The patron of husbandry., January 06, 1883, Image 1

About The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883

Image provided by: Mississippi Department of Archives and History

                
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Volume 8.
W. H WORTHINGTON Editor.
nr COL.U3IBUS, MISS
Katnrday, January 6,
The FarmerM Legislatare.
Until the Grange appeared there
was no organized body that repre
sented the sentiments and interests
ef the farmers of America and dis
cussed and advocated their various
peculiar interests. Agricultural or
ganizations there had been,itis true,
but thee were generally controlled
by lawyers, merchants and politi
cians, who, if they understood the
real interests of the farmers the
toiling millions did not sy m pathize
with them, and manipulated these
so-called agricultural organizations
for their own benefit and to the di
rect injury of the very class they
pretended to represent. There are
questions of vital importance to the
farmer, such as their education in all
matters pertaining to business and
political affairs and their right t
perfect equality with all other clas
ses, which were never considered
by these organizations, and any at
tempt to bring them up would have
been promptly suppressed. The
agricultural organizations were de
signed simply to improve agiicul
ture to increase the yield and qual
ities of the various products, the
improvement of the soil, etc.; but
the Grange was intended to open
the way to the education and eleva
tion of the farmers and enable them
to understand and maintain their
rights wherever Involved or as
sailed.
The National Grange is the Na
tional legislature of the farmers of
America, and at its annual sessions
all questions of national importance
affecting their rights and ir.terests
are legislated upon. The State
Grange is the State legislature, and
how wisely and well these bodies
legislate tor the good of the Order
and the promotion of the best inter
ests of the farmer may be seen from
the proceedings of thu recent ses
sion of the Mississippi StattGrange,
which we publish in full in this
issue of The Patron. The various
reports of committees will be found
of great interest to every farmer,
no in this State alone but in all t
tht States. They discuss questions j
of paramount importance to their
class, questions that no intelligent
farmer should be willing to remain
ignorant of, and the conclusions
reached should have the prompt
and earnest endorsement.and sup
port of every farmer whose inter
ests are mainly agricultural. The
proceedings of this session were
marked by a wisdom and patriotism
that should command the serious
attention of farmers every where,
and it is deeply to be regtetted that
there are tens of thousands of far
mers even in this State who will
never see or hear of them. But the
number of ignorant farmers is rap
idly diminishing. The Grange light
is steadily increasing in brilliancy
and gradually reaching the dark
quarter of the land 'both by the
wide dissemination of the Grange
press and the voices of the Grange
orators.
To every Patron of Husbandry
who receives this issue of The
Patron we say, read the proceed
ings of this session of the Missis
s'Ppi State Grange your own
State Legislature and hand it to
your neighbors to read. They will
tear the closest scrutiny and com
Hand the approval of every farmer
who tightly appreciates the nobility
of his calling.
Worthy Master Darden'g address
should be read by every farmer in
the land: It is an able naoer and
- - 1
does credit to the hoad and heart of
distinguished author. The far
ners of Mississippi will yet appre
c'te the sterling wrth and the
grfsi Fi-v? c p.c;h leader.
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The Bnslnes Agencies.
The Grange Agencies in the
arge cities are generally doing
well. The Texas Cooperative
Agency, under the able and faithful
management of Bro. J. S. Racers
at Galveston, has 'succeeded far be
youd public expectations. It is
growing in the confidence of the
farmers of Texas, and its business
is rapidly increasing.
The Southwestern Co-operative
Association.with its Branch Houses
at New Orleans and St. Louis,
making steady progress. Bro T J.
Carver is probably one of the ablest
business agents connected with the
Order; with his great experience
and sterling integrity he will yet
make the Branch House over which
he presides one of the leading busi
ness houses in the great commercial
emporium of the South.
At St. Louis, Bro. Wra. Maxwell
is managing the Branch House to
the entire satisfaction of the Asso
ciation and the customers. We
hope that its business will be more
than doublod this season, and that
it will continue to grow.
Patrons and farmers who give
their business to these Agencies are
contributing to the building up of
a business system that promotes
their individual interests and pro
tects them from the oppressions and
robberies of which they have so
long been the victims under the old
system.
The tribute paid to Senator
George and Representative Mul-
drow by the Mississippi Slate
Grange will be most cordially en
dorsed" by members of the Order
who are familiar with the public
record of these distinguished gen
tlemen. On ail questions affecting
the interests of the farmers that
have come before Coogress since
they became members, they have
been earnest and fearless in their
devotion to tho interests of the peo
ple, and the farmers of Mississippi
will always hold them in grateful
esteem.
