[Kalamazoo P “" “ins Co.‘s Print.] ISSUED SE14 1. EXECUTIVE Michigan State MON THLI commune Grange, P. of H. VOL. 4,—No. 7 % WHOLE No 63. SCHOOLCRAF T, APRIL ist, 1879. { Y_oim Suisscnirrion 'w1ll'Exp1re with N 0. THE GRANGE VISITOR, Is Published on the First and Fifteenth of every Month AT FIFTY CENTS PER ANN UM, luvs richly in Advance. J. 'r. COBB. Editor. and Manager. To whom all communications should be ad- dressed, at Sclioolcraft, Mich. Remittances should be by Registered Letter, Money Order or Draft. To Contributors. As the Visrros new bears date the 1st and 15th of each month, to insure insertion in the next issue, Communications must he received by the 10th and 25th of each month. Runs or ADVERTISING: Acceptable advertisements inserted at the rate of $14’ per square, for each insertion. A Liberal discount will be made on standing advertisements of three months or more. Ofncers National Grange. MAB'l'EB——S. E. ADAMS, Minn. OvxsssEn—J. J. WOODMAN, Mich. Lsoronsn—MORT’MR WHITEHEAD, N J. Srswsnn-A. J. VAUGHN. Miss. Assr. STEWABD—WILLIAM SIMS, Kansas. Gns2I.uN—A. P. FORSYTH, Illinois. . F. M. MCDOWELL, N. Y. shes; -Win‘.-§!.»IRELAND,Wash’ton,D.C. Guru-Ksnrns~0. DINWIDDIE, Indiana. CEB.Es—Ml?.6. S. E. ADAMS, Minnesota. POMONA—M.}l-S. J. J. WOODMAN, Michigan. Fx.oiu—MB.s. J AS. '1‘. MOORE, Maryland. Lsnr ASBTIBTANT STEWARD—-MISS CARRIE A. HALL, Kentucky. olflcers Michigan State Grange. M.—J. J. WOODMAN. ~ - 0.—'l‘HOS. F. MOORE, - - L.—C. L. WHITNEY, - - S.—S. A. TOOKER, - - - Lansing, A. S.—A.-E. GREEN, - - Farmington. C.—SALMON STEEL, Bear Lake. Manis’e Co T.—S. F. BROWN, - - Sohoolcx-a_ft_ Sxc.-J. T. COBB, - - - u G. K.—-A. N. WOODRUFF, - Watervliet. Csnxs.——Mns. C. L. WHITNEY, Muskegon. Poxoiu—Ms.s. G. W. EWING, Ross, Kent Co. FI.o1u—Mns. J. J. WOODMAN, Paw Paw. L. A. S.—Mns. A. E. GREEN, Farinington. Paw Paw. - Adrian. Muskegon. Executive committee. F. M. HOLLOWAY, Chairman, - Hillsdale. g. EVEBSTER CHILDS, - _- - Ypsilanti. wE- I-‘U03: - - Gilead, Branch Co. Tn STBEOOK DIVlN_E, Balding, Ionia Co. W OMAS MARS. Berrien Center, Ben-ien Co. J I. SATTERLEE, Birmingham, Oakland Co. J’ ?- 4- BUB-RINGTON, Tuscola, Tuseola Co. - - WOODMAN, J. T. 00133, - Ex. Oficio. State Business Agents, J. M. cnmnsrnn, - - - moms MASON’ ’ _ _ Detroit. Chicago. General Deputy. 0' L‘ WHITNEY: - - - Huskegon. Special Lecturers. - rowbridge,..Birmingham, Oakland Co. ' F-MOON. .... ..A ' n,.....Lenawee Co - W. Woodward. .Shelby, . . . . . . .Oceana Co uel La_ugdon, . .Bowen Station,‘. . .Kent Co - . Harrington, . . .Four I‘owns,. .0akland Co ' ' %:V°n5» ...... ..Pe ,....Shiawassee Co ‘niitew c.n;pbeu]'3:".'§‘!‘)’s‘;1antei,’....Washt‘enaw (E0 - Stlmon Steele.. .Bear Ls.ke,. .Manistee 00 M 33’ 0l'd_er of the State Grange at its _ Session, Masters no longer ‘re-, °°"° '-_00py of the V 1s1ron.free.—— unmmes, or other persons, sending In 0'1" Io'_ore names, with pay for the :- ‘No Will receive an extra. copy ll, Simple numbers furnished on. . PREPARATION OF WOOL FOR MARKET Read Before the Livingstone County Council, March 1st. by Louis Myer. Worthy Jllaster and Patrons.- _ The subject assigned me is one of con- siderable importance to nearly every farmer, and there are many of you who havemore experience and are more cap- able of discussing this subject than I am. The preparation of Wool for market comprises more than the mere handling of the wool after shearing, or the ques- tion of washing or not washing sheep, before shearing. In considering this subject. .I shall not discuss the merits of the different breeds of sheep, for that I think depends largely on the location, but shall confine myself to the general principles of growing a sound staple and the mode of handling to place it on the market in the best condition. The first thing to be considered is the growing of a sound and healthy staple. To accomplish this, it is necessary the sheep should be kept in as evenly thrifty condition as possible during the entire growth of the fleece. Any check in the thrifty condition of the sheep, whether caused by disease or poor feed, will show itself in the fibre of the wool. In case of disease the growth of the fibre is checked and becomes diseased accord- ing to the severity of the disease of the sheep, and oftentimes the vitality of the fibre is entirely destroyed, if the sheep recovers from the attack and the Wool begins to grow again in a healthy condition, the wool will part at the diseased spot, and any growth the fleece may have attained before the at- tack will gradually drop oil‘. . The same result will follow from an impoverished condition 01 a. sheep caus- ed by poor or insuflicient food. When the sheep begins to run down in condi- tion, the growth of the fibre will be checked and impoverished, its growth will be sickly and will only improve as the sheep begins to thrive again. This condition of the fibre is often plainly perceptible to the naked eye even, it has not that brilliancy and evenness of crinkle, firmness and strength through- out its length, and greatly detracts from its value for manufacturing. This may be carried to such an extent as to des- troy the fibre the same as disease. Therefore, to obtain the most perfect fibre, we should aim to keep the sheep in the most evenly thrifty condition possible. The next thing Ishall consider is, the importance of keeping the fleece as clean as possible from any foreign substance, which detracts from its value. First I shall consider, the very general practice of turning our sheep on to our summer follows, to assist in keeping them clean (not the sheep, but the fallows). This is a very questionable practice, as the roots of the grass and weeds are sel- dom disturbed and continue to grow, and we often delay cultivation until it requires more work to subdue them than it would to keep the sheep off’ and cultivated in time. It is my opin- ion that our fallows would be kept cleaner without . the sheep and our sheep would certainly be cleaner without the . fallows. We should also be careful to keep sheep, away from all kinds of burrs, or better still, exterminate all weeds of this char- acter from our farms. Wool seems to have a great aflinity for these, and there are some kinds of burrs which are al- most impossible to get rid of in its man- ufacture, and of course detracts from its value. - ' _ Another very im porfant point to look after is -the- feeding of sheep during the winter season. Letting sheep run to the straw stack we all know to be a very bad practice, still there are many more farmers than there ought to be, who allow them. to run to the stack all winter, no doubt more fromcarelessness and shiftlessness than ignorence, but care should also be taken in feeding the straw in yards on the ground or in racks; never throw straw from the stack, where it will fall on the sheep, do not make the piles so large that sheep can burrow into them, nor use racks that will let the chaff fall on the, sheep. The same caution applies to feeding hay for hay seed is just as bad and even worse than chaff to get into the wool. The practice of what we call tagging sheep before turning them out to grass in the spring has become quite general and is a necesssty with our sheep at the present day, if we wash our sheep before shearing, as we have to Wait until the weather and water is warm enough for this operation, which in this latitude delays shearing until about the middle or latter part of J une. This practice of tagging would not be necessary if we sheared our sheep without washing and sheared them early, which I will con- sider more fully hereafter. In washing sheep we should. if pos- ' sible, take advantage of a shower of rain not alone for the benefit of soaking the wool before washing, which will make it wash much easier, but also in laying the dust in the roads, especially whe1'e we have to drive the sheep a considera- ble distance‘ to the place of washing. This I think is of more importance than the benefit derived from having the wool soaked, for this will only expedite the operation of washing, while of what use is washing at all, if immediately af- ter washing, when the wool is in the best possible condition to catch all the dust and dirt, we drive the sheep for miles perhaps, as very many of us have to do, over a dusty road. Under such circumstances the wool will have more dirt after washing than it had before. After washing, the sheep should run 3. suflicient length of time for the wool to become thoroughly dry and the natural oil of the wool to start sufficiently, to cause the woolto loose that harshness which it has on drying after having been washed, but not so much as to feel soggy or heavy. At shearing, care should be taken to keep the pens clean and dry, and every thing about the shearing floor as clean as possible. The mode of tying up the fleece by the use 01 the folding box now in general use, is, I think, the neatest and most convenient way, and is all right, if the box is large enough. not‘ to press the fleece too tight; the fleece should feel elastic and light to handle. There should be nothing put into the fleece but the clean fleece wool; all tags and sweat locks should be kept out, these should be washed and put up sep- arate. Wool handled in this way would show exactly whatit, isand could be sold on its merits. But I am inclined to think if we should take the proper careto grow a good fleece and keep it as clean as possible, it would have many advantages and would be more profita- ble, if we would shear early without washing. Providing we can sell our wool on its merits and not have to sub- mit to any arbitrary rule of shrinkage. I think early shearing, about the first of May, in this climate, would promote the growth of a heavier fleece, because wool growing faster in ‘cold weather than in warm, it would start quicker, and would get _a sufficient growth to pro- tect the skin of the sheep in hot weather for when not sheared,till' late the sun will. fairly scorch the skin and retard the growth of the wool. .The sheep would also thrive much-better, as sheep with heavyfleeces, running till; warm weather are very injurious} .afieeted,hy the heat while if shes :e9,tlY= and properly housed during; cold: nights and coldstorms, as they should be anyway at this season of the ' ear, they will thrive much better. Wye would avoid, to say the ‘least, the very‘ disagreeable job of _washing‘ sheep. All tags and sweat locks should be kept-out of the fleece, the same as with washed wool. Ithink ‘it would be advisable to wash these, as they are generally too dirty to place" on the market. I think that woo properly handled in this way would becleaner. and would sell as well as a large share of our so-called washed wool, and I think would be more profit- able to the farmer. Programme of Grange Meetings. ILANSING March 18. Bro: J. Cobb: V — According to promise, I send another sheet such as we give all our members. Many are asking for copies from other Granges and adopting some of the fea. tures, especially of introducing a, greater variety of exercises adapted to the young. The .last meeting of Capitol Grange was the fullest of any ever at- ,t9l.l.1i;<‘;olIr‘,"V,Nfm. Gladden. “Reading,” Mrs. Kate Everett. H be "Washing Windows,” “Taking notes of things.” J. E. Nichols: AP1'i1 5th, 7 o'clock, I’. 1:. “Improving Pastures and Meadows," Thomas Reeve, W. Apple!-,on_ .‘*.*:;‘.:.’;.1;‘..°.*:r A M . S. ' “Declamation,” A_m(}' GI,:::?;:fi' “Pantomine," ' Mrs, Fannie Nichols, and others. APT“ 12. 7 o'clock P. 1!. “Some household conveniences and how to get them,” Wm. Gladden, Mrs. M. E, Moo;-e_ “Care of gates, doors and windows,” G. S. ‘ ’ “Green and wet wood, vs., dr .” Wmmm3' Alb rt k ' “The Manure question,” 8 M er’ John Flu. A. Wheeler, Prof. C. L. Ingersoll. Aliril 191511. 7 o'clock P. 1:. “Shade trees and lawn,” "Reading. shcrérrltlfi-"‘”"° R°"ii.§§“i?E.ii2.i"i’:°.§“§’§§I “£*.::.‘3.°s:‘.