—-agriculture, in whirl) more than one-half of our entire p, ulation were cu- gaged, unorganized and witiid f’ representation in the law-making or other departments of the govemment,—powerless before this mighty ur- ray of organized and incorporated wealth which was exercising with unscntpulous arrogance un- just franchiscs purchased by the inordinate use of money obtained by legalized extortion from the products of husbandry. Although the ganncnts dyed in blood had passed away, and the country was again undi- vided and_ indivisible, yet in his southern travels, blackened ruins, abandoned fields, and desolatcd homes met his gaze on every hand. The South and no small portion of the North, was furrowcd with graves, and the whole land was shrouded with mourning, and peopled with crippled, wounded, dying soldiers, while in thousands of desolate homes “grief was completing the carn- age of war;” and a deep and intense bitterness engendered by the events of the cruel and un- natural struggle existed between the people of the North and the South. With Mr. Kclley’s observing habits and active mind, be naturally took in the situation, and came to the conclusion, (using his own language) “that politicians would never restore peace in the couutry,and ifit come at allit must be through fraternity; the people North and South must know each other as members of a great family, and all sectionalism be abolished.” He expressed these sentiments in a letter written while in the South, and to his friend, the Rev. John Trimblc, an officer in the Treasury Department, on his return to Washington; and then went to his farm in Minnesota. lie must have seen in his home- ward travels, that poverty, and the depressed condition of farmers, was not confined to the South alone, for on the rich prairies, and all along the valleys and hillsides of the West,could be seen farmers living in hovels, before which as Whittier says: “A tree casts the trernulous shadow of its leaves across the curtaiuless win- (low, from the broken panes of which flutters the signal rags of poverty;” while their rickety barns were fairly bursting with the products of their labor, and the men who handled and manipu- ulated these poor farmers’ grain, were living in palaces, surrounded with all that wealth and lux- ury could afford. In all this he saw :1 great wrong, and becamc'more deeply impressed with the necessity of an organization among farmers, for the protection of their interests, education and elevation of their class, and for restoring friendly feelings and umty of action, between the people of the North and the South. He returned to Washington in the fall of 1866, and took a position in the Postoflice Department where he became acquainted with Wm. M. Ire- land an ofiicer in the saute Department, and _l. R. Thompson, an officer in the 'l‘rc:1sury De- partment, and sought their the importance of such an orgtmization. By mu- tual consent the trio consulted Wm. Saunders, whose early expressed views, and well digested plan of such an organization must have been of great value in their consultations. Subsequently the. Rev. A. B. Grosh, ofthe Agricultural De- partment, F. M. McDowell, a pomologist of 0 Wayne, New York, and the Rev. lm Trimblc, were added to their number; and the seven com- posed the founders of the “Order of the Pat- rons of Husbandry.” For five long years, this immortal seven—-spending such time as could be spared from their v_ocations——toiled with thought ful_ and unremitting diligence, in discussing the principles and features, and forming plans for the organxzattomand in framing a Constitution Ritual and the Esoteric Work, before it attained sulfi- ctent prominence to attract the attention, or ex- cite the curiosity of the world, , It has been said that the founders of our Order counsel in relation to_ were not farmers. 'l'his-is‘ not strictly correct. As already stated, 0. H. Kelley was :1 practical farmer, and I". M. McDowell was born on afarm, and has been engaged in zxgriculturztl pursuits nearly all his life, living on and cultivating his own farm, orchard and vineyard. john Trimblc was the son of :\ teacher, who mvnetl and culti- vated :1 farm, which is still held in the family. llencc his early education and life interest have bound his feelings" and ::,ymp:tthic.s firmly to ag- riculture. lt is 5.15:! that A. B. (imsh w‘.1s zt farmers’ sun; of tlxisl h.“.vc no reliable knowl- edge, but his llfe‘s work .~:lmwcns was again inli’-9Il1lCt‘=l by the lll(l(‘ll’1il1il)lL‘ l-lcztgztn, and passcxl the llouse of the l.1.stl.'mu_;rc~.~, but met the f:ttc*0f its prctlcct--.-nr in the St-nztte. The Senate dial, however, pass :1 sub.-atitutc for the bill, providing for an expensive Rnilronul (Tom mission»-to be appointed by the l’rcsidcnt and. Vsuatc and paid by the people's nmrx-cy——-tr-. make regulations for companies cngztgetl in in- ter—St.':.te traffic. lam satisfied that the l'lCllA.'ll of the House in rejecting this measure was in h:u‘- mony with the views of our members and pub lic sentiment generally; for experience has - shown that the smaller the body or -smmnission. having public interests in charge, and the fztrther the appointing power, which creates it, is re moved from the ballot box, the less: interest will.- ll. have for the people’s rights, and the more pn- tent will mercenary influences be mcontrnl it Acommittee was then appointed by the Senate to take evidence and collect information upon this subject during the recess of Congress, and report to that body at its next session what legis- lation, if any, is needed to regulate the railroad business of the country. lt is to be hoped that this committ'ee will be as faithful to its trust as was that headed by Senator \Vindom in r874,aml there can be no good reason why it will not be. But if the members do their whole duty they will not. take. evidence from railroa«lofi'ici.1ls and large shippers alone, for the farmer are interest- ed witnesses-anrl the latter care only for uniform rates; but tht=.y- will switch off their palace car at way stations, go out among the fr-.rmcr.»', see where they live, observe their surmundingsz, and learn of them what it costs to raise :t bu.-zlit-l of grain, a pound of beef, pork, or muttml, the price it brings them.at the depot, and the cost of ship ping the same tothe se:1-board, or place of con- sumption; then compare the fzmucrs’ profits with those of. the transporters and shippers. and they will then, have some correct data ffnm which to draw their report, and frame :1 bill that will be just to all parties alike. I received a circular let- ter issued by- the committee, soliciting Ill1SWL’l‘S to certain inquiries therein contained. which l en- deavored to answer in accord with what I under- stood to be the expressed views of this body. I herewith submit the same. The work of our- Order, in this contest with the milrortds, has not been confined wholly to efforts to secure friendly national legislation for farmers and flu: public in terest.. Through its direct influence most of the- Statcs have already enacted wholesome laws reg- ulating railrond traffic within their borders, and :1 most wonderful change has been wrought in public sentiment. VVe have now manv ‘public men who dare to stand by the penplé in (big contest with monopolies, and the people stand by them at the ballot box. I ' Political parties no longer hesitate in declare in favor of regulating both State and inter-State commerce, and to recognize the impnrtzmce of agriculture to national prosperity. I’:-csideux Arthur, in his message to the 48th Congress, says: . “No indjvrdiml and no cm'por:ttion ought to be invested with absolute power over the imerests of any other citizen or class of citi.'.cns; and it seems ‘but jpst, that so for as its constitutional authority will permit, (,‘ongres.»: should protect the people at large in their inter-State traliic, against acts of injustice which the State govern- ments are powerless to prevent.” This recommendation embodies all that we- have ever asked at the hands of Congress, and just what the Reagan bill was intended to ac- complish; and to the Senate alone must we at- tribute our defeat. But let us withhold judg- ment until Jud e Cullom’s Committee makes its. report and that _ dy has an opportunity to recon- sider its action. , Through our organized influence we have al- -so endeavored to procure an amendment to the Patent _Law, so as togivc some degree of protec- tion to1nnocent_purchasers and users of patent- ed amdes. making the manufacturers, and vend- OYS: Vfllh th€l_X"i_lg¢niS and accessories, alone re- 5P0n5lb1¢ fol’ Infringing patents, and nol. the in.