Newton county, the Banner
Grange County, and Midway
Grange, of Carroll county, the Ban
ner Grange of the Slate,- were rep
resented by three noble, staunch
Patrons at tho reeeut session of the
State .Grange. Bros. J. B. Bailey
and A. M. Monroe of Newton, and
W. T. Stone, of Carroll county, are
splendid representatives of the far
mer class talented, fearless and
devoted to the cause and their
constiuents may well be proud of
them. "
"The Patron" at the Mississippi
State Grange.
We were highly delighted and
encouraged by the generous and
enthusiastic support given toTHE
Patron by the members of the
State Grange The members not
only subscribed liberally but tho
Grange expressed its appreciation
of its worth and services by making
an earnest appeal to the member
hin' of the State to rally to its sup-
""r . , .
port. This appeal will Uejouna in
the proceedings, wnicn we pnut ,u
full, and we take great pride and
pleasure in directing tue attention
of our readers to it.
Thfl members promised that The
Patron should have an adequate
aapport in this State, and we prom
ised that it shoaia noi oniy
them regalat visits but be more in
teresting and valuable than ever.
The following Grange leaders are
Already responding nobly to the
appeal of the State Grange:
R H. Payne, Clay county.
W. D. Couch, Chickasaw.
Ira R. Robinson, Kemper.
M. J. Chandler, Newton.
W. L. Woods, -Yalobusha.
D. A. Becks, Monroe.
We hop lo heur from at oru'
the next
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Official j ouriai, ofl. the State
Mississippi State Grange.
Twelfth Annual Session.
FIRST DAYTUESDAY.
Jackson, Miss., Dec. 12, t582
The Stt (irfmarf rnnvpnH tn
rt .
day at 1 1 o'clock, a. m., in th? hall
of the West Tackson Fire Comnanv.
u . v J
in rnmnliam-p with th nrnwisifrns
of the 2nd section of Article II. of
thf fnrmf-ittitirm nf h CirAr ni the-
Patrons of Husbandry and of Article
ill. ot the ay -Laws ot this Estate
Grano-ft. The Grancr was onentd
in due form in the-Fourth Degree
by Worthy Master Darden.
Officers Present.
Master l ut. Darden.
Overseer J. G. McArthur.
Steward J. B. Bailey.
Assistant Steward N. M Woods,
Treasurer II. O. Dixon. .
Secretary Mrs. Helen A. Aby.
Ceres Mrs. M. L. Darden.
Pomona Mrs. M. E. McArthur.
Executive Committee Put. Darden,
Mrs. 11. A. Aby, T. J. Aby, J. B. Bailey,
The Worthv Master filled the va
cant offices by appointing the fol-
t ;
lowing:
Lecturer J. R. Galtney, pro tern.
L,. A. S. Mrs. Sophie Darden, fro tern.
A committee on Credentials was
appointed: W. T. Stone, R. W. Mu
gruder and h,. M: t ranks.
Adjourned till 3 o'clock, p. M
Afternoon Session.
The Grange was called to order
by Worthy Master Darden.
The committee on credentials re
ported the following accredited
Delegates Present.
W. B. Kinabrew an 3 wife, Ebenezer
flrnritTf ret Amite rountv.
W.T. Stone and wife", Midway, 199,
Carroll county .
W D. Conrh. Chickasaw Co. Granee.
W. T. Steen, Houlka, 135, Chickasaw
rrtnntv.
J. M. Griffin, Houston, 271; Chickasaw
county.
W. R. Love, Beechetta, 343, Choctaw
ounty.
J. A. R. Shannon and wife, Friendship,
-2 , noctaw county.
R W Maoruder.Claiborne Co. Granire
T. J. Aby and wife, Pattona, 41, Clai
borne county.
J. D. Magruder, Flower Hill, 113, Clai
W. L. Brunson, Union, 344., Clarke co.
I "! A
R. 11. Jfayne, buoam, 445, oiay county
T. A. Dodson, DeSoto County Grange
T. F" AlforH. CaDital. IQ. Hinds co.
H. V. Thurman, Bowling Green, 306,
Holmes county.
w f; Smith. Montrose, cio. Tasner co
P. K. Whitney and wife, Phenix, 516,
Jefferson county.
Ira R. Robinson, Hopewell, 335, Kem
W. R. P. Tally, Walnut Grove, 98,
Leake county.
J. M. Kimmons, Woodson Ridge, 227,
Lafayette county.
1 M-rj.innrii T.auHerdale Co. Gransre
E. M. FranksTabernacle, 159, Lowndes
county.