%*:.:€::*:;::.,P“°“g° “W 8 Mrs. Kate Everett, J. Baumgrass. April 26th, 7 o'clock r. it. “Getting land ready for corn,” Wm. Robbins, O. B. Grinnell J. Baumgrsss. “Marking out corn ground.” H. C. Everett "Reading-” John Holbrook' “Killing weeds.” E. B. Nichols: “Wfork on the road," John Creyts. May 3d, 7 o'clock P. M. “Location and care of the well,” John Swift. “Care of the cellar,” B_ va1entm,,_ "I1;eading.” Lena Gladden “ ow to lay tile " P f, ]3,_ c_ ' “Essay on Temp’erance," m Carpenter‘ Mrs. Celia F. Gunnison. M9-Y 1091: 7 o’clock I’. M. “Labor and culture combined,” “How to treat a hired ma.n,M’l"s. A. G‘ Gammon. s . I ' . ' “Marketing wool:i:ni1_e , _Buck, Mrs E. ,1‘. Smith. “Grapes for s fam1'lyG." N. Tower’ A. N. Gmett “Short essa3;£:I;}'_17th, 7 o'clock r. M. " , Mrs. F. Barker, Mrs. Rebeccs Grinnell. S9-V138 96,011" 00111,” . Chas Taylor. "Reports -of visitors ‘to farms,” ’ ' “ Henry C. Everett and Wife_ Evergreens for screens and omameng,» “ - .- n C < ‘P-r91.W.J.Bea1. Charade, Mary J. Valentine-and oum-., TI-IE GRANGE VISITOR. §a'tur2r’5 fltgmttmmt. IIUSKEG-ON. c_. L. wnirimr, county and Dormant Granges. If we should ever be tempted, in an way, to criticise the work of the foun - ers of our noble Order, it would be that they did not put the County Grange into the system in the be inning. Without, and needing this lin of the chain the work of our Order has often been to great disadvantage. The Su- bordinate Granges needed a medium of co-operation with each other, even as the members needed the Grange as the medium of co operation between the individuals. Such a medium linking the Subordinate Gran es together was, and is, the County an District Grange. At the meeting of our Granges we hear the inquiry : “ Is any/member sick and in distress?" and we know what is or ought to be done, and we know too that every want that has been supplied and every comfort that has been given has addedto the strength and faith of the Grange organization given in true charity and bound all its members closer together. What the needs of an individual member are to a Sub. Grange the needs of a dormant or weak Grange are to a County or District Grange, having jur- isdiction, and the duty of the latter is precisely similar to the duty of the for- mer. The members of each Sub. Grange should at once heartily respond to re- lieve any and all distress of a brother or sister member. So the County Grange should as promptly and dili- gently learn the wants of any Subor- dinate Grange and then as cordially go to their rescue, and continue in the good work until all is done that needs to be done, calling in the aid of all the nei hboring Granges. ad the County Grange been in our system from the beginning, few if aéidy dormant granges would have exist , but the past can not be changed, but the effects of errors past ma be much modified by the efforts of t 9. present and the plans of the future well carried out. Then as we had no County or 7 District Gran ges to assist weak Granges and cdfrect errors as they occurred and dormant Granges _have resulted, let the existing County and District Granges do their whole duty and labor to revive the past and persevere until they have succeeded. Let those coun- ties not yet in possession of this great agent, of operation, at once organize and go to work and see how soon all ranges will have greater faith and do getter work. The strong will become stronger in he] ing the weak and even the weak will evelo strength by unit- ing their efforts. W en you have se- lected your officers, set them to work, and then aid and encourage them in their work by your presence and words of cheer. If after persistent efforts you cannot reinstate the weak and dormant, call to your aid outside influence. Se- cure the assistance of the proninent public speakers and workers of the Order, but don’t relinquish a good project until you have accomplished your ob'ect, no matter how long it takes. 0 matter how discouraging the prospect, remember that the banner of the Pomona, Degree carries the initial word H. O. P. E._ Value of organization. In lookingover legislative statistics up to the 18th of March, we find that 2,337 petitions have been received in both houses; 40,686 names appear upon them looking for a change in the iq- uor -lawsr—where did they come from? Ask the Red-ribbon Clubs of our State. Butfor that organization only a small portion of their names would have been obtained. The etitions for a reform school for girls signed by 18 312 ersons have been circulated by t e omens ,Temperance Union, an organization directly in the interest of the ‘move- ment, aided by the Church, the Grange and other similar organizations. The Grange has circulated petitions for a lower test of oils, and they have thus far received 8.911 names and had all names been returned in time 10,000 names would have been sent in. Also the petitions to reduce the rate of in- terest by the Grange have received_ 6,- 167 signatures. Those respecting » schools and text books have been sign- ed by 1,532 people. Those for admit- ting girls tothe Agricultural College, 1,572. Those asking for equal taxation by 1,490 tax-payers, while those asking for .a law restricting appeals from- justice courts have received 5,126 signatures. How many would the last four have had but for the Orginization of farmers in the Gran e? Petitions for drain laws re- ceive but 957 names and those for a chair of Eclectricism on ly 756, evident- ly no organization had charge of the last two. Don’t think we would infer that these organization forget the wants of the people, but have enabled the peo- ple to co-operate in these means to let their servants at Lansing know their wants, and to ask that they may be re- lieved. Now do you wish any to think that all these organizations have done all they could. We resume to say that not half of the range have signed pe- titions from any source, many men saw them, others refused. yet all en- dorse the subject matter of all the peti- tions. When farmers all awake to their higher interests and do their whole duty in connection with an organization for their exclu- sive benefit. When all Patrons shall use the full working capacity and pow- er of the Grange then may the voice of the agricultural interests of a mighty nation be heard and duly heeded by the powers that be, then will the humblest tiller of the soil know that even he has a voice as well as a vote to be felt in leg- islative halls,at the bar of justice and in the chamber even of the executive. Bro. Farmers will you work with us in making the Grange the grandest or- ganization of the 19th century, one that is not partisan or sectarian, but would have every man learn political economy and practice the highest morality. By the Grange honesty is inculcated, edu- cation nurtured. charity isa prominent ‘characteristic, temperance is supported and borthely love cultivated. Brothers and sisters, let your light so shine that all may see your devoted- ness to principle, earnestness of pur- pose and faithfulness by your works. Respect of Law. “ 1 have noticed that just in the pro- portion that the constitution, b -laws, rules and regulations of the Or er are lived up to in accordance with obliga- tions, prosperity is more or less secured. —Jl{orl'imer Whitehead, W. L. of N. G.” Such too has been our observation- have never known a willful persistant violation of law that has not met with unishment in some form at some time. he condition of weak or dormant Granges is in most cases traceable to disregard of Law in some form. How ? says one. Had every oflicer when he or she took the obligation of office. re- membered it and fulfilled that obliga- tion to the letter and in the spirit, what would have been the result! Take your Ritual and read: “* * I will per- form all the duties appurtaining to the office, as far as in my power, until my successor is dully installed. I will sup- port the Constitution of the National Grange, the By-Laws of this Grange, and I will inculcate a slrict odedience to all laws and edicts eminating from proper authority. * * * ” Can you otlicers of a dormant Grange say you have kept this obligation? Has your successor been duly installed ‘I N 0. Then you are the acting moster or other oflicer of your Grange. Yes! you are. Are you keeping your obligation ? Are you supporting the constitution—the by-laws of your Grange—which re- quired your grange to meet once a month. Had no quorum. If every of- ficer was present at the meeting keep- ing the installation obligation, you would have a full quorum. Then go to each oflicer and point out this duty and see if you can’t by “ Respect of Law ” alone restore your own Grange. Let each oflicer read again, nay even stud the charge given by the installing o - ficer and then try to keep the promise to inculcate astricl obedience to all laws and edicts emenating from proper au- thority. But you don’t want to and ask how you can get rid of this obligation. VVe will tell you one way. Revive your Grange and get them to work and then resign and get a successor elected and dully installed. But the trouble is with the members, they don’t come out. First get the oflicers and all to come out and take hold of the work and keep their obligations. setting a good exam- ple. then work with the members, read anew to them their obligations and du- ties, show them that they too have a promise to keep'and work to do, for they too must abide by the rules of the Or- der and all its rules and tions or violate a solemn oath. Let every oflicer brother and sister in this State keep their obligations to the Grange and there will not be a dormant or even a Weak Grange in the State in amonth. All Will be _ action, at work for the members will be doing their whole dut _under earnest and sincere officers. T ink of this Bro. Patron and when you have read this, hand the‘ paper to another delinquentto read. - Grange Work. AUsTn_RLITz Grange, No. 64, of Kent Co., hasjust taken in 11 new members. BARTON Grange, No. 31, in the same county had sixin a class passed a few days since. ALPINE Grange, No. 348, has just ad- vanced 20 young gentlemen and ladies to the dignity of Husbandmen and Matrons and has more applications. _ HUNDREDS of new members are be- ing added monthly to the Grange, and they are largely from the younger members of society, just the ones to build up and invigorate the Order. Let them come. RAVENNA Grange, No. 379. of Mus- kegon _Co., has so far completed the hall began in the _winter that the Grange expect to use it on Saturday March 22. This hall is 24x50 feet and two stories high. Some new members have been added to the Grange. TRENT Grange, No. 372, of the town of Casnovia, Muskegon Co., is building a new hall, has the timberand the lum- ber on the ground. It is to be 30x40 feet and two stories in height. This Grangehas just passed a class of ten candidates and has 9 more taking the degrees. THE VISITOR would pay well to take as an investment, said a Patron , for the advertisements alone. I can save $15 on a wagon, $10 on what grape-vines, raspberiies, strawberry plants I want this spring, by the knowledge gained from the last VISITOR. But I must be a Patron to do it. so it pays to be a Pat- ron and pays a Patron to take the V15- ITOR. A MEAN man-—one who will leave his daughter at home from the Grange when she wants to go so badly and is a member. A meaner man, one who will not take his wife to the Grange when a member, and the meanest man one who will not pay his wife’s dues to the Grange, allowing her to get in arrears so she can’t go while he keeps his own paid up and goes. CAN a farmer not a member of the Grange take the VISITOR? Yes, and many are taking it and like it. One _sa_ys: “ Can’t do without it.” “Will Join the Grange as soon as the roads become settled and my wife too. One old patron said: “Have read every VISITOR published, and would not do Evithout it. ” “ It improves every num- er. Instead of one grand fair in this State next fall, the plans and specifications seem to be in hand for at least three. As noted in our last, the Kent County Society is asking the co-operation of all the County societies in the State for a grand fair at Grand Ra ids, and when Western Michigan un ertakes to get up a grand fair, it is noticed that it generally succeeds. And now Central Michigan looms up with a proposed consolidated show of unusual ropor- tions, The executive board of t eCen- tral Michigan Agricultural Society, af- ter a two days’ session at Lansing, has decided to allow competition from the counties of Calhoun, Jackson, Genesee and Montcalm. This practically ex- tends the limits of this society to ten counties, the other counties being Clin- ton, Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Livingston and Shiawassee. Various committees were appointed. The question of water supply and extention of grounds were discussed, both propositions were re- ferred to the business committee. The premium list was thoroughly revised, although but few radical changes were made. The rule requiring exhibitors to become members of the society was stricken out, leaving entrees in all but the speed classes free. We may expect, therefore, a first-class fair also at the State Capital next fall.