- “°‘-'em “SET: Wl|_° 1135 purchased in good faith in open market, without any intention of violating the law.’ Such’ a bill was‘, prepared and’ passed the House of the‘ th C ’ ‘ 'b . mmlbedin me _ ongress, ut was en ‘ !; 3. - W. J ..,= We have also labored long and well to secure the passage by Congress of a bill to elevate the Agricultural Department, extend its scope and" influence , and give the Coma-iissioner a position in_the President's Cabinet u'l'ierc he can have a voice and vote, and direct influence with the gr-vf-mment, in shaping its policy, and in pro- tecting the agricultural interest, from which the nation draws its very life-blood of existence, from the grasping avariciousaess of combined and incorporated wealth. A bill for this purpose passed the House of the 47th Congress by the necessary two thirds vote, but like the other measures for the relief and_ protection of agricul- ‘ ture met wth nofavor in I/It Stnalr. The fol- lowing from one of the leading national journals is one of the arguments used to defeat this meas- ure: “An olhcer whose legal functions do not take him outside of the domain of seeds, fertil- izers, potato bugs, and the diseases of cattle, is not absolutely essential as a cabinet minister." And yet, there is not one of the great nations upon the European: continent but has its Minis- ter of Agriculture, occupying the same position in the government that Cabinet ministers do in ours. ‘ These three measures were defeated in the Senate by the combined influence of (:0rpor:t- tions and individuals, who fatten and grow rich a.t"the expense of agriculture. A proimnent at- torney of one of the great railroad oorpnratiniis has been credited with saying: “\Ve have lost our power in the States, in the House of Repre- sentatives in Congress and in the courts: and our only remaining. hope for niaintainiug our vested rights 2': in the Uni/rd S/(llt'.i‘ .S'ma!e.“ lfthc power of monopoly is being driven from State legislatures, the popular branch of Coiig'rcss,anrl the courts , and is entrcnching itself in the Uni- ted States Senate, our tactics niust be clirmgerl and the enemy stormed in his stronghold. It is a question which merits our consideration, whether or not “a government of the people and for the people can be safe, with the members of one branch of it, which holds the‘ balance of power, and controls the appointment of all the important ofiicers of the government, so far re- moved from the sulfrages of the people as United States Senators are. I have referred to these questions-—.so import- ant to the publlt: welfare——to show to the mem- bers of our fraternity, to the American farmers and the American people, some of the measures of reform which have been inaugurated and prosecuted by our organization, the progress made, and where the responsibility of the de- feats we have suffered, rests. EDUCATION AND 1-;l.l‘1\'A'l‘t0i\‘. Our greatest achievements are not, however, to be found in our efforts to secure favorable and friendly legislation for our interests, but in the great work of educating and elevating our class. When our Patrons‘ ship was first launched upon the great, ocean of public turmoil and strife in I873, farmers and their families were, to a very great extent, isolated from; each,other in their, social and business relations, plodding single- handed and alone in their work of cultivating their farms and endeavors to support their_fami- lies from the products of the same. They were unaccustomed to the discipline of close organi- zations, ritualistic work or parliamentary usage. Famiers were seldom found in places of public trust, or taking part in public meetings and dis- cussions, or occupying the rostrum. The agri- cultural literature of the country was confined to a few volumes, containing only the cogitations of theorists in agricultural science, and a very limited number of poorly patronized journals to which few practical farmers furnished contribu- tions. But few could be found who favored a higher education for farmers‘ sons and daughters and agricultural and industrial schools and col- leges had but few advocates. Well developed muscles and a disposition to use them, was con- sidered to be the surest means of success in farming. When Congress made an appropriation to en- dow agricultural colleges, many farmers were either too indifferent to their own interests, or prejudiced against such schools to appreciate the favor, and in several States allowed other institu- tions to seize upon and appropriate the funds to their own use and benefit, satisfying farmers with a department of agriculture, and that in name only, but sufficient to answerthe requirements of the law. He who fails to see and acknowledge the great change that has been wrought,.and the influence which our Order has exerted in producing the same, certainly cannot be credited with any great amount of discernment. ’ . Farmers, with their wives and children, have come together in the Grange, cultivated sociabil- ity, friendship and confidence in eachother, sub- mitted to useful discipline, learned parliamentary usage, accustomed themselves to read and recite in public, write and read essays, and speak in debate and on the rostrum. Coming. together as a band of brothers and sisters, under pledges of fidelity to each other and a firm resolve to cul- tivate a higher manhood and womanhood for themselves, they have been inspired to labor with diligence in their eliorts to excel, to emulate worthy examples and conduct themselves with circumspection. By cultivating respect and es- teem for each other the ties of fraternity have been strengthened. By taking an active part in the literary work of the Grange, a greater desire for useful knowledge has been created, and the shelves and center table better supplied with books and journals. Under the direct influence and teachings of the Grange thousands of rural homes have been beautified and their surround- ings made more cheerful and attractive; and many sad and despoiident hearts have been made to rejoice in happier homes and more endearing family ties. The early care and training of chil- dren has received attention, and many_parent_s have been made happier in realizing its salutary influence upon the lives of their sons and daugh- ters, and their growing attachment for home, and in being able to keep the loved ones upon the farm. Work and business operations upon the farm have been systematized, and the burden of labor lighteuel. Farms have been better cultivated an-l made more productive. Live stock has been improved, more humanely treated and bet- ter cared for. Farmers have been made to read and think and investigate and act for themselves, co.i.=c-quentiy have become more self-reliant and in-lepzu-.lent. They have been induced to take mo.'e ititc-rest in public affairs, and being better qualilicd to do so, are often called to fill public oflizes, to preside over conventions and delibera- tive botlies, and to address public assemblies. It is :1 funrlainental principle of the Order to pro- vide for cur children the means ‘for obtaining a hig'ier and more practical education, and better suited to the farmer's calling. Hence we have atlvocated for every State an independent Agri- cultural and Industrial Colle c, with an experi- mental farm attached. The ruifs of our labors in this direction are to be found in the great and growing prosperity which has attended lllefe 13' stitutions during the past few "years, and in the establishment of Experiment Stations in several States; also in the introduction into Congress, of a Bill providing for a Nationd Agrhultural Ex- periment Station in each of the several states of the Union. Congress should be memorialized for the pasage of this measure. SICTIONALISH AB ~ As already shown, it was A part of the mis- sion of the Order, to allay, as far, as possible. the sectional prejudice and bitterness which had been en ndcred by the eventiiaf the war. Rep- resentatdvfiirsen and women, wligwwete Husband- men an tons, represen great agncu - tnral interests of the North’-fig S<_>Ifl1s359€Y-“bled in this National Grange, seized eadipther by the hand, exchanged the fraternal gnp_of the "Good Patron,” and as brothers and sisters of cltegreat family seeking each outer’: good and TIEIEEI each other’s interest, formed auebiifing friend- ship for each other, and cemented it by the ties of brotherly love. They sepuahd and returned to their several homes, disseminating these feel- ings and sentiments among .their§_bze.tbern of the Order, and their neighbors and friends. Annu- ally, for eleven years, representatives from the Subordinate and State Granges