W. B.J. Barnett, Pearl, 253,'Madisonco.
t im;tti rrtipwalla. 777. Marshall co.
A. J. Rvlee, Holly Springs, 51, Marshall
county. ,
D. A. Beeks, Stonewall, 323, Monroe co.
J. B. Bailey, Newton County Grange.
A. M. Monroe, Evergreen, 563, Newton
county.
t it t?ii Tv;m fanp -?78 Oktibbeha co.
A. T. Estes, Ash Creek, 680, Oktibbeha
county.
T. N. Jackson, Pike, 332, Pike county.
Tas. Purvis, Rock Bluff, 44S, Smith co.
J . M. Sigrest, Scott County Grange.
A. C. Farmer, Hillsboro, 197, Scott co.
S. H. Hall, DeSoto, 45, Tate county.
J W. Smith, Salem, 508, Yalobusha co.
L. B. Lyle, Pleasant Grange, 217, Leake
county. . ,
Wm. Price, Cincinnati, 334, Neshoba
county. ,ir
Ben. Folkes, Cincinnatus, 318, Warren
county.
On motion of T. J. Aby the
Grange was closed in the Fourth
Degree and the room cleared of all
not members of the Fifth Degree
for the purpose of opening m said
j t I Ahv. R. W. Maerru-
j- a T A lfnrd were appointed
a committee to take the names of all
in the ante-room desirous of and en
titled to said degree, who reported
tk fnllnwin?:
Sisters Sophie Darden, Fannie Neal, C.
E. Shannon, and S. E. Stone, Bros. J. W.
Smith, Ben. Folkes, 11. . "
o 11 w.h W L. Brunson, W
R. Love, J. R. Smith, R. M. Keen, R. H
ir c- cmith- R. F. Bell. A. M
SKEe. Wm.' Pri. V T - Steen, A. J.
Rylee, J. M. Griffin and H. W. Lewis,
All of whom were duly presented,
obligated and instructed m me r uw
Degree. .
On motion the Fifth Degree was
closed and the Grange was opened
in the Foui th Degree.
. Visiting Member.
Miss Fannie Neal, Claiborne county.
Miss Alma Thurman, Holmes county.
Miss Kate Aby, Clailrne county
N L Lowranc and wife, Lafayette co.
V' L. Darden and wife, Jefferson co.
T D Burch, Jefferson county.
M C. Barnett, Madison county.
W H. Worthington, Lowndes county.
t R. Smith, Ch JCtaw coun'y.
R. M. Keen, Choctaw county..
1 R. Sample, county. ,
"I G H;inilt n, Holmes county
ICPprrKSewtfoiintrr--
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Grang
COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI, JANUARY 6, 1883.
On mnfiftn rhp Orr1r nf TCn&inpsB
adopted at previous meetings was
reaaoprea as iouows:
1. Opening the Grange.
2. Reading minutes of previous session.
. ReDorts nf offirrs.
4. Report of Executive Committee.
5. Reports ot standing committees.
6. Reports of special committees.
7. fall nf rrll Kv cAnn f 5 fV-r -h intrn-
duction of business for reference witho t
debate.
8. Motions and resolutions. '
9. special order of the day.
10. Unfinished business.
1. Opening of the Grange at 9 o'clock,
, m., and i and 7' o'clock, p. m.
The Worthv Master then read his
annual report:
Master's Report.
Brothers and Sisters; When we last
met in annnual session in this city six
years ago, the Grange was in a relax
ed and depleted condition, which fol
lowed after a too raoid and iniudicious
organization. Long rolls of names gave
us a feeling and an air of potency which
we did not possess, and when the members
grew less many hands grew taint, and
there were evil "forebodings for the future
Our treasury was exhausted; the press
was Kilnf As in our OrHpr anH manv nf
our auic, umucnuiu ana wraiiiiy niciuuci t
. 1. I -t 1 1.1 1
turned tneir DacKs upon us. how aam
seemed some of those iays? And very
few are aware of the trrat work which
was performed by a few faithful and brave
men and women to save the tJrder m
Mississippi and place it upon permanent
anH risintr trrminrl TVirrtiirh the nnpra-
tion of various unfriendly forces the Order
was mane unnnnniar. ana ar one time was
reduced to about fifty Subordinate Gran
ges in the State. Large numbers pf our '
members were taught to believe the Order
wast a failure that it antacrnni zpd other
professions and industiies, and that its
ulterior object was to secretly oiganize a
political party which would be detrimen
tal to the best interests of the country
Our general membership had not then
learned that the Grange was organized
and intended to reform the si stems of in
justice that are fastened upon the laboring
t&uu pruuuciug classes Liiai 11 uuc iiui in
tend to make war upon other professions,
nor to interfere in any manner with polit
ical panics.
lhey were led to believe that our only
legitimate object was to improve our
methods of farming "by making two
blades of grass grow where only one grew
before," and that when we left the field to
discuss public questions the Order would
be destroyed by the indignation of public
seniimeni.