-—Mich., Howie- stead. Qlnmmuuicatimm. The Ingliam County Grange. EDEN, Micli., March 9,1879. Worthy Secretary : _ The last meeting of Inghamflounty Grange was held at the rooms of Delhi Grange on the afternoon and evening of the 7th inst. The meetings of this Grange are becoming very interesting. It is the practice of this Grange to meet around with the different Granges in the county. The afternoon meetings are usually open to the public and are always well attended. There are usually from two to three essays read at each meeting, which are followed by quite animated and interesting discussions. The following was the programme for this meeting: The Importance of our Calling.- Prof. C. L. Ingersoll, Lansing. Are We True Patrons.—Mrs. S. A. Tooker, Lansing. How to Educate the Farmer.-——E. B. Browne, Fitchburg. The Importance of Taking Notes.- Prof. W. J. Beal, Lansing. The evening meetings are opened in the 4th degree, and the business pertain- ing to the good of the Order is trans- acted, after which the fifth degree is conferred on all those entitledto receive it. At the last meeting the following resolutions were unanimously passed: Resolved, That the members of the Ingham County Grange become mem- bers of the Farmers’ Mutual Defense As- sociation of Ypsilanti, and that the sec- retary be instructed to notify. the secre- tary of the State Grange that the order of the Executive Committee of the State Grange, upon the treasurer of this Grange for the sum of $25 will be hon- ored al; any time when necessary to de- fend the Patrons of this State in a court at law against the Lee 6: Teal patent gate swindlers. Resolved, That this Grange recom- mend to each Subordinate Grange in its jurisdiction to take immediate action in this matter and appropriate such sums as they can afford, to protect its mem- bers against these swindlers. - Fraternally yours, 0. F. MILLER. Secretary. Preaching and Practice. VVhen I read of the excursion of the National Grange, the free ride furnish- ed to them by the Transportation Co., how everything was done that could be done to make them comfortable and happy, even waiting till another boat could be secured when they found it necessary to change. As I read of the courtesies shown to the distinguished guests. thoughts like the following rushed through my mind: Will those guests do the square thing, will they write long newspaper articles pulling the company that gave them their free ride, as do the newspaper’ correspon- dents and political candidates, etc., etc., are always expected to do after all such free excursions. At the last session of our State Grange a free supper was tendered to all of the members of the Order who were in at- tendance. When we listened to a re- hearsal of the experience of those who were with that crowd of men and wom- en, who were so long in restless waiting for their turn to come to be served, we could not help wondering if they once thought of the principles of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, how we talk of no more dead-beats, no more free rides for representatives of,corporations, or of political parties and members of the legislature. After these things, comes an article in the last VISITOR headed, “Free passes to Members of the Legislature,” which comes from the Detroit and Bay City District Council of Patrons of Hus- bandry. ‘ ' If any of the members of the above Council who voted for the resolution re- ferred to, attended the State Grange and rtook of the free supper, We ‘woul suggest that they set the example and refuseall such offerings. Then re form all brothers and sisters who did the same. Having done all this, it will be much easier for you to live your preaching when you reach the honored position to which some of our Order ire. I do not say that the reso ution is not rlghtas far as it , but would not ourinfluence have greater weight if W6 lived our reaching. ' ’ Vi“ not cure the evils of the age. If We APR 1 THE GRANGE VISI'FOR. 3 would have all the wrong make right, 3 good way to begin such a reform is to live right ourselves. J. C. Enomsrr. The Gate Swindle. ROCK PRAIRIE, Wis., March 10. Brother J. T. Cbbb .- 1 see by the GRANGE VISITOR that the Michigan brothers are in trouble about the sliding gate. There is a slid- ing gate in use here, which is built of our common fence boards with three slats to nail the boards to, one at each end and one in the center, just like a annel of movable fence; this is hung etween two posts, one post being in advance of the other a little. just enough to allow the gate to swing half W9-Y around. They are generally hung on a in running through one post and into the other, the gate slides back half way and swings around. If this is the gate that the Michigan brothers are in trou- ble about, perhaps the VViscons1n Grangers may be able to help them by way of testimony. The patent men tried to collect a royalty here, but the Grangers all united and with testimony that the gate had been in use for twenty years in this county and the patent men gave it upas a bad job. My nearest neighbor, one C. R. Rice, formerly from Jackson County, Michigan. says he used the sliding gate in Michigan prior to 1860, and one, Truman Rice, also from your state, says his father used the sliding gate before the year 1860. As I don’t know the date of the Lee & Teal patent I dont know as this will do any good. Should it be of any use, the above statements in regard to date of use of the gate can be testified to. Yours fraternally, W. H, WILBUR. SOUTH HAVEN, March 15. Bro. J. T. Cobb .- I notice in the VISITOR of the 1st in- stant, a communication headed, “The Patent Gate Controversy.” I have heretofore heard something of this mat- ter, but have not learned exactly what is claimed asthe principle covered by patent or what constitutes the infringe- ment. If the principle of sliding back between posts set diagonal and swing- ing on a pin or cleat constitutes the patent, perhaps it may interest the de- fendants aud farmers to learn what is a iact within my knowledge, that gates operated on that principle have been in constant and continued use in this, Van Buren County, for over twenty-five years. _The first such_ gate I ever saw was built and used by D. T. Taylor, in the town of Bangor, near or quite thirty years ago and by him named, “Com- n_1o_n-sense Gate.” Mr. Taylor is still living in that town and yet able to build and use said gates. Many of his neigh- b_ors including myself have from that t1l11e_[0.thlS made and used such gates. If thisinformation is considered of any value in the case, you are welcome to make such use of it as you see fit. Fraternally yours, W. H. HURLBERT, QUINCY March 14. Worthy Bro. Cobb: ’ GAt the last regular meeting of Allen d.“‘“E9» 30, 73.. the gate question was lscussed in its difierent bearings ]Wl.1l0h developed a feeling that Al- ain Grange _stand ready to sustain Set Executive ‘Committee of the use 8 Grange in any effort they ullllk necessary to make, financially or 0‘ eryvise, to defend the patrons of the zfattg in the courts from the exactions th_ ese swindlingharpies. We believe this‘ I30 be one of the greatest swindles tn; Jvas ever attempted to be perpe- 0”: \0n the agricultural community aff §State of Michigan and we cannot amt: fto let these swindlers get the “S et- 0 us bypapathy or negligence, and en ernal vigilence is the price of lib- wa{'h5°"h13 89-t_e question demands our no 0 ful attention and we should leave ten stone unturned that will have a thehfmcy to counteract these men in of th eflbrfs to establish the legitimacy theregse Lee & Teel patents. It was mouemfe resolved that five dollars of emery in the treasury be subject to the nu] °f the Secretary of the Stats My V551 which is as much as our treas- gomto 8J10w,_ and then we prpposeto mm wour private treasuries. A mo- membeas made and carried that each number at our next meeting give the Tee, Y ofsates of the so-ealied Lee a hate fate“ may have in use and do- for dei,1Pr°P0l'ti0n, to establish a fund in ,_h°°“'° Pllrposes. Let every Grange hr andfitate do this or something simi- We shall have such a financial leverthat these swindlers will haveto stand from under. I am requested by Allen Grange to notify you of their ac- tion. raternally yours, H. A. PESSEL. Maple Grove Grange, Westminster, West Vermont. - In this quiet little village, nestled among the hills, in the basement of a church, is where we meet. We have a good commodious room which is also used for church purposes and social gatherings. We furnish the lights and aCottage Organ, and also crockery to set our tables when we have our festi- vals. We have about seventy members, composed of as good farmers as we have in the country, and we feel a little proud that one of our members, Mr. George Campbell, took the first premium, a gold medal, on his wool at the Paris Expo- sition. It is four years sinceour Grange was organized. Our meetings have been pleasant and rofitable. We have made the social an educational features paramount to all others, and yet have not neglected the financial interests of the Order, our purchases having aver- aged about $1,500 per annum, on which we have saved about 20 per cent, and here let me say, I like our system of purchasing better than farmers’ stores. Our rules are to order our groceries quarterly. Each member hands his or- der to the purchasing agent who masses them and orders direct of the wholesale dealer, and we get the lowest price, and good goods, for we pay cash. When the goods arrive the agent distributes them, each paying when he takes his goods. Flour, feed, salt, and some other articles we order at odd times, as wanted. In this way we save the interest on our money, and have no goods on our hands to depreciate in value, and at the same time we inculcate that cardinal princi- al of our Order, to “ pay as you go.” {any who thought they could not get the money to pay cash down, have found by economising it can be done, and when once started there is no fear of turning back. You mag/,makeasuc— cess of a Grange store, but more will fail, and from the fact that you have sharp competition by men experienced in the business, and also have to carry a stock of goods on which you lose interest, and loss from being shop worn, rat- tags, and in various other ways, and the most lamentable fact of all is, you will find a lack of confidence in many farmers. A shrewd merchant will get hold of them, and make them believe they are paying too muchat the Grange store, and then follows the old story of the opposition line of coaches repeated. The regular line soon takes the trade and the opposition has to succumb. \Vhen farmers learn to put more confi- dence in each other, then will be the time, if ever, to start Grange stores; and that time will come when we are better educated, and here is the ground work of the Order, and enough of it. I am glad to learn that the Patrons of Michi- gan have so generally sustained you in ‘your efforts to give them plaster at afa_ir price, and I don’t know but I ought in behalf of Maple Grove Grange, to thank you for reducing the price, as it enabled us to get a car load last year, at a saving of $10, after paying $60 freight. We have an open meeting once a month, for our families, taking in all the young ones, changing our exercises for the occasion. We have essays, read- ings, songs and declamations by _the children, giving an hour tosocial enjoy- ment. The little ones enjoy it very much, and are quite as orderlyas the older ones. These meetings give op- portunity for some to be present who could not otherwise, as they could not leave their children at home, besides it is helping educate the children, and brin ing them up to take an interest in the range, and carry forward the work when we are obliged to leave it. VERMONT EARMER. A Refinery of our Own. ' Sonoononarr, March 20. To Ed. Grange Visitor .