have come to- gether, bringing aud returning ’ messages of peace“and good-will. I utter it as my firm con- viction, that our organization has done more to allay sectional bitterness and restore good under- standing and friendly relations between the peo- ple of the North and South, than all other influ- ences combined. In addition to all this ithas been well and truthfully said: “The Order of Patrons of Husbandry has ena- bled farmers to put their impress upon the gov- ernment of many states; it has provided ways by which great savings have been realized; it has taught farmers the strength of numbers, and the potency of organized effort to accomplish useful purposes. Above all and beyond all these mate- rial advantages, it has elevated the standard of manhood and womanhood in the representatives of :i great industry, where muscle before, was re- garded as superior to mind; it has made farmers more worthy citizens, and has given their fami- lies higher consideration. Its principles -are in accord with the strictest rules of morality, and its teachings have tended to refine and elevate all its members." Truly, our Order isfulfl//ing its mirsian, and has already accomplished agreat work, which no careful observer can fail to see and acknowl- edge. And yet there are broad and unfinished fields of labor before us, and new ones constant- ly opening up to our view. OH R Sl,‘Il0()l.S. That our schools and the educational systeni of the country have not kept fully up with the times and the demands of our great civilization the following testimonials will indicate. One of the oldest and most popular professors in West Point has said: “That the young men who apply for admis- sion to that militiry institute are not so well versed in the rudiments of an English education as were the young men of the last generation.” He attributes this change to the pernicious habit which has grown up in our public schools of try- ing to give the young a smattering of many studies, but no sufficient knowledge of any of the ordinary branches which used to be taught quite thoroughly twenty or thirty years a o. gGeneral Walker, late Commissioner of the U. 5. Census Bureau, in an address before the Na- tional Teachers’ Association said: “That the tendency of all our higher schools is to magnify clerical and professional work, at the expense of hard labor.” It is in these schools that the men and women who do much to mold public sentiment and give shape to our laws are trained. Is it any wonder then" that our land .is filled with young men ‘and women who look upon labor as ignoble and de- grading, and will sacrifice honesty, morality,and all that is good and virtuous in the human char- acter to avoid it? “This Upas tree of injustice. monopoly and caste, under whose baleful shadow the sweet flowers of humanity wither, and whose bi-tter fruit the millions eat and die, has its roots in the false education of our youth.” We want a class of schools and system of in- struction, which shall bring the means for a practical education suited to the wants of every condition of life, within the reachof every child in the community. We want a system which shall include manual labor in conjunction with, and as an essential part of intellectual culture, develop strong bodies, active intellects, :i love for work and contempt for idleness; and fit men and women for the industrial pursuits, as well as for “clerical and professional work." If our free institutions and our national fame are to be saved from that “pit of luxury, sensual- ism and corruption which swallowed up the lost nations of olden times," such a system must be secured; for only such training of the young can give to our country a race worthy of its name and grandeur, and fit to achieve its magnificent des- tiny. CORRUPT USE 01-‘ Mom-:3‘ IN ELECTIONS. Another barrier to our work, and danger to our institutions, is in the corrupt use of money by corporations, political parties and candidates, to control elections. This practice is antagonistic to every principle of ademocratic government, gives a lie to the doctrine of political equality, and invests concentrated wealth with absolute power over the people in electing public officers and shaping the policy of the government. Governor Bell, of New Hampshire, in his in- augural address in 1881, said: “The improper use of money to influence popular elections is a crying evil of our times. It has become so gen- eral that little or no secrecy is made of it, and that well-meaning men assume to justify it. But nothing can be more fatal to the fate of our free institutions. When the largest purse secures the election to office, we may bid farewell to liberty and virtue in the government.” The New York legislative committee appointed to investigate the management of the Erie rail- road in 1873, in theirreport, said; “The evidence exposed the reckless and prodigal use of money, wrung from the people, to purchase the election of the people's representatives, and to bribe them when in oflice.” The report of the Railroad Commissioners of Georgia for I881, in referring to this subject, said: “The moral and social consequences of these corruptions are even worse than the political; they are simply appalling. We contemplate them with anxiety and dismay. The demoral- ization is worse than that of war——as fraud is meaner than force, and trickery than violence. Aside from their own corruptions_ the operators aim directly at the corruption of the pres: and the Goruernment.” Governor Gray, of Indiana, in his message to the Legislature in I881, said: _ “In my judgment the Republic can not live long in the atmosphere which now surrounds the ballot-box. Moneyed corporations, to secure favorable legislation for themselves, are taking an active part in elections by furnishing large sums of money to corrupt the voter and purchase special privileges from the Government.” If money can control the decision of the bal- lot-box, it will not be long until it can control its existence. _ Evidence of the existence and_ effect of this corrupting practice could be multiplied, but the above will suffice. The power to abolish it and purify elections is‘ with the several States; and we can do much through our State and Subordi- nate organizations to enlighten the masses and arouse public sentiment to frown upon the evil and demand reform. _ THE CAUCUS SYSTEM. I am inclined to the opinion that if farmers ever acquire the influence in politics and public affairs which their numbers, their intelligence, and the importance of their vocation entitle them, a radical change must be made in the re- vailing system by which nominations to 0 cc are made. In I recent and valuable work on “The American Caucus S stem, its Ori n, Pur- pose and Utility," by the n. Geoitge . Law- ton, I find the following yery sensible mid—to my mind—wise and practical suggestion for re-_ forming our present caucus system. The author Y“ . . “Avoid large assemblies. Do iiot_ bring the electors of 9. large and populous district into one caucus. Increase the number_of.caucuses by as- signing so small a territory to liS']|ll'lSd.lCl.l0‘l1 that the number of all the electors within it will not be too great for every resident to be known by GRANGE I'VISITOR. sight to his fellows. This may easily be effected in the count , as a caucus there can be assigned for each sin I political division, as, for example, a school district. * * * In cities, give a caucus to everfy one, two, or three blocks, re- quiring one or one hundred, two hundred, or three hundred people—three hundred should be the maximum number.” 0 - Under our present system for electing delegates to nonfinatingrconventions, the township caucus is generally held in the village or place of hold- ing the elections. Farmers have many miles to travel to reach it, and as a rule but few attend. This is favorable for the scheming politicians, who, with an element easily controlled, can so manipulate them as to favor their own interest. Whereas, if‘ the eight, ten or fifteen delegates to be chosen were apportioned to the school dis- tricts, and a caucus held in each to elect its one or two delegates, as the case may be, the influ- ence of village saloons, or the one in the grocery upon the four corners, would in a great measure be avoided; and a much greater number of the prominent tax—paying citizens of the township would take part in selecting such delegates. This is a question worthy of our consideration, and a profitable theme for (liscussinn in our Su- bordinate Granges. l«‘lNA.