This want of information on the part of
our members as to the real methods and
purposes of the Order produced a feeling
of insecurity, a want of faith in the final
result, which was not confined to this
State alone. At the Cincinnati meeting
of the National Grange it was manifest
that the same condition existed through
out the entire Order. All loved its social
and fraternal features, but its jurisdiction
lieintr limitod to ohiects too sentimental.
too etherial, so tor speak, could not take
deep root in the mu:ds ot me mcmoers
and establish their confidence in its useful
ness and final triumph.
Political and religious subjects were ex
cluded and so strict was the construction
nut upon the letter of this law that the
wonder now is how members found mat;
tir tn interest them at all. And we can
l-v-L- hark anrl see hut one vital snark that
smouldered amidst all that was ritualistic,
t 1
unimportant, common-piace tana yci ea
ucational) of Grange proceeding of those
Have
Having revised its ritual, completed us
by-laws, and fixed forever woman's posi
tion in the Orderthere feemedtobe a halt
in our National body, and a vague inquiry
. . j i
ot wnat nexi snail dc qbhc:
The Richmond ' session brought the
skeleton from the closet, and showed to
wondering eyes what an abused skeleton
he had been alter all. uiscountenancea
rlnseted as a partisan politician, and
abused as as a party disintegrater he was
brought out in nis ir.nocence ana provcu iu
be only folititicai r-conoray.
It was no longer a question 01 aouoi,
that the time had come when farmers
must grapple with public questions, or
sink out of sight so far that thev might
not hope for their voices ever to be heard
in the future. 1 nus uie tocsin sounucu
and manfully has there been a marshal
ling of forces. io tnat granger nas grown
to be synonymous with educator and re-
former. r.vns mai wnc ujslci ucu
.r.. ;ni,icti-e onlv suspected from the
inequality of things, have been brought to
the surtace and preseniea 10 uie pcu
stripped of the mysteries of their iniquity
and in all the boldness and flagrancy of
injustice, usurpation and corruption. The
turning point was reached'. Since that
time our course has been onward and up
ward. While we have lo6t some political
partisans, who love their party more than
their class or country, our ranks have been
stea ily augmented by those who need re
lief from the burdens of injustice placed
tKom hv class' legislation and by
uuim "j . , , . ,, . .
hnarv with old acre. At
the recent meeting of the National Grange
thirfy-two States were represented, and
.1 enirmratrincr and satisfactory re-
ports received that have ever teen made to
that body. Ana nici "
..nee st referred to above, we
have represented in this meeting nearly
200 and our numwrs i.ovii;
ing, with more aeiennuui., , '
? more r.learlv denned ob-
. . j than ever before. NO
IcCLS ana nicww. - :
of the Order, and no public man has the
temerity to assail in With an We and
,.r. trt sustain it and many
now iiuuuis t . v .--- j
f de, ds in hih places, he M ha. at
eneth recognized the fact that Uie farmers
engui ? ,,mher have organ-
. j not to war upon others
. . . - tn-t their own whenever
ri'rnis out w p.w--- - . ,
necessary at the ballot box, or ga"'
cmbi..aiion6-of Ihove ho rob them of
tie rtfws U1 , j
J yon in ht strcr-gt word? ?ot hop
...J.. Cf ir laTbOrft. 1 lie U J. K -
A.
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Louisiana, and Missisisppi.
f and encouragement. The future of the
American farmer depends upon the ulti
mate triumph of the Grange.
THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF OUR
FARMERS. .
Tn travelling over the Rtate onrintr the
last six years I have taken great interest
in studying inc condition 01 our iariiicr.
1 have visited their homes in nearly every
neighborhood, have talked with them
about their methods of farming, their
profits and their prospects, and do now
unhesitatinc-lv declare that there is no sren-
eral prosperity among them. There cer
tainly are reasons tor this, one is tney
are makinor cotton the leaninir rrnn. and
" t ' 1
the history of all countries show that ad
versity follows agricultural operations
which are directed chiefly to the produc
tion of one crop. Necessity seemed to
force this planpon our farmers just after
the war, but the time has now arrived
when we must substitute a higher grade, a
more rational system or be forced to the
wall. We can raise an almost endless
variety of crop6, and all . kinds of stock.