- _ I have noticed two or three articles in your pa r relating to the oil mongpoly impose upon us in this State. one of them seemed to fully explain the im- ition on us as consumers.‘ The most of the time I have been in Michigan the rice of oil in this state has been dou le that in New York or Pennsylva- nia. The uired standard of oil in that state is 1 0°, here 140° The expense of refining the two tests of oil are equal. But the per centage is less on the 110° than on the 140° in about the proportion 'of12 to 14. The 110° will not burn as ion as the 140° but burns more freely an ives a better light and is, I think, per- ectly safe. But if our law requires the 140° test it is not necessary that we should be swindled to the extent we are. The Standard Oil Company has every thing its own way and can impose what it pleases. _ Now to relieve ourselves of the impo- sition we ought to have arefinery of our own located in this State or where the oil is produced. If we had such a re- finery the price of our oil would not ex- ceed 8 _cents per gallon. With the pres- ent price of crude oil we sufi"er greater imposition than we ever did by the plaster monopoly. A. DAWSON. ‘Canada Tliistles. Editor Grange Visitor: It seems to be a somewhat unusual occurrence for persons not belonging to the order of Patrons of Husbandry to write for your paper, but perhaps the fact that I am prevented from belong- ing to the Grange by local circumstan- ces need not debar me from wielding my pen in a good cause. Having noticed an article in your last issue entitled, “An Evenin to Every Farmer,” I will now give afiittle of my experience with Canada thistles. The writer of that article recommends com- mon salt as a sure cure for the pest and I can say from experience that if athle- tle is cut off at the surface of the ground and a teasponful of salt put on the stump that individual thistle will never show its head again; but this is a tedious operation except on a very small scale. These thistles usually grow in patches. When on pasture land a good effect may be produced by looking over each patch a few times during the season and pull- ing up every thistle that shows its head. They will be found to grow less each time. Mowing them at about the be- ginning of harvestand again in Septem- ber will prevent their going to seed but I have yet to see the first patch of this- tles killed in this way. During the summer of 1875, which was very dry I totally annihilated quite a large patch in a cornfield by simply pulling them up by the roots ahead of the cultivator each time we went through the corn, then once or twice later in the season always being careful to put those I pulled where they could not again take root. I have also been quite successful where they were more numerous by summer-fallowing— working the this- tle patches by themselves. To accom- plish much in this way, however, the ground must be worked when dry and worked thoroughly too. Half way business will not answer. Whatever is worth doing, is worth doing well and I know of no place where the old adage, “A stitch in time saves nine,” is more applicable than in subduing these pests. There are as yet but few farms in Mich- igan where one season’s real earn- est effort would fail to kill every thistle. But above all things avoid dragging roots around the various parts of the field or you will some day behold to your sorrow, a living illustration of what “a great fire a little spark kind- leth.” While I have nothing to say in favor of letting Canada thistles go to seed I am fully satisfied that ten patches are started from roots where one is from seed. I judge this partly from the fact that on a certain farm where thistle patches are constantly increasing in some _fields both in size and number, there is an adjoining field where there has not been a thistle for years. How- ever the fact that Canada thistles are yearly being started from seed in places where they have never been known be- fore is not to be denied by any one, This is a matter worthy of the serious notice of farmers, in the Grange and out of it. _Shall we fold our arms and calm- ly wait to see the broad and beautiful farms of our Michigan turned into one vast thistle patch rather than give a lit- tle earnest etfort to the work ? We must rule the thistles or the thistles will rule us. L. H. SOODDARD. NINE men and four women are entitled to hold the charter of their Grange, and while so many act; as a Grange or wish to continue their Grange, they can do so unless tney violate the organic law of the Order. See Digest. - PA_RIS Grange, No. 19, of Kent Co., has just added 7 new Patrons to our Order by the school forms and ceremo- nies of instruction. — comparative Value of White and Yellow Corn. In reply toan in" uiry made by J. F. Barber, of Seneca, 113., as to the com- parative value of white and yellow corn either for feeding work-horses or for fattening stock, the National Live Stock Journal says : “There is a strong impression on the minds of feeders, _east and west, that white corn is not as valuable a fatten- ing food as yellow corn, while they generally think white corn better for work-horses and better for bread. Mr. L. W. Miller, of Chatauqua, N. Y., who has made himself conspicuous in advocating an exclusive corn-meal diet for dry cows in winter, gives a. decided preference to the yellow corn. So en- eral an impression must be found ,to some extent, upon observation. “We will add to this common, prac- tical view, all the light the subject by science. 1‘he following table gives the mean of two analyses of yellow corn of New England, made at the New Haven Laboratory b Prof. Atwater in 1869, as publishe in the Bussey Bulletin, and one sample of Southern white corn, raised near Ral- eigh, N. C., as reported by Prof. S. W. Johnson, experiment station of Con- necticut : Mean of two analyses North Carolina yellow corn. white corn. Water.._..._ .30 .....--____.. 11.56 Albumlnolds_.._-- 9.67 ___-_._____-- 10.48 Carbo-hydrates --- 72.13 ......-..___.- 69.63 Woody l<‘lbre---..- 2.46 ......-._..._ 1.76 FM 5.04 4.09 Ash _.._.------_._._- 1.40 -.._-..._.---- 1.40 100.00 100.00 From the above it appears that the yellow corn has 2.5 per cent more carbo- ydrates (starch, gum, sugar, etc.) and nearl 1 per cent more albuminoids, or muse e-forming elements. So far as this one analysis of white corn goes, it shows the popular view to be correct. The white corn would be better for working animals (coming nearer to oats) than yellow corn. It would make stronger bread, for the same reason that wheat havin the largest percentage of gluten sel s for a higher price be- cause it makes the best bread. The new process in flour making works over the middlings or makes the best flour, because the greatest portion of albumen (albumonoid) lies near the husk or bran of wheat. These analyses are too few to base any very strong conclusions upon. It is amatter of considerable importance toestablish the comparative values of different foods; and this is the appro- priate work for the laboratories of our agricultural colleges.” WE find that the publication of programmes for “Labor” in the Grange is having an excellent eifect, and we append the programme for the next meeting of the Oakland Co., Grange. With such social and edu- cational gatherings, who shall say that the Grange is not instructive to the farmers of the country.-—En. PROGRAMME.’ Music. Opening Exercises, 10 to 10:30 A, M. Discussion of “Drainage” opened by A. D. Simonson, 10:30 to 11:30. Music. Essay by Mrs. Crosby, “Shall We Educate our Girls,” followed by discus- sion, 11:30 to 12 M. Basket lunch, 12 M. to 1 P. M. AFTERNOON. Reports from subordinate Granges, 1 to 2 P. M. Pomona.’s scrap bag, edited by Mrs. Shuttack, 2 to 2:30 P. M. Music. _ Discussion, “How to make farming a success,” opened by R. E. Trowbridge, 2:30 to 4 P. M. Music. Essay on “Sweeping” by Susie E. Trowbridge, followed by discussion on same subject, 4 to 4:30 P. M. Suggestions for the good of the Order, 4:30 to 5. P. M. EVENING SESSION. Confering Fifth Degree. THE State Lecturer has on hand two or three invitations to lecture in com- munities where no Gran e exists and which desire to learn of 0 Order_ and form a Grange. He has also two invi- tations to reorganize and revise Granges some time dormant; but some will say that the Grange is dying out. ' yet thrown on _ THE .GrRANGE Visrron. j.- SCHOOLCRAFT. APRIL 1, 1879. Stmtsrgfs Qspsrtm-cut._ J. r. cons, - - - - scnooncnarrr. Oflicers and members of Subordinate Grange: in corresponding with this ofiice, will please always givethe Number of their Grange. PLASTER. Sonoonoaur, Mich., March ‘.25. Patrons of Jlichigan .- The unsatisfactory condition of the plaster trade of Day & Taylor makes it necessary that we call your atten- tion to the situation. You all know that on account of a most wicked combination of manufac- turers four years ago to compel the farmers of Michigan to pay $1 per ton for plaster at the mills, and _a dis- crimination against Patrons, requiring that cash should accompany a Grange order, that through the vigorous‘ measures ‘ adopted by the Executive Committee of the State Grange the combination was broken up, and that not only Patrons, but all farmers in the State have had cheap‘ plaster now for three years" The stand taken by us has saved very many thousand dol- lars to the farmers ‘of Michigan, and this result could not have been reached without the aid and c0-oper- ation of Messrs Day & Taylor. That they have been faithful and true to their agreements with the Order, done all they possibly could to accommo- date, and have always been ready to make good any claim for shortage, loss or damage by delay or otherwise, even when the claim was not always quite reasonable and just, from my knowl- edge of the business has eemed to me true; and that they have claims on the Order that we cannot ignore is recognized by every well-informed member in the State. In the face of difliculties that few young men would have dared to en- counter, they have developed amine, remodeled a water mill, putting-in the best machinery, built a large ware- house andmade every preparation for manufacturing plaster of the very best quality at the very lowest cost. To do this required a large investment of money, and that investment has been made-—made too, relying on the Pat- rons of Michigan to see them through, not by contributions or donations, but by ordering plaster of them in accord- ance with arrangements made by the Executive Committee. The result of our efibrt to break the combination was to throw two of the old companies into bankruptcy, and the properties fell into the hands of the mortgagee, the Union Mutual _ Life Insurance Co., of Maine. This new interest together with another newnfirm, that of A. D. & F. L. Noble & Co., have undertaken with cheap plaster, to capture the whole trade. The price with them does not seem to be at all important, for plaster is being sold by them from 85 cents to $1.50 per ton without regard to cost The plaster sold by these firms, has been taken out of their mines since last November and without seasoning, the rock is ground gr’een,'aud not well ground and really not first quality plaster. These firms have been wide- awake and pushed their goods into the market everwhere. Day & Taylor, as we have already . stated, ‘incurred a large Expense get- ting, ready for a. permanent business, and early. lest-season thetyp-gotouta large mieunt of rock for ' ‘season's ‘use. It was of good quality—and TI-IE GRAN G-E VISITOR. with the best facilities has been man- ufactured into the bestland plaster that has ever been oifered to the far- mers of Michigan. They had a right to expect, and did expect ; orders from Patrons for as much as they sold last year. Up to this time they have not sold half as . much and from present appearance are not likely to. They have now on hand over 4,000 tons that must be sold, as certain liabilities must be met. They have already delivered by teams 30 cars of plaster across to the L. S. & M. S. R. R., some two miles, at their own expense, and had charged back to them the trackage to Grand Rapids when sent over other railroads, which is equivalent to a rebate of -30 cents per ton to the customer. They have also secured wherever possible a reduction of freight rates, and in this direction have accom- plished as much or more than any of the old established firms have ever done. We take it for granted that the Patrons of Michigan will use as much plaster this spring as ever before. And we know that Day & Taylor are offering a stock of plaster manufac- tured from pure rock, from which no part has been selected for stucco, the rock well seasoned and very finely ground. They have track scales and know that the amount Billed is in the car in good order when it leaves the mill. They wish it understood, of all that has been delivered so far this season, not a single complaint has been made of shortage, quality, or condi- on and also that the $5 charge for trackage to Grand Rapids may be charged back to them from this date. N ow Bro. Patrons we have given to you the facts of the situation. What do you intend to do about it ? VVill you lend yourselves to the op- position and buy poor plaster to save a few shillings, and do what you can to break down Day & Taylor? That is the question, and it is a question that demands a practical answer. Shall we lose the ground we have gained and the good record we have made in this plaster business? We have been proud of the Patrons of Michigan for achieving so signal a victory over a powerful combination, and to loose this battle after it has been won, would be both humiliating and disgraceful. Brother Patrons, we only ask you to do your duty and in so doing, show the wise foresight that sees beyond the near horizon of the “penny wise and pound foolish.” THE PATENT GATE. Our correspondence relating to the patent gate claimants and the de- fense, indicates that the Granges in- tend to hold together and prove the value of organization. And it also presents some evidence that if sus- taiued,.as we have no doubt it will be, must determine in favor of the farmers the question at issue in the Courts. “Then such scamps as these gate swindlers organize to plunder a com- muity under color of law, and suc- ceed in efiecting their purpose, as they frequently do, the question naturally arises are we governed too much or too little. If governed less afew cheeky plunderers would never think of- commencing such a system- atic raid on the pockets of 10,000 Michigan farmers. The attempt would be followed by such prompt treatment that the beginning and end would not be far apart. Ifgoverned more or rather better we should not spend so much money to block the wheels of justice and protect rascals of all grades as we now do. Our best legal talent is now employed, not to protect the inno- in cent, but to devise some way of escape for the guilty. .Our' greatefit lawyers will turn a first-class scoun- drel loose on the community, on any irregularity or technicality. But we did not start out to say anything of this kind, but only this Quite a number of Granges have sent forward their pledges, and we have presented only enough to show the temper and spirit of the Patrons. As this is a matter which nearly every farmer in the State has an inter- est in, we hope the Granges will not be backward. Let each vote a small sum to be drawn upon, to meet the expense incurred in this defense which has been forced upon us. The cause is a-common one, let the bur- den of defense be well distributed. ADMISSION on GIRLS 'r_o THE AC- [HCULTURAL COLLEGE. The bill before the Legislature for the ad mission of girls to the Agricul- ture College and the erection of buildings for their accommodation from any thing we have so far seen lS waiting its turn in the legislative mill. We understand that this measure has the cordial support of all the members of the State Board of Agri- culture. With no special effort to enlist pub- lic attention a considerable number of petitions fairly signed have been forwarded to Lansing in behalf of this enlargement of the sphere of usful- ness of this fax-mer’s institution. Men make laws, and in so far as they are intended to confer benefits, gen- erally look out for themselves first. In founding and supporting public institutions, they have next looked out for the young men and boys. This probably grew out of the fact that the men of the future must come from the boys. Those who take a broader view of mankind, or the mutual rights, or those held in common so far as the obligations of society to its members are concerned, have to fight, for and gain inch by inch, the equal rights of the sexes. The best evidence that these innovation on the ideas of past ages are right, lies in the fact that every step gained is held; if not right, one experiment would furnish the proof, and a reaction would take place. The Legislature is called upon to be just in this matter, as well as generous. It can hardly be consid- ered an experiment, and we have gone so far in founding State Institu- tions that we cannot stop at this point of discrimination against the rights of girls to whatever benefits the State provides for its boys. It is no longer necessary to argue the point whether females are suscep- tible of the education and cultiva- tion of the sterner sex,‘ and with this point conceded it is difficult to understand how a State Institution can debar one sex from its educational advantages while it demands appro- priations of thousands of dollars an- nually for the benefit of the other. From our stand-point we shall in- sist that girls have an even chance with boys for an education at the ex- pense of the State so long as we spend money so lavishly upon our Univer- sity to educate lawyers and doctors to prey upon our pockets. The Michigan State Grange gave expression to its views on this subject at its late session in the following pre- amble and resolution : VVHEREAS, That inasmuch as the Ag- ridultural College of Michigan has prov- en a success in furnishing to farmers’ sons a field of higher practical-education which no other school has done or can do; and, . .- Wmsnnns, Farmers’ daughters -need just as broad and liberal i—ntellectualde- velopment as their. sons; therefore, ll ‘ Resolved, That the StateTGrange‘ of Michigan respectfully and earnestly urge the Legislature which is soon to convene to make a liberal appro- priation for buildings suitable for this purpose. This demand is so obviously just, fair, and right, that there seems little room or necessity for argument. C0 NS’I‘l'I‘U.'l‘l0NAL OBJECT I0-NS T0 APPEA LS CONSIDER ED. VVe understand an effort is being made to defeat the Bill before the Legislature restricting the right of ap- peal from justice courts when the judgment rendered in such court is less than $100, on the plea that it cou- flicts with See. 8 Art. 6 of the Consti- tution, which is as follows: “ The Circuit Court shall have Or- iginal jurisdiction in all matters, civil and criminal, not exceptedfiin this con- stitution and not prohibited by law; and appellate jurisdiction from all in- ferior courts and tribunals, and a su- pervisory control of the same. ” Now if this Section has any ur- pose whatever, it is to define the juris- diction of the Circzoit Court, and it states in a straightforward way-—that The Circuit Court shall have “Orig. inal jurisdiction” except in certain cases and then goes on to say that it shall have “appellate jurisdiction from all inferior courts,” which if it means anything means that its jurisdiction shall extend to, and cover all cases that come regularly to it, under the laws of the State. As first stated its “original jurisdiction” covers all cases “ not prohibited by law. ” Is it not inferentially correct to pre- sume that its “appellate jurisdiction” covers all cases “not prohibited by law,” also, which come before it on appeal “ from all inferior courts and tribunals. ” This part of the section simply in- vests the Circuit Court with authority to hear and decide cases appealed to it from inferior tribunals. The first part of the section in de- fining jurisdiction by the use of the words “not prohibited by law really invests the Legislature—the law-mak- ing power of the State, with the right to enlarge or curtail its “original jur- isdiction” and as the Circuit Court is given this “appellate jurisdiction from Inferior Courts” in the same section it is a plain and direct conclu- sion that such . jurisdiction must also be exercised under such laws and re- strictions as the Legislature may see fit to enact. This, from the language employed is the more easy and natural under- derstanding of the section. The right of appeal’ with all the condi- tions, liabiiities and- requirements surrounding it, is determined by statute, and is a thing entirely differ- ent from the power to hear and de- cide casts after an appeal has been taken. Now what is left of the sec- tion we are now considering-—only this; “and a supervisory control of the same.” Not being a lawyer we must be excused for not quoting Black- stone or some other eminent jurist long since dead, but content ourselves with applying a little common sense to this last clause of the section. If this is whatis relied on by these con- stitutional objectors to the bill we in- sist that if it in any way relates to the right of appeal, it is worth just 9-5 much in favor of restricting as against it. lf “supervisory control” is explained to mean that the Circuit Court shall make any rule or regulation governing the inferior courts in matters of appelh then we can as well claim that such rules may be restrictive, as in fact I rule must be. ‘ Now these pettifoging objector‘ are not going to say that this part Of 6 . the section propery construed, means that the circuit court in the exercise of a “Supervisory Control" shall» say what class of cases shall come before it on appeal or for what amount. This “ Supervisory control” evi- dently— means that the circuit court may require inferior courts to con- form to law in the trial of cases that come before them, and does not invest the circuit court with any authority affecting the right _of appeal, one way or the other. This right of appeal with all its details is determined by legislative enactments. If the framers of the constitution intended to make the right of appeal ' unlimited, they would have expressed it in unequivical language and not left so important a matter to rest on such a feeble implication. The object for providing for appeals is to protect litigants in their rights and this unre stricted right has been greatly abus- d. e W'e think this has been made to appear so often in this paper that we shall not pursue the subject in this number. ' ALONZO SESSIONS. As promised. we present in this number so good a portrait of Lieut. Gov. Sessions that many Patrons in Michigan will recognize an old friend at sight. From his long residence in, and ex- tensive acquaintance throughout the State, many are quite familiar with his life, yet there are, of course, many more of our readers who know little or nothing of his personal history. For these, and all who admire that success which comes of persistent,honest work intelligently directed, we give a brief sketch of his life. Alonzo Sessions was born in Mar- cellus, Onondaga county, N. Y. Aug, 10th, 1810. His father was a farmer on a small scale and had an old fash- ioned family of twelve children. Of six sons Alonzo was the oldest. From childhood he had plenty to eat, plenty of work, and the chances for educa- tion afforded by three months atten- dance each year at a district school until he was seventeen years old. Af- ter this his winters were devoted to teaching, ‘and the rest of the year to work on his father’s farm. At 21 he left home to do business for himself, his capital being his clothes, habits of industry and frugal- ltyi 8 good constitution, secured, as e sometimes said, because his mother » had the good sense to keep the doc- l0rS away from him, not only able and willing to work, but capable of more than ordinary effort and endur- ance and an ambition to rise by land- able means to a condition of inde Pendence and usefulness. F0? the purpose of getting some Practical knowledge of business, he zllenlé twqq years in a store in Genesee mm 3’: . Y., receivin 10 er month and board. 