\’t,‘l-.. The condition of the finances of the National Grange will appear from the Treasurer's report, but ldesire to call attention to the fact that in 1876 we had S6o,o)o invested in Government bonds, but during that and the following year $15,000 of these were mld and most of the money realized from them donated to the State Granges. From I877 to I882 our net :ninn.il rc- ceipts failed to meet current expenses and pay the cost of our annual sessions; and by the an- nual sale of bonds our investments were reduced. to $38,000. Since 1882 the receipts have met all expenditures, and kept a good working bal- ance in the treasury. I am firmly of the opinion that the future prosperity and the perpetuity of the Order depends largely upon the continuation of this policy of exercising the strictest economy in every department of the National Grange, and that under no circumstances should our se- curities be reduced another dollar. The $38,000 left are six per cent. bonds, and mature in about twelve years. They are now worth a premium of about 35 per cent. on a dollar, and if sold now would realize to the treasury the sum of $51,300. As the time of maturity approaches the premium will diminish——hence the question of changing these securities should be well con- sidered by those having charge of our National Grange finances. CONDITION OF THE ORDER AND CONCLUSION. The condition of the Order in the several States will be shown by the reports of the State Masters, but I am satisfied that it is generally good, and in most of the States prosperous. Since our last meeting a revival of Grange work has taken place in Connecticut, which will be noted with much interest. For five years a sin- gleflrange had workedsolitary and alone in.that State with the motto of our Order, “ESTO-PER- PETUAH’, upon its walls. In January, 1885, the Master, Sherman Kimberly, reported forty- two members in good standing. In March fol- lowing I appointed him General Deputy, with authority to organize Granges in the State. In anuary last he reported one new Grange organ- ized, making two in the State with a member- ship of I31, and in July last he organized a State Grange with sixteen Subordinate Granges and a membership of 700. To-day there is more than 1,000 members enrolled in the books of the Subordinate Granges, and the representa- tives of that State Grange are now occupying seats in this body. Here is an example of faith and perseverance in Grange work worthy of imi- tation. Indications of a reviving interest is also ap- parent in Nebraska. I appointed two deputies for that State, and two new Granges have been organized, and one re-organized, but no farther marked progress has been made. I am inclined, however, to the opinion that “fields in that State are now ready for the harvest," and that a good, competent lecturer would in a few weeks be able to organize a State Grange upon a per- manent basis which would honor the Order and beat lasting benefit to the toiling husbandmen of‘ that State. Wherever the work languishes it is through a failure to comprehend the necessity of such an organization among farmers, or a want of a clear understanding by the members of its real object and purpose. Hence the work of enlightenment must be carried into the Subordinate Granges, by lecturers, special documents, and the Grange press. SUSTAIN TIIE GRANGE PRESS. The lecture system is a strong arm of support and effective in arousing men to action. It can- not be dispensed with and should be encouraged and strengthened; but it is expensive, and funds are not always on hand to pay lecturers. The National Grange cannot furnish lecturers for State Granges, and do justice to all, without ex- hausting its treasury. This would be an unwise and ruinous policy. Special documents are val- uable. and should be as liberally supplied and as widely circulated as possible; but they are too expensive, and generally fail to reach the masses. In my judgment the Grange press is the cheapest and most efficient medium for the dissemination of information among our mem- bers, and for enlightening public sentiment that can be employed. A good lecture, that costs ten dollars or more, may be listened to, and benefit a few hundred, or a few thousand persons; the same published in the score or more of journals devoted to the Or- der, at an expense too insignificant to mention, would reach two or three hundred thousand readers. I therefore urge that our Grange jour- nals be encouraged b all means proper to use, and at our comman , and their circulation ex- tended as widely as possible. In conclusion, I will say that we need a more marked revival in our work, and I mistake the signs of the times if we are not on the eve of such a revival. A revival in the religion of the Grange, if you please; for the Grange has a religion, pure and undefiled, which has been beautifully portrayed, together with the needed revival, by the Rev. Dr. Grosh—one of the founders of the Order and first Chaplain of the National Grange. Quoting in part from Dr. Ctiyler, Bro. Grosh said: “The revival, then, which we need, is a revival of the religion which keeps God's commandments; which tells the truth, and sticks to its promises; which pays a hundred cents on a dollar; which cares more for a good character than a fine coat; -wlzirfi vote: at the ballot-box in 111: same direction tlzat z'tpray:,' which denies ungodly lusts, and which can be trusted in every stress of temptation. A revival which will rwtetm our homer, and r/rat-ten our press, and'pur1_'fy gar politics, and cleans: our fiwimxr and commzrce from roguery and rotten- ners, would be a- boon from heaven. A revival which will bring not only a Bible knowledge, but a Bible conscience, to all, is what the land is dying for. The world's sorest want to-day is more Christ-like men and women. ing it needs is more sermons in shoes. “Then let the homes send into the Granges a continuous stream of accessions taught in such a revived religion; and but very few years——but a generation at most—would make all comipt par- ties and rings and legislatures and congresses and graspin monopolies, so effectually things of the past t at their mention would sound like that of the Deluge, or the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. And our homes-—the homes of our land—how blemed would they be in the at- mosphere of such a religion, thus constantly re- vived in the minds and hearts of their inmates! A heaven would each be——an earthly heaven to go to heaven in." Then let us in our deliberations here, in out The preach- State, County and Subordinate Granges through- out the land, with our tongues and our press, with our examples and our prayers, work togeth- er for this revival in our fraternal work. J. J. WOODMAN. ggrirultitral @2pEttfttt¢tt‘l. The Farmer's Bell. BY 1. B. MITCHELL. - I sing not of the solemn tones that come from churclily spire, Nor cannons‘ boom, nor whistles‘ shriek, nor instrumental lyre. But of the modern rural sound I've learned to love the most, The often ringing farmer's bell that hangs upon the post, The iron bell, the dinner hell that hangs upon the post. Its metal, tho‘ of cheaper grade than copper mixed with tin, Fails not at just the noonday hour to make nie- lodious din. It Is the kitcheifs soul and breath-—potatoes, bread and roast Rings out the farmer's rusty bell that hangs upon the post. The iron bell, the dinner bcll that hangs upon the PO!-.i. And when the day of toil is o’t-r upon the dear old farm, There‘s something in its iron tone that has a merry chime: For its notes invite to chat and tea with those we love the most. The kettle—soun(-ling farmer's hell that hangs upon the post, The iron bell, the dinner bell that hangs upon the post. The farmer's bell proclaims of peace and plejity in the land, ’Tis the music of the “heart and horne"—-a hap- Dy household band. And the nation's sinews, strength and pride, from east to western coast Are the homes where rings the farmer's bell that hangs upon the post, The iron bell, the dinner hell that hangs upon the post. _ Most grand and most progressive age! lixalting to its place The sphere of those who till the soil—ennobling our race; .And this gives spirit to my song-—-it is my pride and boast To live in the time that popularized the bell upon the post, The iron bell, the dinner bell that hangs upon the post. Wheat. Does it pay the Michigan farmer to raise it at present prices? We were told years ago by those who ought to know that to raise wheat as we were then doing would ruin our farms; that this crop was taking the life blood out of the land, and that the crop was grad- ually growing less and less, and that soon its yield would be so low that it would not pay to raise it, and that then, when it was too late, we would see that we had ruined our land, and then would come the tug of war to find ways and means to restore the lost fertility. Between 30 and 40 years ago the 1112':/zégan Farmer was devoting its en- ergies largely to the task of persuading the farmers of Michigan to raise some- thing else besides wheat, as that was so uncertain, and the yield was such at that time that it did not pay to raise it. The yield for the State at that time (and mark you that was when the land was new) was about IO bushels per acre as an average for five years." Now and then a farmer would raise considerable more than the average, but even they thought wheat was a very poor paying crop to raise. It may be both interest- ing and instructive to compare some of the figures of that early time with those of to-day and see if we have good cause of complaint on account of the wheat crop at the present time. I will give the figures of 36 years ago as to the cost of raising wheat, based upon the average for five years, by a man who raised fifteen bushels per acre for the five years, while the State only yielded ten bushels per acre for the same time. Summerfallowing, ten acres, plowing twice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2o.oo One day sowing the same . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Three days harrowing in seed . . . . . . . . . 4.50 12% bushels seed wheat at 63 cents. . . . 7.87% Harvesting at st per acre . . . . . . . . . . . .. to.oo Hauling and threshing I50 bushels at 8 cents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.00 Marketing at 4 cents a bushel . . . . . . . . . 6.00 Making a total cost of . . . . . . . . . . . . 6I.t2}4 Credit by I50 bushels of wheat at 63 cents it bushel, that being the aver- age price, and t 5 bushels to the acre the average yield, for the five years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94.50 Deduct the cost of raising . . . . . . . . . . . . 6I.t2% Leaves a balance of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33.37% to pay two years’ interest on the cost of the land and wear and tear of tools, etc. Now it will be observed that this comparatively fortunate farmer, who raised half as much again as the ver- age for the State for the five years, has left 53.37% per acre to pay his two years’ interest on his land, taxes, insur- ance, use of buildings, etc. When these are deducted his expenses run ahead of his receipts, and where would the average farmer of that time find himself? Echo answers, where? How is it to-day? Of course we near- ly all say, as they did then, that wheat- raising don't pay, and that we are ruin- ing our land by wlieating it to death. Well, our Michigan method is a. funny way to kill of land, to have the yield of wheat increase as the land grows older, until at the present time, after half a century, the average is twice what it was then, and the wheat crop is to-day about the surest crop that the farmer ca.n'raise. While the cost of raising an. an acre of wheat is greater than then, and the average cost atritie over 59 cents per bushel, yet for southern Michigan the net income to the farmer, after he gets good pay for all his work, is 54-46 MARCH 15, 1886. per acre, and for the northern Michigan farmer, $5.93. This is no big thing to get from a wheat crop, and is not as well as we may do, yet it is much better, as I have shown, than they did at that early day when the soil was new and rich. The present must be counted as a successful generation of wheat farmers. who know well what they are doing; and the recent Institute at Climax, in this county, brought out men who on old wheat farms are now raising such enor- mous wheat crops that the total cost the past year has been less than 40 cents per bushel, leaving the enormous profit of_45 to 50 cents per bushel at present prices. A word to the wise. however, may not be out of place. We must get from 20 bushels up to 50 per acre, and the larger the yield the cheaper per bushel can we raise it. . The above showing seems to indicate that very many farmers are making a good thing out of wheat at the present time, and possibly more than from any other farm crop, excepting Bohemian oats. _ A question right here might be in or- der: If the average yield of wheat per acre is increasing at such a. great rate as is indicated above, how long will it be before wheat-raising runs out in Michigan. Those who think that the increased yield points to prospective sterility, would no doubt figure out from a decreasing yield per acre good proof of increasing fertility. WM. STRONG. Kalamazoo, Mich., Feb. 9, 1886. — _ Sowing Clover Seed. [From the Agricultural College.) As to the best time and method of sowing clover seed, we have tried sow- ing on frozen ground, later on snow or ground not frozen, and still later with andwithout harrowing. We have had a good catch with each method, and we have occasionally failed with each, so that we cannot say that any one of these or any other will always prove successful. Seasons and soils and con- ditions of soil vary so greatly that the best way this year may not’ be the best next season. My own experience, how- ever, leads me to the conclusion that it is safer to wait until the ground is set- tled, then sow and harrow thoroughly with a light harrow, and then follow with roller. We use the Caltoon or wheelbarrow seeder, and last season we secured a “Strowbridge broadcast seed- er,” which can be quickly attached to a wagon and has given perfect satisfac- tion, both in sowing clover and grain. It is manufactured by the Racine Seed- er Co., Racine, Wis. With light lands, where it is difiicult to get a good seeding of clover, I have found it a good plan to sow the clover with the wheat (we always sow timothy in the fall) getting it in early—the last days of August or first of September. Almost invariably I have secured a good catch of clover, but sometimes the growth of clover is so strong as to lessen the yield of wheat. I have sown clover in August on light land thoroughly prepared, without any grain, and believe that on lands of this character it will frequently be found the best way to seed them. The problem is, how to seed our light opening lands. I have had little trouble with heavy soils. As to the amount of seed a wide difference of opinion prevails. Many farmers say a bushel of clover to ten acres; I think it safer to sow from six to eight quarts per acre. We have not experimented with mixed grasses for pasture, but intend to do so this season. We have grown Lu- cerne, Alsike orchard grass, oat grass and several other grasses for some years in one-eighth acre plats of each sort. While each has a value of its own and would be desirable in a pasture of mixed grasses, no one of them compares with our red clover as to quality, yield and adaptability to all soils. Clover is our main reliance for fodder and fertility. Prof. Brown, of Ontario, recommends for permanent pasture soils with a de- cided clayey tendency, seeded with the following mixture per acre: Grasses-— meadow fescue, 6 lbs.; meadow fox fair, 31bs.; timothy, 3 lbs.; English rye, 2 lbs.; Canadian blue, 4 lbs.; orchard, 3 lbs.; red top, 2 lbs.; yellow oat, 2 lbs.; tota_l, 25 lbs. C1overs—-Lucerne, 4 lbs.; white, 2 lbs.; alsike, 2 lbs.; red, 1 1b.; yellow, r lb.; total, 10 lbs.; total, including grasses, 35 lbs. per acre. He adds never less than 25 lbs.-with. the best conditions, nor more than 35 lbs. with poorest conditions. Keep all animals off the first year. Practice rolling every year and top dress with barnyard manure every third year, after haying or in early fall. SAM’L Jonxsox. HiLLsfi>ALi«:, Feb. 15, x885. Bro. C. S. Killmer, of Arenac,ina late number of the VISITOR seems to have been in a gloomy frame of mind when he wrote. that farmers, as a rule, think it as much out of their line of business to write an article for publication as the legal fra- ternity think it out of theirs to get an honest living in the harvest field. I dp not sympathize with the writer in the gloomy view he takes of the Grange; and if I did I would not publish it, for it’_s catching. Now there is no class with better native ability or‘ that is quicker to discern, or that will adapt themselves to circumstances more read. He should remember A MARCH 15, 1886 ' TEIE G-'I?;A.].