The few prosperous farmers in our Stste
are those who raise their living at home,
and make cotton a surplus crop. We
must substitute brain and machinery or
"main strength and awkwardness," and
not depend entirely on Sambo, cotton and
fault finding to restore our wasted for
tunes.
It ia eviHent that the nresent denressed
condition of agriculture in this State is
not due entirely to the methods pursued,
but in great measure is attributable to un
friendly legislation. It is an undeniable
fact that the prosperity of a country de
pends upon the laboring and producing
classes. If our chief State officers and
Legislators would recognize this fact and
bestow but a tithe-of the time to the pro
motion of their interests that thev.eive to
party and monied corporations, the cry of
c r . . , , , t 1 , e
hard times would soon De oanisnea irom
among us, and contentment and prosper
ity would substitute the place of poverty
and discontent. The last meeting of the
National Granse I eiterated and empha
sized its policy of the last few years. The
reports ot the various committees snowea
the present condition of agriculture, what
hinderances it encounters and what policy
farmers should pursue for the betterment
ot their condition ano piace ineir caning
upon an equal footing with other indus
tries of the land.
The Committee on Agriculture, after
rehearsing the burdens placed upon farm
ers and showing that they must organize
. 1 -. 1 i . 3
in order to restore equamy, contiuucu
their report as follows:
A tininm.Tit can onlv he h throuffh
wise legislative action, and that must come
directly from our ettorts, as it sureiy win
when we exercise the power we possess.
T.et us hastf.n to the work, and that the
manner of preparation may be freed from
all doubt the following resolutions are
submitted: -
"Resolved, That in the exercise of the
elective franchise we shall recognize alle
giance to principles as the only safe rule
f action.
"Resolved, That we repudiate all lead
ership in politics, except that which tends
to the advancement of the material inter
ests of all our people through the exercise
of the virtues tnat aignuy ana emiouic
citizenship.
"Resolved, That safe protection for our
industry against orgaiuzcu cmuiuuu im
plies suitable and in 6ome degree propor
tionable representation in State and Na
tional Legislatures."
The idea clearly enunciateu oy ic
above resolutions is thai the farmers' only
hope of relief and reform is in taking a
non-partisan stand and in refusing to obey
the dictates of any. party which does not
fairly and explicitly pledge restoration of
equality and justice. And the recent in
dependent demonstrations made all over
the land should cause party leaders to call
a halt. For it tells them in plain words
that the people are determined that this
country shall not always be at the mercy
of grasping monopolies that the people
have rights as well as corporations.
TRANSPORTATION
is a subiect of great importance at this
time. Directed by vast corporations,with
no power to balance or regulate their op
erations they fix their tariffs, amass fabu
lous fortunes and extort irom tnc peopic
at large millions of money and deprive the
terminer classes esneriall v. of that profit on
their industries whi-h. a "just and equitable
state ot attairs wouio not permit, mo
tion in these matters is fatal. It involves
death to all that is pleasant and agreeable,
free and honorable. The discriminations,
exactions and assumptions of railway cor-
. . . j 1. u -
porations-Teave no room to uouut mai
neither pity nor justice have any weight
with them, and mat tney wm rum
Government, or rule it to their ends. Such
selfishness, sucn grasping 01 powci uj
c. .-notation! of men are new features ot
menace to tree institutions, ivepuum-o u,
old fell prostrate at the feet of one tyrant.
. 1 - . .... -. i 1 a L J r.A
" ... t 1. 1 : Af
We of this day oattie witn a iiyura ucaucu
mon ter, whose hands are cauea mo
nopoly.
How impotent seem the masses before
this power, and yet it is tne weaiuici&
of ignorance and inaction. Like a spirit
ed span of horses held in check and guided
by rein and voice, they have but to test
their power to nnd 11 out. x crc
evils in this country that caa not be re
dressed, not in a day or an hour but m
time. Railroad methods must De Drougni
to light. There must be some govern
c.Mrvicinn. and competition en-
couraged which would result from the 1m-
" a t .1.
The State Urange ior years .
urging upon tne attention 01 w ot
Legislature the necessity 01 cuw i .'
matter of transportation. At our last
meeting a resolution was adopted unafli-
A...i., w a nfiinor vote askim? the repeal
of what is known as the Lien Law. Also
asking for a Valuation Law. But, our
law makers seemed more inclined to
tavor monied monopolies than to look to
the greatest interests of the masses and
the only recourse left us is to examine the
lecords of the last Legislature, and in the
next election turn a deaf ear to the man
nVe of rsry jird f st onf fjtv- Sntnt
0 S.'Z-f'-l
35?
those who voted against our interests. Let
the parties know that we have rights as
well as monopolies and that we have the
courage to maintain them, and we will no
longer be ignored and compelled to bear
burdens of injustice and inequality.