8 $ P The first year he saved $100 which 9 loaned at seven per cent per an- "‘“'1a<‘0mmencing then and there in 3 small way the business of banking. Wu be second year he saved less of his 398, as his home outfit by this time feezled replenishing, but all was saved 3 could be, and with that little, he “arrest for Michigan. Landing at Mt "°gl he traveled, on foot via arllfilzezlfis Rogiep apdd Pontiaci S sail y ii ian trai S]:’i';‘w‘h°1'ha through the counties of i:'h53°° and Clinton to Ionia. “W the inherited notion that pmibil Water and stone” were indis- d 0 to the successful farmer, he the G such an abundance of each near 10 . ‘and River, in the county of ‘M till“ he made a selection flirted for the United States land otiice at White Pigeon to pur- chase his future home. On board a Frenchman’s Bateau he floated down the Grand River to Grand Rapids, stopping one night with Rix Robinison, the well-known Indian trader, at the mouth of the Thorn-apple. From Grand Rapids he pursued the old route, via Gull Prai- rie, Kalamazqo, Prairie Ronde and Three Rivers to White Pigeon. His investment made, he went to Ohio where he spent the next two years in a store or teaching, mostly in the vicinity of Dayton. In the spring of 1835 he bought a pair of horses and started on horseback for what was to be his Michigan farm and home. This journey of sixteen days was mainly through a dense forest and in- cluded obstacles and hardships that pioneers only fully understand. During these four years since he left his father’s house he drank neither tea, coffee or spirits of any kind—only water—and used no to- baco in any form. With a little money for the purchase of necessary tools, in June 1835 he set about the work of carving a farm and future home out of the wilderness. Those who have done that work, single handed and alone, in a new country need not be told that this to the sturdy worker seems no right royal roadto fame and a competence. Alone, in the woods, his strength energy and courage long taxed to their ulmost, yielded to his first sick- ness, and with insufiicient means to carry him through to that point where from his own farm his wants could be supplied, he came to regard the man that would loan him money to buy provision and clothing as his best friend. From such a beginning, with such untlagging perseverance, personal ap- plication and that intelligent indus- try which extorts success from even untoward circumstances, Gov. Ses- sions through all these years has steadily advanced, step by step, until now, when he has nearly reached the three score and ten allotted to man his cultivated acres number nearly a thousand, and his flocks and herds are living evidences of that agricul- tural advancement in this State of which he is so justly proud, and for which he has so long and faithfully labored. This success is not his alone, for he who transforms the wilderness into fertile fields and adorns the earth with cultivated beauty, making it tributary to man’s varied wants, has been amost important factor in all those essential elements that give character and importance to a State. To its material wealth,. Alonzo Ses- sions has contributed his full share; to its reputation for official integrity and honesty few names can add more weight; to its population. no one can turn with more satisfaction than he, for the state of his adoption he has given four sons and three daughters, young, healthy and vigorous, free from all bad habits, able, capable and willing to labor, and all doing good honest, faithful and creditable work. These are his pride, and constitute the richest legacy the citizen can be- queath to his country. From such men the public de- mands service, and from one so capa- ble, much has been required. When his township‘ became sufficiently set- tled to require organization, he be- came its first supervisor and has served in that capacity nearly half the time since, and has uniformly received the support for the various elective positions that he has held, of the people of his own Township and District. He took an active part many years ago in organizing a County Agricul- tural Society, became its first Presi- dent, and was continued from year to year until accumulating duties forced him to decline the service long- er. Soon after the State Legislature an tho-riled the organization of Farmers’ Mutual Insurance Companies, Mr. Sessions, always ready to aid in so curing by organization among farm ers the advantages properly belong- ing to them as a class, took part in establishing on a permanent basis the Farmers’ Mutual hire Insurance Company of Ionia County, of which he is and has been for many years the President. The success of these Farmei-’s Insurance Companies has always been assured when men like Mr. Sessions participated in the management, and that of Ionia Coun- ty like many others, presents a satis- factory record. As in every other business association in which he took part, so in his connection with the h'ii'st National Bank of Ionia, his sound judgement and executive abil.ty has given him its Presidency, —-farmer as he is, for twelve con- secutive years though his associate Directors are among the best busi- ness-men of Ionia. By President Lincoln he was ap- pointed assessor of internal revenue of the fourth district of Michigan in 16.6.2 and served until removed by Presl- dent Johnson. He represented his county for several terms in the legis- lature—is to-day in possession or the second oflice in the gift of the people, and as president of the Senate is maintaining a reputation long since established, of close discrimination and unbiased fairness in the discharge of ofiicial duty. VVith such men holding public trusts, those plunder- ers who infest the body politic, and rob and disgrace the State, for the time being, must betake themselves to other fields to ply their chosen vo- cation. No man more heartily despises cant, pretense, shiftlessness, dishon- esty or any other form of human weakness and wickedness, and in his estimate of' men he may sometimes forget it is not alike easy for every man to be honest, frugal and in- dustrious. If herein he demands sometimes, more than the largest hearted philanthropist, it cannot be said that he demands more than the well-balanced scales of justice require. Our brief review would be quite in- complete without reference to his connection with the Grange. His faith in the farm, and in farm- ing, has always made him the friend of every enterprise that he believed would advance agriculture and elevate the farmer, and he saw at once that the Grange furnished additional facil- ities for benefiting the farmer and stimulating him to individual im- provement. Bro. Sessions did not wait to see whether the Grange would become popular, but identified him- self with it and has always been ready either as Master of his Grange or when on the Executive Committee of the State Grange, with words of en- couragement and advice to promote the best interests ofthe Order. To assume that Bro. Sessions is al- ways right, is more than we shall un- dertake and we cannot better present his individuality than to quote from Bro. Armstrong, of the .Husbandman.' “Mr. Sessions may truthfully be called an obstinate man. He is vigorous in thought and clear in his conceptions of right and when he has reached a conclusion, which is done carefully, yet quickly, he has reached it to stand by it. He never thinks of mak- ing his opinions conform to political considerations, but with a concious- ness of right he is ready to combat all forms of prejudice, to meet all the darts of demagogues and to defend single handed, if necessary, the truth of his convictions. Such men are sel- dom radically wrong. Their intui- tive ability and unyielding honesty enable them to reach safe and wise conclusions.” The Patrons of Husbandry have been, and are demanding for the farmer more recognition. This is right, and such representative men as Bro. Sessions are doing much to vindicate the validity of this claim. Michigan has other farmers like him, honest, industrious and capable, and the Grange is rapidly developing more for future use. We shall only add that with Alon- zo Sessions nature dealt generously, for she endowed him with thee men- ial qualities that have given his opinions weight among his fellows through all these ytars from youth to ripe manhood, and AI"! in m:tnhood’s pl'll.Ile through other succeeding years to that age where we find most men show the decrepitude of years. We find him, however, to-day with the same bright eye, clear head and sound judgement that ave him prominence, influence an position years ago. We believe the govern- ment of the State is in the hands of honorable, capable men, and none have a better record than farmer Sessions. .3 L‘-v'~.)r‘ " A ....~ ¢.\«.¢z. a 4.1, ..'r.~..4. in 6 A FRIEND has sent us the following closing paragraph of the article en.- titled, “Illuminating Illustrated,” in the Lectui-e’s Department of the Visi- Ton of March 15, and attached a rath- er caustic rejoinder. We think this first paragraph should not have been written, and can see that no good can arise from hits, and retorts of this sort. We recognize our responsibility for the contents of the VISITOR but we have never felt at liberty to meddle with the Departments of Olficers of the State Grange and will only add that we hope this begiizning is the end of this apparently uncalled for reflection upon the integrity of Prof. Kedzie: Please read the above carefully, and note that Prof. K. “has no interest in the oil question” — also that this lecturer could use two _lamps exactly alike, another lecturer could not or did not, but had an Argand burner for high test oil and a common one for low test oil, and then put the edge of the flames to- ward the instrument.—V1siToR, March 15, page 6. There isa class of minds which al- ways attribute base motives to public men. Unable themselves to walk up- rightly, _they can never comprehend uprightness in others and believe that a crooked path is taken l'rom choice, as they would take it themselves. Q. We are always willing to give space to brief Obituary Notices. But we repeat what we have had occasion to say several times before, that such no- tices usually have little more than 10- cal interest, and the accompanying resolutions of one notice are so nearly a copy of the next that we do not feel justified in devoting the space which the publication of all would require. We hope our friends will not only read this but remember what we have here said as it is not pleasant to be compelled to reject so much of this matter sent us for publication. ' VVE call attention to the new adver- tisement iu this issue of the Kalama- zoo Grain Drill Company. VVe are personally acquainted with the gen- tlemen comprising this company and can assure all parties interested, of their willingness and ability to make good any promise or guarantee made _by them. VVe shall refer to the mer- its of this new drill tooth at some fu- ture time. Qliflrrtillifllllltntt. Uni-llolly Grangers. GROVELAND, Mich., March 24, 1874 Brother Cobb‘: Not seeing my last, I propose writing again nevertheless in regard to Plaster, and I don’t care who I hit. Our Grange for this last two years have ordered by me four cars of plaster each year, and it cost us about 30 or -10 cents per ton nioie than agents have been selling it lor. A good many of our members did not like to pay more than those outside the gate. um‘ not look at the quality of the plaster nor their own principles. This winter. when I received my blank plaster orders and requested tnem to put down their names and amount re- quired, all that I could get to do so was for about 3; tons. Well I sent to Day .5: Taylor for one car and when it came we were 25 days getting it out of the cars. You see we had hard work to get our members to come and take it at per ton. ‘Outsiders selling plaster at Holly at $3.76 to $4.00. Now is this grunge principles, is this for the good of the Grange or the farming common ity. I think not. I say not. Our V Lzrange uses about 40 tons of plaster every spring. “ bought of Day & Taylor 12 tons, having 'l‘his spring we have about 28 or 30 tons bought of outside fiarties. Is this right? 