\'l'C3-IE} VIQTTO-RI. 5% ily than the farmer. Nor is there any class that has better practical knowledge or outside of the profession that read more than they. Nor will they compare unfavorably with the professions outside of their particular line of business. They may not always have that refined polish, but that is only skin deep any- way; for it as often gives currency to villainy as beauty to sainthood. And their enterprise and energy and push are exhibited in every department of husbandry. And with the increased fa- -cilities for education, they are rapidly rising to a higher state of influence and refinement. And so far from being cring- i-ng cowards, with over one hundred years under the institutions of liberty, and until the love of independencehas become a part of their very being, so marked that it distinguishes them from" all other people; they are ready to de- fend their rights whenever known, no matter who is the offender. Great evils have grown up among us rapidly. And, as a class, we deprecate them. But just how to get out of our present condition we are not so well agreed. One sees his way out through the Knights of La- bor, another through the Grange, anoth- er through the Anti-monopoly party,an'd another is still trusting for better legisla- tion to one or the other of the old par- ties, that have fostered these evils or al- lowed them to develop in our midst un- heeded. It is to be regretted that through some organization there could not be more unity; sooner or later the end will be reached though it may be through confusion and blood. The worthy Brother thinks we don’t have opposition enough to keep us alive. “That human nature loves to fight”; that our principles are universally conceded to be right and therefore there is no room for contention, hence we die. Isn't it the same with the principles of the churches and aren’t they powers in the land. If our Worthy Brother's state- ments were true there would be no need of organization. All that would be nec- essary would be to arise at our leisure and enter into the promised land. But before we got there he would find a Red Sea and Jordan to cross. While in the- ory they are conceded to be right prac- tically they are contested at every point. But for encouragement I would say that Adams Grange, No. 286, five miles east of Hillsdale City, is alive and well and doing well and has enough opposi- tion to keep any Grange in good light- ing condition, and I wish our worthy Brother was with us to enjoy it. If I knew how to build a good out—door cel- lear I would certainly tell our worthy brother. But as I do not we will have to wait for our brother’s experience. And I hope we will agree perfectly next time. Brother Mayo has been with us and given us a grand, good lecture. We are six feet taller in the community than we were before he came. He left an ap- pointment for Sister Mayo sometime next summer. We will wait patiently until the time comes, then impatiently until she does come. WM. KIRBY. How to Raise Potatoes. Make the ground mellow; mark, with large cultivator teeth, three feet apart both ways. Cut seed into pieces con- taining one or two eyes and drop two pieces in a hill. Cover with a hoe and make the top of the hill as low as the surrounding ground. Poison the bugs of course, but don’t use four times the poi- son you need. Don't use a shovel plow; itfmakes furrows too deep and hills too much. Do all your cultivating before the potatoes set. just before digging pass the cultivator through with teeth set to turn the ground from the row. Dig with a manure fork with six tines, or less if the tubers are large. Sort in the field. G. R. ————:—-—o-—-————: Tl-IE farmers around Kankakee, Ill, have hit on a good scheme for their mutual information and benefit. They have opened a farmers’ club—room, where the farmers may congregate and there may be found the leading stock agricultural, local and daily periodicals and papers of the country. Market bulletins and reports are received at this club-room daily, which is comfortably furnished and.should prove aboon to the community. The membership fee is 31. Other towns ‘would do well to follow suit. —————-—-Cob}-—-———---~ A WELL-READ farmer,possessing gener- al knowledge of questions affecting the industries that contribute to the support of Government, is more likely to be- come a safe Legislator, when given the trial, than a lawyer, whose interest is by necessity, limited. But he is far less likely to be chosen, because he does not seek place, while the other Is always watchful, for the main chance. Legis- Iatur€.§ should be made up of good men representing all honest industries, In- terests and professions, for so would all receive due consideration. ~ IN I880 the cotton mills in the South numbered only 161; now there are 304, an increase of I43. In the same half decade the number of Southern spin- dles has increased by 619,328. In I880 the South had only 6.7 per cent. of the looms of the country, and it is some- thing to be able to show an increase of that percentage realized during the dark- est period ever known in the history of cotton-spinning in America. The fig- ures now give us ro.7 per cent. of all the spindles.—1V. 0. 2i'me.r. ‘goats! getting». IOWA. As rm; VISITOR has been adopted as an organ through which the Granges of Iowa are to communicate with each oth- er we are willing to contribute our mite. For the past year Greenwood Grange, No. I863, has been dormant-—asleep as it were—not having any meetings since Feb. 28, 1885, until to-day. This meet- ing was called by our Worthy State Mas- ter, ]. E. Blackford, for the purpose of reorganizing Greenwood Grange. Af- ter considerable discussion we reorgan- ized with twenty-eight members; pro- ceeded to elect and install the officers. Brother and Sister Blackford officiating. Listened‘ to several warm speeches by the brothers present, also by the W. S. M. Everything seems thoroughly rous- ed and the future looks brighter. The day passed all too soon. We were re- minded by the setting sun that we must close. We meet again two weeks from to—day, at which time we hope to take in several more members. ANNA WARNER. MICHIGAN. BRo. COBB:——I would like to ask what the duty on wheat from the United §tates into Canada is? if any! In con- versation with one of our State Senators he claimed there was none. I claimed there was. He gave no authority. I gave as mine the Rural New Yorker (ed- itorial). Which is right? yours fratern- ally, _ 1. M. w. Bedford, Feb. 28. I886. [The duty on wheat is 20 cents per bushel.~—ED.] IN Ladies’ Department of Feb. I was the query: “What is the first requisite of a model home?” was discussed in No. 337, and the conclusion was, “Love, love to God and to all that compose the home. We await the summing up of the matter by Ruth Restley through the columns of the GRANGE VISITOR. J. E. IN a public lecture, a short time since, by one of the Grange Lecturers, the re- mark was made that “We have, we think, elected our last millionaire Gov- ernor in Michigan. Now the question arises, How can any but a millionaire have the ofiice? First, the party must have money to run the campaign and that must come mostly from the “bar- rels" of the candidates. Second, the constitution of Michigan is so niggardly in its pro\ isions that only wealthy men can (in justice to themselves) hold the office. Why should not this defect in the Constitution of the Statebe a “text” for consideration by the public press of the State. It is not economy. The Governor should be well paid, live at the Capital and be, as it were, a father to our State Institutions, both numerous and varied in their character. Let us examine: The Governor is expected to understand so as to report the needs and requirements of those institutions in a message to each Legislature when it convenes each alternate year. How much time can he afford (even with his pockets full of railroad passes) to spend during the term. Instead of dropping down at any time and going through those institutions until he understands them fully and their needs, his report is their report and considered by the Legislature which appoints the. several committees for the purpose. of visiting those State institutions. For which pur- pose an adjournment is had (usually abou the second week in February) of ten days, and (as it costs about Soo dollars per day to run the State Legislature) costs the people at least 8,000 dollars for what the Governor could much better do ifliberally paid and required so to do. The several committees visit after due notice and timely preparation, and find every thing in excellent order, and usually re- turn ready to report just such sums as the management ask for, besides being very favorably impressed with the man agement. So after a visit to the poor farm, in Allegan County, by the Board of Supervisors of that County, one of the members proposed to the landlord of the hotel where he boarded that he should quit him and board over at the poor farm. Said he, I/ley keep the best house; so by not paying a reasonable salary to the Governor, and requiring an equivalent in attention to State mat- ters and interests, we double the ex- pense without proper returns. The State press should agitate this matter that the people may better understand the reasons for and become willing to do justice by the Executive and other State ofiicers,and vote to amend the Con- stitution of the State so it shall not be a disgrace and a by-word. Should be pleased to see other communications on ml.