The knowledge of our grievances is well
nigh complete and it only remains for us
to anply the remedies prescribed. In the
halls of Congress and State Legislatures
are the springs and sources of much that
oppresses and burden the farming classes.
And there is but one remedy. We must
send men as legislators who have sympa
thy with the farmers, who have knowl
edge of his wants and who have the cour
age to stand up and battle for them.
No important results can oe acnieved
without
CO-OPERATION.
To have any influence upon the Govern
ment by our petitions we mu6t co-operate
and send them bv a united membership.
To be respected as a class, we must act
unitedly, irrespective of party affiliation,
where our interest is at stake. To free
ourselves of iniquitous taxation in the
handling of our products, we must co-operate
in our business relations. To save
the immense percentage of profits which
we now pa' in buying and selling, we must
co-operate on the Rochdale plan. This
plan has already produced wonderful re
sults wherever operated. There are a
large number of co-opera' ive stores in our
v;tate worVeH on nlans different in manv
features from the one recommended by the
National Grange. I suggest that this
body take some steps to induce the dif
ferent Co-operative Associations in the
State to send representatives to the meet
ings of the State Grange, that by consul
tation they may be able to adopt some
uniform system.
United action and co-operation among
farmers can only be attained by constant
EDUCATION.
Education at home, education in our col
leges and schools, and Granges. It is
common place but true, "that as the twig
is bent the tree will incline. appreciate
your calling, and your boy will under
value it too. Be shiftless and careless,
and old-fogyish and be sure your son will
not be thrifty, careful or progressive. If
intelligent and am bitious he will soon de
sert a calling which does not yield a just
reward for his labor. The Grange has
long been exerting its influence to have
agriculture taught in our schools and col
leges. I recommend the consideration of
this question as one of much importance.
At the last State Grange a resolution
was adopted insisting upon our Legisla
ture to establish and endow a college for
the education of the white females of the
State. Bro. J. J. Whitney, of Jefferson
county, offered a bill for this purpose,
which, after considerable agitation, was
lost. I am satisfied if we continue the
agitation we will succeed in building up a
public sentiment which will give to girls
the same advantages now enjoyed by the
boys of our state.
SUBORDINATE GRANGES.
While these advanced movements in
education are for the benefit of the rising
generation, is there no opening for those
who have long since passed their youth,
who have littie time for self-culture and
vet possess ambition to acquire knowledge
'and improve their talents? In my judge
ment never was a school better adapt
ed to educate people who have hopes and
aspirations beyond the drudgery and rou
tine of every day work than the Subordi
nate Grange. Its ritualistic work serves
to inspire confidence and ease, which far
mers have but little opportunity to acquire.
The exercises are of such latitude that
.vr can acnuire nroficiencv in read-
1 1 1 v. 1 1 " - - 1
ing, composition, oratory, parliamentary
law and music.
Hundreds are taking advantage of this
opportunity all over the country, and the
result is a new class of men fitted for pub
intr to the surface, and
the indications are that the exigencies of
the times will soon require their services.
Subordinate Granges are the foundation
of the Order. Strengthen and build them
up and there need be no fears of its per
manency. TTE GRANGE PRESS.
The surest and most effective means of
building up a Grange, to Keep live ones
active and intelligent, is to circulate our
Grange papers among members.
There is no better evidence of the im
portance and progress of the Order than
the number and excellence of the papers
HOW ULIUIIJ'-Vi. ... -
We cannot afford to be indifferent to the
Press. Its power to build up or pull dawn
is too potent in every undertaking. And
if we would hasten "the good time com
ing" we should spare no effort to circulate
our literature. ...
There are several communities in our
State where the membership is strong
enoueh to establish papers, and I would
cecommend to them to consider the pro
priety and practicability of doing so.
- LECTURERS.
The system adopted at previous meet
ings of appointing Lecturers for the sev
eral counties has not worked well, as they
j . ri v.i to work without remune-
n.,K1icherl tn its interest.
I ration. Some legislation is necessary, for
without some improvement u wou.u
better to abolish the system.
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION.
I herewith hand you an amendment to
the Constitution.proposed bj the National
Grange, for vour ratification or rejection.