1 say no. No man isa good member of the Grange who does anything of the kind. 1\ow I will say this, if all the Granges in the State have ‘bought of Day (St Taylor at the rate our Grange has, the farm- ers next spring will have to pay at the rate of $510 $6 per ton at Holly, grang- TI-IE GRANGE VISITOR. ers as well as others, and it will serve the grangers right, too. If I was a member ofa Grange I would be one or get out. Work right up to the bit for the good of the Order in every thing. But that are is human nature and it takes all kinds of people to make a world, is an old saying, grangers not excepted. And it is so with the store connected with our Grange. Most of the members will go to the village stores and buy tliiiigs that are kept at our Grange store, saying they can get things cheaper. Well they don’tlook at it right. The merchant at Holly knows almost all of our members and will try and getthem to buy. I know how they do it—let them have goods a little cheaper and sometimes a good deal cheaper than to their regular cus- tomers all the time trying to brake down the Grange store. But look to your rights, Bro. Grangers. See that you get good weight. Maybe you don’t get good weight. The Holly merchant has got to live so he aint a going to let you have his goods for less than cost cf you are a good granger. . And another thing, all wrong in the Grange. I don’t know whether other granges are troubled in that way or not, butoursis. First. A good many mem- bers would like to be master, and at elec- tion if they are not elected master, will stay at home and find fault with what is done at the meetings and try and do all in their power against the work of the Grange. Second. Some think they do more for the Grange than any other member and are always talking about it in the Grange and out of it_. Worthy Secretary, I don’t write this finding fault with the Grange, only some mem- bers of it. I wish they would do better, likewise taking the VISITOR. Our Grange or the members ought to take 25 or 30, but on] take 10. Is it not the same with the ISITOR as with plaster. I don’t like to be talking at every meet- ing about the same thing without some success. But this for one time are com- plaiiits enough. WILLIAM CAMPBELD, Secretary 443. How to Buy a Horse. The Rural New Yorker says: “An intended purchaser should have the horse brought out before him, and watch the animal as he stands at rest. If the owner is continually starting the horseinto motion, and urging him to ‘show off,’ something may be suspected, because itis when the horse is in per- fect rest that his weak points are di- vulged. If the horse be sound he will stand square on his limbs, without mov- ing any one of them, the feet being placed flat on the ground and all his legs plumb and naturally poised. Il one foot be thrown forward, and the toe pointing to the ground, and the heel raised ; or if the foot be raised from the ground and the weight taken from it, disease or tenderness may be suspected.” Much has been said oftlie abominable practice among the Chinese of Califor- nia of congregating in immense num- bers, and sleeping in roomsas crowded as bunks can be fitted, and which any- where else than (,‘alifoi'nia would breed a pestilence. The recent “Tenement House Society” in New York, city shows that, and other cities are awaken- ing to the importance of the evils, dan- gers and abominations of the tenement house system, and overcrowded quar- ters of other places besides the Chinese division of San Francisco. Half the population of New York live in tene- ment houses—over— crowded and illy provided with the conditions necessary to a half decent home life. It was as- serted in a public meeting that the whole social structure is being under- mined. The industrial classes are doomed to live and sleep in the vilest places, and it should be remembered that the peril of one generation becomes theinevitable destiny of the next. At the mission schools on Sunday the chil- dren of the poor are lifted an inch,;and they fall black fifty feet before the next meeting.—Such facts challenge, not the sympathies only, but the earnest, active erforts of the humane, and present a home field for the practice of the “ap- plied science" of Christianity. The growing importance of" the evil must at no distance day compel a reform of the system by the great cities of the coun- try.—Grari_qe Bulletin. MAKE a minute of our contract with those employed by 1 e month. It will pay. — ataxia’ fltpartmmt. White Lake Grange. Worthy Brother Cobb : My pen I now take, To write you concerning our Grange at White Lake. It numbered, I think, in the brightidays of yore, If I am not mistaken, very nearly four score. Soon some of them left, you would laugh to know why, And anxiously looked to see the Grange die. But they looked in vain; the stupor passed off, From a comatose state the remnant came forth, Doiined the whole armor, and worked with a will, And I am glad to say we are living still. We are stronger than ever, I think, to-day, And those outsidethe Gate know we’ve come to stay. We have talks about farming, fruit-culture and plows, About plaster and “powders” for horses and cows. We have our discussions about this thing, and that, - Our music and essays, and pleasant chit-chat. We have a good recess, when time can be found When apples and pop-corn are freely passed round. With oflicers genial, kind-hearted and true, I see no near failure, dear brother, do you? We all love the Grange,_and mean to be there When the weather is foul and when it is fair. Through the Snmmer’s fierce heat and Winter’: stern cold, For it keeps our own hearts from fast growing old, It leads us to think of that fadeless shore Where the pure in heart shall be parted no more. If a Michigan Grange a prograizime can give, Whereby we can better make progress and live, We want it, we'll try it, by doing our best, And report in future to you our success, I think of no more that I wish now, to say, And will close, if accepted, till some other day. s. P. A. March 199.11, 1373. “From Death to Life.” Friends of the Grange. _When it was suggested to me some time ago that I write for the VISITOR, I answered, f‘How can I find time ?” and witha family of small children to cook, Wash, make and mend for, the milk of four cows to manufacture into butter, the endless detail of house-work to dis- pose of, and _all with one pair of hands —_except assistance from husband after his hard day's work on the farm was done--I felt writing be an impossi- bility, but I have derived so much ben- efit lrom the “Ladies Department,” and it appeared to me that many of those articles came from mothers’ fin- gers as tired and brains as busy as my own, so_I resolved to do what I could to help hll the space allotted us. Now I do not wish you to infer from what I have said that I consider house- work a drudgery; on the contrary I love it, that is, a moderate amount of it, but when it comes in overdoses it is not so pleasant. I read an article a short time ago on "housework,” in which the writer urges the acquirement of knowledge outside of house, and says : 'fl)raw the line wisely between sloven- liness ‘and that devotion to neatness which regards neatnessas an end, and not as a means, and you will have time enough outside of house-work.. Now there was no s in ath h l in that for me, and 'ffel)t as3if0Ia $61!), sheet had been flapped in my face, for alter trimming off’ and cutting down on Unnecessary work, econoniizlng and Systemlzmgl etc., I find still a very small margin left for amusement or improvement.‘ I wish that_some one posssessing more 35111‘! than myself would report our Grange to the VISi"1‘0B. for the encour- agement of other sickly‘ Granges for less than a year ago our Grange wais to all apyearauces. breathing its last Jud enemies of the Order stood off witness- mg "5 “sea”? 9" “K8198. 88 the suppos §=d;bl_1lI 1'5 dld not die, on the contrary it rallied under the continued treatment 9f 3 "ew friendly membersand is now 111 8 800d, healthy condition. We re- moved trom the sick-i-oom-—school- 110096-into a. pleasant comfortable lit- tle hall where all feel lit home. Such a good friendly feeling as now exists is 4. seldom found I think, in any Grange, no jealousies, no_ bapk-slidjngs, no "pulling and hauling’ for his or her own way, buta ready yielding of par. ticglar preferences, for the good of the 0 er. - rVVe have had_nine additions to our membership this year, with prospects of more. At outlast meeting we con- ferred the fourth degree, had a feast, setipral short (slpteeches, and all appeared to aveagoo line. We have lately introduced sub'ects for discussion, _and expect to find it oth profitable and interesting. fl??Vith many wishes for the success o _e VISITOR, and also of the Gfiange, ILwiIl{l close, ELEN . OWARD. Ionia Grange, No. 191, March 11, 1879. Pen Photographs Continued. Editor Visitor .- I had thought to discontinue these sketches as the indications were that the ladies department could be filled with more interesting matter; how- ever, I will send this, asking the editor to wait till there is room. Passing around the hall from the chaplin we next come to the Assistant Steward and Lady Assistant, Mr. and Mrs. Mattison; the Lady Assistant is a pleasant little blonde and occupies her- self mostly in working something pret- ty on canvass, her husband I scarcely remember ; no doubt he is tall and dark and very gallant, caring more for the good looks of his wife than for his own. The Overseer, Mr. Adams, is short of stature and also of speech I judge, as I do not remember of hearing his voice in debate during the entire session. The Steward, Mr. Tooker, has pleasant eyes, shaves once a week and is noted for his fidelity. And now we will step into the anti-room and be introduced to the Gate Keeper, Mr. Woodrulf; you at once pick him out for a ladies man, but there you are mistaken, not that he lacks in gallantry, but he seems occu- pied with more important themes; he as a light complexion, light hair, and light or build, precise in movement and faultless in dress. Mrs. Woodrulf, who isalso small, dresses with taste, has a business air, is not easy to form an ac- quaintance, and I think would have strong likes and dislikes. Last but not least, Pomona, the peerless ! Mrs. Adams of Grand Rapids is a noble spec- imen of womanly grace ; is the picture of health and happiness, her counte- nance indicates geniality and amiability. I have reason to believe that her shape- ly hand could wield the pen as well as the broom and dishcloth, for I saw her pencil move rapidly over the paper, and have been looking anxiously for her communications in the VISITOR. I hope she will not deprive us of her ob- servations. I would like to go back with you into the audience and introduce you to some of the delegates, but I desist, as it might be too gossipy for the matter-of-fact readers of the VISITOR ; but I wish you could all