‘ 5 Ibject. 'rAxpAvgR_ Ganges, Mich. H. BIsIIoI>, in the VISITOR of March 1, shows how beer could be made in Kala- mazoo by imposing a duty or tax of one dollar a keg on Milwaukee beer, and save the money at home. His proposi- tion seems quite plausible and in the in- terest of the Kalamazoo laborer. But s Ippose again, after the tax has entirely shut out the foreign beer and the home manufacturers have a monopoly of the business, they are so avaricious as not to be satisfied with the legitimate profits made by employing home labor so they send to Milwaukee and import a lot of Bohemians who will make as much beer as the Kalamazoo laborer and for one-half the pay. How is that for the home laborer who has used the little means saved in the purchase of the small home and now is supplanted by the imported pauper laborer. What workingmen complain of is they are necessitated to buy very nearly every article they need in a protected market, and sell their labor in an unprotected market. Protect us and we will pay protective prices. But if we are to sell in an unprotected market give us goods unprotected. LABORER. I sat: by the papers that the name of Hon. Cyrus G. Luc'e is being mentioned as a candidate for the next Governor. But Bro. Luce knows by sad experi- ence, that unless he is willing to put $20,000 into the corruption fund it will '-be useless to think of being a candidate for that ofiice. There is no man in Michigan that I would like to see in the Governor’s chair, ‘any better than Worthy Master Luce, and I believe that he would fill that position with credit to himself and honor to the State. But I wish some man, wiser than I am, would solve this problem, “If the people re- quire a candidate to pay $20,000 for a $r,ooo ofiice, how much do they expect him to steal, to make himself good, and still retain the name of good financier?” Yet the masses, even farmers and Patrons, seem to prefer candidates who contribute liberally to support the ticket, and steal it all back, to be ready for the next campaign. I do not believe that that class of politicians will find a very good subject in the Hon. Cyrus G. Luce. CORTLAND HILL. Clinton County. RUTH RESTLY asks, “What is the first requisite of a model home?” My first thought when I read it was, a Christian character; but the answer given by Uncle Bradford covers the entire ground. But you may ask, does not Christian character fill the bill? No, be- cause there are many good christian: who are ,not habitually cheerful. Oh. yes, I know what you are thinking: Christianity should ‘make its possessor: cheerful. Well, so it does in a measure, but all natures cannot be entirely made over. And so Uncle B. has struck the key—note as also has Mrs. L. A. E. when she says, “Let us teach our girls so they will make the most of home, bringing into it the most sunshine. the most 01 comfort and happiness." There, R. R , you have it in a nutshell. May Maple. your “twigs” are so restful they are like the “shadow of the rock on a weary land,” thanks. KEELER. BERLIN Center Grange enjoyed with their friends an open Grange meeting Feb. 25, at their hall, and had the pleas- ure of listening to a very interesting lecture by Bro. Luce, Master of the State Grange, which I should judge was well received, as I heard it remarked that they could have listened for an- other two hours and not have tired. Af- ter the lecture several subscriptions to the VISITOR were taken, one application for membership, and all went home feel- ing they had spent the afternoon profit- ably. C. A. D. C. THE Silver Question, as handled by J. G. Ramsdell, should be read by every laboring man in the United States, and then they should compare it with their experiences in the past and see which is the best for them-—the high priced mon- ey or the low priced money. I have found the high priced goods are for the rich non-laborer and the low priced goods are for the poor laborer. I think Senator Palmer is right in his estimate of indolence. It is the uneasy, restive, energetic men that have made and are making millionaires of such men as Palmer. w. c. JOHNSON. Pere Cheney, Mich. CRYSTAL Grange is picking up. Our attendance is not large, yet we are hav- ing as interesting meetings now as this Grange ever had. For a variety in our exercises we have four members ap- pointed each meeting to take part in the exercises of next meeting, making their own selections. They in turn appoint four more for next, and so on. Thus far no one has “kicked up in the traces” and all have done well. We like this plan ourselves and recommend it to oth- ers who are looking for a change in Grange program. Our Master, Bro. Hickland, is trying his “level best” to make the Grange a success, financially as well as otherwise. We have had no “jangles” tor the last six months, and to those who are wait- ing for some more to turn up, will say that Crystal Grange has got pretty near through quarreling, and that they had better return to the fold and pay up their dues while their credit is good, for we have a curious Secretary who always suspends members who are a good ways behind in this matter. E, w. JOHNSON. Nor having seen a jotting from Ma- pleton Grange, No. 655, since last Au- gust, and thinking that what is every- body’s business is nobody’s, I now take the liberty of making this my own, and report that we are in a thriving condi- tion at present, having initiated several new members recently. About eight months ago we purchased a fine organ for our hall, to be paid for in install- ments. Our next and last payment amounts to about $18, of which we re- ceived $I5 to-day as the net proceeds of a social entertainment given by the sisters of the_Grange. The pastimes of the day were an art gallery containing more than fifty views, a fish pond,a bountiful repast served by willing hands toa hall full of hungry people, after which came a literary program of de- cided merit. After the program came the drawing of a handsome bed quilt, which had been pieced, quilted and do- nated by the ladies for this purpose. Tickets were sold at twenty-five cents each; duplicates of those. sold were placed in a box, well shaken and then drawn out one at a time, the last one taken from the box being the lucky one to draw the quilt. It occasioned a great deal of merriment, and, as the lucky number was held by a young girl in no way connected with the Order, all seemed well satisfied and went home in good spirits, having enjoyed a pleasant afternoon. LEcrvRER. “NAN>CY" in VISITOR asked regarding kitchen drains; said perhaps E. W. S. might reply. Mr. Killmer answered the questions and filled the bill. The most E. W. S. knows about kitchen drains are those occasioned by the grocers’ and other bills. E. w. s. IN ACCORDANCE with the custom in this part of Mich. a goodly number, consisting of the members of Bruce and Armada Grange, No. 657» and many friends from outside the Order, met at the home of W. M. john McKay on the evening of the 20th of Feb., that being the twentieth anniversary of their marriage. After some time spent in jollification a table was spread where all (about 75) were abundantly refreshed; after which a present, consisting of a china bedroom set, was presented to Bro. and Sister McKay. All were high- ly pleased with the courtesy extended to them, and it was unanimously agreed that our visit had resulted to us at least in both pleasure and profit. May such meetings‘be often repeated. sI:c’v. _ VVE ARE still faithful to the Grange, although so far distant. We were for- merly members of Dansv-illve Grange, No. 54, Mich. Moved to Dakota four years ago this spring. We like our new home first-rate. Not a furrow was turned when we came but now we have about I25 acres under cultivation. Crops turned out very well this last year. Our greatest drawback is lack of water, some often boring from 50 to roo feet down and find none or else it is too bitter to use, stock refusing it. For fuel we use twisted hay or flax straw in pipes which answers nearly all the pur- poses of wood. We have no Grange, which is a great loss for us; still in its place we have a Farmers’ Alliance, which is doing good work, We inclose fifty cents for a year’s subscription to the VISITOR, for we find we can not get along without it. F. M. OTIS. Kingsbury Co., Dakota. I TAKE the opportunity, through the Postal Jottings, of informing those who desire to know if the delegates of the State Grange are doing their duty, that Brother and Sister Goss visited Bee Hive Grange, installed their otlicers Ind gave us a very good idea of what was done at the State Grange. We are satisfied they are “True Blue” or they w .uld not go five or six miles in a bliz- ztrd to meet with any Grange, even their own. When gathered around the table they must have been fully con- VIJCCII that Bee Hive was not quite as dead as had been reported, an_d we hope, to enjoy many more suchmeéltings. MRS. G. H BARKER, secretary. Van Buren County. I CANNOT a-fi'orrl to do without the VISITOR. I welcome with pleasure the many good things written by Brother and Sister Patrons. judge Ramsdell’s article on silver meets my views entirely. I enjoy reading the reports of the differ- ent Granges and their meetings, and often wish that I might be among them. We enjoyed fine weather during the month of February and many of our farmers sowed wheat and planted such garden truck as the frost would not damage. Although to-day we are having a little snow storm yet the weather is quite warm. Soon we will be following the plow again. L. c. ROOT. Red Willow Co., Neb. March 4, I880. KEYSTONE Grange, No. 226, has not been heard from through the columns of the VISITOR for some time, and while it may perhaps“ not fully represent its name, “Keystone," yet we are by no means dead: But from somewhat of indifference on the part of many of our members our Grange has suffered loss, both in numbers and interest. But at our last election, held on the 26th of Dec. last, the reins of government were given to the younger members, who are apparently determined to make the meetings more interesting in the future. Bro. V. C. Bottsford, a young man of ‘ ability and influence, now fills the Mas- ter’s chair, while the subordinate posi- tions are filled with competent officers (mostly young persons). Bro. Redfenn, Master of the Pomona Grange and del- egate from the State Grange, installed our oflicers on the 2 3d of Jan. in a most impres~ive manner, after which a boun- tiful supper and a general sociable chat were enjoyed. In the social enjoyment the sound of the Master's gavel was heard. Order was restored and Br ). Redfern was called for. He responded in a very able and instructive manner, giving full details of the reports, and suggestions for good of the Order from theState Grange, besides much good ad- vice." "Thus the intellectual, as well as the physical, part of the meml e s was fed and invigorated; and we bel evef‘Vall went to their homes better Parr: ns and with a determination to make Keystone Grange more interesting in the future- which fact has proven itself by our meetings being better attended and ap- plications for membership are already coming in. 1. J. REISER. Clinton Co. WI-:A'rrII:R has been exfremely cold the last few days, had for wheat, and will injure fruit, we fear. Snow is most- ly gone, begins to look like spring, and aren’t we glad? How I like to clear up and fix up around the house in the spring with a chance to breathe the fresh air that we so much need after being housed so close all winter as many of us have torbe,-especially the women. We love to think the time is most here for fixing the flower beds and for garden work; it always gives me great pleasure when I can do such labor, for it brings us true reward. We were highly pleased to see so many new-comers arrong the Jottings. We welcome our Iowa Bro- thers, and we send you our most frater- nal greeting but we do earnestly hope that we shall see something from the pens of our Iowa Sisters as well. We can make the jotting page a perfect gem of excellence if we try. We were much pleased with the last G. V. throughout. How we wish farmers would not stand in their own light; but they certainly do when they refuse to take the VISITOR. ls Myra ili that we do not hear from her? We hope not. We discuss zhe butterine question tonight at our Grange. AU:~I'r KATE. [Many besides Aunt Kate will regret that our faithful Myra is in poor health at peesent and can only send fraternal greeting and wishes for success to her VISITOR friends.--I§n.j WHI-:REAs, lion. C. C. Comstock, Member of Congress from the Fifth Michigan District, has llll!'()(2l|1$§g.l> a- bill in Congress providing for the collection of a graduated income tax from all persons having an income of $2,000 and upwards per annum; and WHEREAS, We believe this movement to be in the interest of the laboring and producing classes of our country who are now compelled ,0 pay an undue proportionaof our taxes; thereforte be it . 1i’e.w/vent, By R:tvenn:1(irange, No. 373, that we do heartily approve and cominenvl the‘ action of Congressman Comstock in this parlicular,and urge its adoption by Congress; and the Secreta- ry is hereby directed to forward acopy of this resolution to Hon. C. C. Comstock and also one to the GRAN!‘-I-1 Visirox for publication. The above was adopted by a rising vote unanimously. l’. 1). SMITH. THINKING that it might be of interest to Patrons to know what Raveuna Grange is doing by way of co—opera- tion, I thought I would send you astute- ment of o1Ir trade, principally with the Grange Store at Allegan, kept by Br;. A. Stegeman. We each make out a bill of what we want and sign it, and our Secretary makes one large bill of the several small ones, sends it in, and the goods are returned in good order, each one’s parcel put up separately, and la- beled properly. In 1883 we bought goods to the amount of $381.02; in I884, $332.50; in 1885, $4I3.76. The goods received have always given per- fect satisfaction, as the goods have been first-class in every particular, and cheap enough so that Inany of us pay our dues by the profits on a single purchase. M. B. AVERILL. Ross Grange, No. 24, was organized May 21, 1873, and its members have met regularly ever since, and we con- sider ourselves one of the old Pioneers of the‘ Order. 'l‘o be sure our member- -ship is not as large as we would like it, but what we have are earnest Patrons who can see the benefits of the Order. We had a feast Feb. 26 and conferred the fourth degree on four new members and had a very enjoyable time. We own a comfortable though unpretentious hall, comfortably furnished, and are out of debt. We have bought several bills of groceries of Thornton Barnes, of Philadelphia, which have given perfect satisfaction. On the silver question we stand unanimously in favor of the un- limited coinage of the present standard silver dollar. H. F. JOHNSON. Augusta, Feb. 27, I886. It,_is now generally conceded that there is a new species of fraud perpe- trated on’? the community by the Bohe- mian oat agents. These agents are the more dangerous because, while transact- fing their nefarious business, they seem to violate no law. The American peo- .ple have long ago found out that the ,‘most palpable frauds are perpetrated on men- by this same species of “legal- right men.” And they seem to do it with impunity; for, although you may [wow that a man is a rrzrca/, you cannot always prove it. It is much to be deplored that some .of out: wetl known and reputable far- mers are acting as agents for this swin- dle, for, as a keen observer has said, “There is nothing more dangerous than an lumesi man engaged in a rascally call- ing. He is the more dangerous because he leads people into errors and crimes of which they do not see the absurd and ‘-have been inve%l:d into this scheme are two of our - lesburg ladies, who have each ingested $200 in this “agri- cultural lottgry.” Q. B. “I AM convinced that co-operation is so far as the future of the working classesis concerned.”——Thos. Burt, M.P. odious character. Among those who. the most useful movement of the age,_ V filjllt fitraugc $3’-giifnr. Published on the First and Fifteenth of every month. AT 50 CENTS PER ANNUM Eleven Copies for $5.00. > . T. (TOBI3, Editor and Manager, SCHOt,)l.CRAF'I‘, Mien. .gE‘:9‘Reriiittances sliould be by Regisli~r:.-il l.c_tti;r, ' Money Order or Draft. _ E‘ T/ii: paper 2': rent-unfit (U .-mt’.-rm’ zzmlpaidfor in aglrtanrr. Single copy, . . . . . . . . 257 Single copy, one year, . . . . . . . . . 5o Eleven copies, one year, . . . . . .. . . 5 oo To 10 trial subscribers for three months we will send the Visrroi: for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. i oo Sample copies free to any atltlrusts. Address, J. T. COBI3, ScHooI.cI