" eKCLUSION.
t .ij; thi mi last report per-
mit me to return you my heart-felt thanks,
and, through you, to the people of the
State, Grangers and farmers, in fact eve-y
class of people, for the uniform courtesy
and kindness tney nave snow,,
the six years J have served as Master,
There is not an unpleasant recollection on
my mind. Not a word nor an act has
been said or done to give me personal of-r-
ilt novitinn and work has been
assailed, but this was to be epected. .-
In all the numerous assemblies 1 have
had the honor of addressing there has
never been any disturbance or disorder,
which is a compliment to the refinement
... - I . ' I A.I' V 1
and culture ol our peopie. y
my successor the 6ame good treatment
they have shown me.
Fraternally submitted.
Put. Darden,
Master Mississippi State Grange.
The Worthy Overseer made a
verbal report.
The Secretary read her report,
which, on motion, was adopted:
Secretary's Report for 1882.
' Worthv Matter, Brothers and Sisters
of the State Grange: Again it becomes my
duty to bring before you an annual report.
Though it does not show as rapid an in
crease as the last, yet I think it is equally
as encouraging, if not more so. December
of 1SS0 found us at a very low ebb. In '81
the tocsin was sounded with clarion peal,
arousing the slumbering into new life
Many, forgetting the lesson taught several
years ago, opened the doors to all who
askvd, consequently it was necessary to
again use the pruning knife, thus reducing
our membership somewhat, but leaving a
hardy, vigorous growth within. Now those
that ctanrl enrolled are ready to do and
dare all for the right, determined W pro
tect themselves against rings, monopolies,
etc., but at the samt time willing to have
"peace on earth and good will toward
mankind."
First, let me say that through the mercy
and kindness of our All-Powerful Master
above, to whom we owe continual and
never-cessing thanks, there is not a severed
lint- in this fraternal chain since we met to
gether one year ago. In all this year of
almost unparalleled disease and mortality,
equal to an epidemic, the Reaper, Death,
he naaseH 11 hv and snared our little band
to meet together once more, that we may
devise ways and means for perpetuating
our noble Order and in giving the right
hand of fellowship, cheer each other on in
he rough and rugged path that the poor
.- v. ---. X
CinA hies our counsels and deliberations
tiller of the koiI" is torcea to pursue. iiy
and make them worthy of the hone6t men
tt-Ka ricrinatp fhpm.
After preparing the minutes of our last
meeting for publication, 1 lorwaraea, ac
i: tn Snctnictions in our Reoresen
tatives in Congress, undersea! of th State
the resolutions passed at that ses
sion in regard to the revision of the tariff
law, internal revenue tax, etc. x iu giu
t tell von that siY nf the eierht promptly
acknowledged the retiipt of the communi
cation, promising to do all in their power
towards furthering the views and requests
of this body and heartily wishing it con
Those who responded
were Senator George, and Representatives
Manning, Money, iviuiarow, ois'"'
rh,lmm. Shortlv afterwards I re
ceived a small package of seed from the
Commissioner otAgricuiture,savis "
k ruiii of Hon. L. O. C. Lamar.
I also forwarded, as instructed, to the
als to the Leeisla-
fire the resolutions in regard to a Female
College, State Chemist, etc.
My next duty was to notify all the Gran
ges in the State of the readoption of the res
olution passed the year before in regard
to our Worthy Master's salary. With
what success this was attended, I would
suggest you learn from him by a commit
fnr that nuroose.
The revised By-Laws did not reach my
office till the latter part of May, the delay
having been occasioned, so the publishers
wrote, by a large fire in the bindery neces
sitating a new publication. As soon as
they reached me I distributed enough to
supply each Grange with two copies, ac
and notified them
all that they could have more at a cost ot
ten cents each to cover cost of publication.
We have had one Grange organized du
ring the year New Hope, in Lauderdale
county. Bro. J. G. MCArtnur ocars ...
honor of it For the benefit of my succes
sor, I would beg leave to call the attention
of all Deputies to Article X., page 43, of
Bv-Laws, where it is made the duty of the
Deputy to send the charter fee of $10 to the
State Secretary. This is independent of
the $15 to the National Secretary.
Eleven Co-operative Associations have
reported during the year. The name, with
that of the officers, is here on file for those
who may wish to know them.
Some 11 Granges have reorganized since
our last meeting. Newton is still the Ban
ner County, and Midway, 199, the Banner
Grange, they having the largest member
ship in the State. I regret that I cannot
eive you the exact number of our member
ship. Reports come in so irregularly that
it renders it impossible. I have on my
books 193 Granges. Some have reported
and paid up to date; others are behind one,
twe. three, and some even four quarters
' ... 1 - V. n a ruMn
Some of the usuany prompt -
prevented this year by sick ess from re
porting at the proper time and have sent
two report atne time- This was una
voidable, therefore due allowance can be
made. If the delinquents would only con
sider for a moment the confusion, unnec
essary labor and annoyance their irregu
larities caused, it does seem to me they
would strive to make their reports at the
nrnn.r time.