have been there on Wednes- day evening at the reception of the State Oflicers and heard the speeches- O, weren’t we proud of our farmers, as they arose one after another to answer speeches made by the State Otlicials. and aren’t we proud of the Grange that has been ‘the means of making some of these farmers public speakers worthy to address the governor and his associates. The best description I can give of GOV- Croswell is that manliness is stamped on every feature and nobility of charac- ter in every action. Secretary Holden I can compare in general appearanceto my idea ofLord Byron, he is simply 111' describable, his hands have the round- ness and shapeliness of a woman’s. fit hands to pen “thoughts that breath and words that burn”; but I will detain you no longer. Has the Grange Been of Any Benefit. This question may seem strange t° those members who. have been r9g"_1“’ in their attendance, or taken an 8091“ part in making its meetings interesting but there are persons who still doll” the necessity or expediency of We °‘." ganization and to such ones we W11! d1‘ rect a few words, hoping to conVlfl°° then that it is no trivial thing "To lief,‘ Granger and with the Grangers stand- When we first organized some of "5 thought we knew what an amount 09 good might accrue from hand”? ourselves together and helping 0335' other by our counsels and expel'i011°°' but I ‘think we hardly realized €119 «- length, breadth or depth of what was before us. We-were scattered and wrapped up in our own cares and knew little of those whom we now, through this beneficial Order, have come to know and esteem as dear friends. We have met each week. extended the cordial welcome, cemented friendships where before was only a slight acquaintance. We have exchanged thoughts, given counsel and very many of us can truly say we have received real and lasting benefit. But there is another benefit. We have massed our experience of long years of toil and experiment, and brought it out for the lasting good of the members, who have thus saved to themselves many weary waitings and uncertainties by following the advice of _ those who were practical agriculturalists. I ap- eal to the young farmers, have you not earned many valuable lessons in the ? Gr’I?l'iEi‘i intellectually what has it done for us? Many of us had not written a line since we left school, except an oc- casional letter and even that duty was getting irksome, but now we have brushed up our ideas somewhat, and are better able to express what we wish to write or say than before these_ efforts were called out. I often wonder if those without the gate cannot notice a change for the better in us, we certainly can see it in each other and ourselves. You that never express your opinions on any of the subjects brought up at our meetings, don’t you think more than on did before you were a Patron ? It has been a benefit financially. Perhaps not in adirect lessening of the price of most of the articles we buy, but in some cases it has even done more for our pockets than the most sanguine hoped. For instance plaster! Not one Patron in a dozen ever expected the plaster ring would be so effectually broken. It has benelitted us more by making us inquire and find out the the cost of what we buy, and what is a fair living profit. Farmers as a rule think more for themselves, and rings both financialand political can say with Caesar, “He thinks too much, such men are danger- ous.” Yes, it is dangerous to have men and women think, if you wish to make them serfs and vassals, tools of wrong and fraud; but if you would bring out the good they are capable of, if you would raise them to a higher and more noble life, let them think, and let them utter their thoughts aloud, that they take a shape and being, for he that pon- dereth in silence crowdeth the store house of his mind, and though he have heaped great riches, yet is he hindered in the using. CHLOE, Qthrrrspnndrutr. Bro. Cobb .' Whilel have been resting, (not by the wayside) but in the “cozy nook by the fireside, ’ giving my time to read- lug, thought and study; also giving soine_of those “lectures” so graphically described in “Personnel of the Grange,” with what success time alone will tell, some of the time kept in home seclu- sion.by the deep snow, at other times an invalid; occasionally helping my husband in his arduous labors for the church, and thus the winter has passed leasantly, and I hope profitably. Bro. oodman’s visit and lecture was not only a peace offering to our Granges, but has left its impress on the minds of all who listened so intently for two hours to his clear and lucid exposition of the foundation, work and objects of the "Patrons of Husbandry.” have been deeply interested as I learned through the VISITOR that oth- 91's are at_work, not only in the able contributions found in its columns, but steadily _upholdin‘g and advancing the “°bl° Principles of our Order in various W333; and by active work in reviving dprmant Granges and encouraging the lficouraged ones. I amglad the sis- Eers are_“falling into line” and filling he 1adies’*de’partment so ably. “Our modest sister’ of the name covered by a T111)’ Star,” in “Pen Photographs” .33Ve me some very good advice, which Is duly appreciated, part of which, (that “‘-9:‘-_|'f1ng to the work by the fire-side ~ "Ting the inclemency of winter), has n 11 followed this winter from dire -fi3°c°‘3l‘y-’P_81_'t has been heretofore ne- 3 ted. waiting to find that “Cozy ?“¢fig1_13l_ie V1sIToB.” vacant. .After ‘'8 Waiting I venture to risk my chance men "the rest, and the remainder, al- kindly received, we consider as we have long since THE GRANGE VISITOR. learned that earthly lam-elg fade and droop and die, but the laurels we seek bloom forever on the “Evergreen Shore.” There none grow weary in the labor of love, which gives joy and peace forever. There toil and sickness bring no decay and death blasts not the sweet flowers and the good shall be beautiful there. When we lay down our imple- ments on earth, may our work be com- plete and may we all meet there and wear the victors “Laurels.” A. R. STEELE. Bear Lake, March 10. COLDWATER, March, 24. J .' T. Cobb, Esq.-—Dear Sir .' The Branch County Pomona Grange met on March 20th, ursuant to notice for the election of 0 cers. The work was performed satisfactorily with the following results : Master—-George W. VanAiken. Overseer—William Joseph. Lecturer-John’ G. Parkhurst. Steward—Byron Benton. Ass’t Steward—J. C. Pearce. Chaplin—J. B. Craw, Treasurer-—Henry B. George. Secreta.ry—Wal1ace E. Wright. Gate-Keeper—Edward Lockwood. Ceres——Mrs. S. M. Treat. Pomona-—Mrs. H. B. George. Flora——Mrs. R. F. Parker. Stewardess——Mrs. J, C. Boom. After the election a repast was pre- pared by the ladies which seemed to be highly appreciated by all present. This Grange now numbers 45 members and some of the best men in the county are of this number. We have a plaster- house and have already shipped 4 car loads of plaster. All are enthusiastic in the work of the Order. We are re- ceiving applications for membership at nearly every meeting. The installation of officers will occur at Bronson on May 2d at 10 o'clock, A. M. W. E. WRIGHT, Sec’y. LITCHFIELD, March 10. Dear Bro. Cobb.- At the last meeting of Hillsdale Pom- ona Grange, No. 10, held at the Grange Hall in J onesvllle, a special committee upon the patent gate subject made the following report, which was adopted and ordered sent to you: WORTHY MASTER.—The committee that was appointed upon the gate ques. tion and all evidence relating thereto would respectfully report that from the evidence before them they are fully sat- isfied that the question of defence against the claims of certain parties is no longer one of theory, but is now one of fact and creates a necessity for a bold, united and decided stand on the part of the Patrons of the State, prompted alike by personal interest and the ob- ligations which we as an organization recognize. Your committee find upon inquiry that sutficient evidence can be rovided to show that this gate has een in use over 30 years. And your committee would recommend that $15 be set apart from the funds of this Po- mona Grange for the purpose of aiding the Defense Association, subject to the order of ‘the Secretary of the State Grange. H. D. Pessell, T. D. Benedict, A. J. Baker, H. «N. Rowley, E. J. Hodges, Committee. G. M. GARDNER, Secretary. DOVVAGIAC, March 12. Bra. 1. T. Cobb .- The oil inspector reports not a single accident from Michigan test; according to Bro. Hunt the board of health re ort one, the newspapers have reporte at least three and perhaps more, one in this county, a house burned, being the only accident from oil in the last 15 years, a barn in one of the northern counties was destroyed by a lamp ex- plosion, and a little girl burned to death in Bay City showstlie ignorance, orthe wilful suppression of facts by officials- and other advocates of this legalized outrage upon the rights of thepeople which costs us nearly half a million of dollars annually to supporta grinding monopoly and a gang of useless oil in- spectors. There is no evidence to show that any more accidents occurin Ohio than in this State in proportion to the population, while we are com pay nearly double for the oil. The fwt is nearly all the accidents are the re- sult" of’ carelessness. I have used all grades ofloil, from crude upto the most refined, for nearly 30 years without acci- dent, and__Micl_iigan test isho better than the average. Let the Legislature repeal the law and save to our tax-rid- den people nearly half a million dollars annually. We are governed_too much pelled to . and have too much legislation in the interest of oflicials and monopolists. H. H. TAYLOR. ALTON, March 9. Worthy Secretary.- It has been some time since I have seen anything in the VISITOR from this Grange; a few words may be of in- terest to many of its readers. Alton Grange, No. 634, was organized Oct. 26th, 1877, with 43 charterjmembers and we have had several additions and corresponding losses so that the Grange still numbers forty-three members in good standing and I am happy to say isin a prosperous condition, holds its meetings every Tuesday evening when the weather will permit, and generally has a good attendance. We have a neat little hall 20x40 feet in size, nearly finished. Have some earnest workers. who are ever at their posts, ready and willing to do all they can to make our meetings profitable. We have essays, select-readings, discussions, etc. At our last meeting we had an application for membership and hope ere long to see many more within the gates. With best wishes for the success of our Order I remain, Yours fraternally, GEO. H. GODFREY, Secretary, No. 634. BiRMi_NGHAM, Mich., March 15. Bro. Cobb.- The next regular meeting of Oakland Pomona Grange, No. 5, Patrons of Hus- bandry, will be held at Birmingham on Tuesday, April 8, commencing at 10 A. M. All fourth degree members of the Order are cordially solicited to at- tend. No pains will be spared to make this meeting attractive, interesting and useful. J . JACKSON, Secretary. SARANAC, March 12. The Lowell District Council will hold its next meeting at the hall of South Boston Grange April 9th, 1879. An in- vitation is extended to all fourth de- gree members. D. H. ENGLISH, Secretary. DOWAGIAC, March 17th. Bro. J. T. Cobb.- A regular meeting of Cass County Pomona Grange will be held at Cass- opolis on Wednesday the second day of April and I earnestly solicit all its members to be present at the meeting. Bro. Mason of Chicago and Bro. Frank- lin of Buchanan are expected to be present. I GAYLORD COREY, Master. Tl-IE REAPER, DEATII. WHITE-—Death has again entered our circle and struck f1-omgour roll book the name of our worthy sister Sarah B. White, a. most estima- ble member of Summerton Grange, No, 310. B. E. JOHNSON, ‘ Secretary. COOLIDGE.—-At Bowens Mills, Barry Co., March 8, Miss Mehala Coolidge, a much belov- ed member of Yankee Grange, No. 243. Our members most deedly sympathize with the aged parents of our departed sister. J . H. MARTIN, Secretary. I