The receipts of this office from Dec. 14,
1881, to Dec. 10, 18S2, are $1,439.62.
'Disbursements
Expenses of office for stationery,
postage, expressage. etc......! i3&-37
Secretary's salary. ..... 343
Paid Treasurer 9-35
Total....... .'439-3
With this session my term of office ex
pires. I desire to return thanks to those
pires. ut. -v .w.
who have treated me with such uniform
kindnss and consideration. To my suc
cessor I bequeath the good will and kind
ness you have ever extended me and tne
leniency with which you have borne with
my shortcomings. uubi. mj
be found in proper order.. I have endeav
ored to keep them so. The records and
effects are ready subject to your order.
Brothers and sisters, I thank you for the
1 r conferred on me two years ago in
making me-your Secretary. I hveworn
it with pride, me more parucm it
s,V;ipni was the firsi to raise a woman to
ihatWlted and responsible potion pf
ho.-rv una Trust.
i
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Number 2.
and obtained leave to defer their re
port till to-morrow morning.
Rro. Galtnev. of Amite, offered
the following, which was referred
to the committee on Agriculture:
Whereas, The year's cotton crop
is estimated at 64 to 7 million bales,
the largest ever maae in tne unuea
States and which accounts for the
decline in the price f the staple
. .... e .1
trom I2 cents at tne opening 01 me
commercial -year to 9 cents, with the
prospect of further declension; ana
whereas, the production of so much
cotton to the comparative neglect of
other essential croos. is the cause of
the almost universal financial em
barrassment of the farmers of the
countrv: and whereas, a diversified
agriculture, by which all articles
necessary tor nome consumption 10
which our soil and climate are well
adapted, is the only policy by which
the iarmer class can De reuevea 01
nrptpnl embarrassments and secure
future prosperity, independence and
happiness; theretore,
Resolved, That the farmers of the
Cotton States be advised to abandon
cotton as a leading crop, and to so
rlivprKifw their nroducts as to secure
in abundance home-made anpplie
c , , . 1 , C A
01 ail arncies maispcnssuic jui us
. , c
ot the home ana iarm.
Resolved. That the cultivation of
jute as a staple crop is an industry
which, although new, is one wnicn,
from its intrinsic importance, is be
ginning to attract the attention of
the farmers of the South; that it is
a plant well adapted-to the cotton
reo-irn. crowine- and vieldinsr well
n any kind of soil that will produce
cotton, unattested to any great ex
tent by drought or excessive mois
ture, possessing properties which
are nexious to animal or insect life
and therefore free from all the depre
dations and" disasters incident to all
other crops, requiring in its cultiva
tion and preparation for market less
than half the cost of labor and capi
tal, and yielding in actual' net re
turns per acre from '100 to 200 per
cent more tnan cotton, and that the
cultivation of the plant does not ne-
cessarilv interfere, to any material
extent, with the production of a me
dium cotton crop at the same time
on the same farm, thus securing two
commercial crops during the same v
d the certain Drofits which
are sure to result from one or both;
that the comparative inexpensive
ness of the culture nnd manufacture
into fibre of the jute plant, the enor
mous yield per acre, and the great
value of the manufactured article
when put into merchantable shape,
which may be easily and quickly
done by means of machinery re
cently invented and patented, afford
the strongest inducements to the
farmers of the country to engage in
the cultivation of jute as the most
remunerative and best diversifying
crop they can plant.
Resolved, That the manufacture
of sugar and syrup from sugar cane
and sorgum is a business which also
makes good returns for the labor
,i p.nitnl invested. A few acres
auu ws - -
devoted to cane and sorgum will
give to every family raising the same
all the sugar and syrup they may
need and some to spare to their less
thrifty neighbors. The products of
these sweet-juice canes are ranked
among the common necessaries of
life,and their production on the farm
in quantities sufficient to meet the
demand for home consumption, is
in perfect harmony with those prin
ciples of domestic economy which
should find practical recognition on
every farm. A important diversi
fying crops, we heartily commend
them to the consideration ot our
farmers.
Resolved, That our native grasses
which grow luxuriantly on almost
any kind of tillable land are suscep
table of being converted into hay as
excellent, if not superior in its nu
riHnns dualities, as the best im
ported from the West not except
ing the far-famed blue grass of
Kentucky and which, with little
labor and the use of labor-saving
implements, the result of recent in
ventions, can be grown and har
vested in such abunda ace as to meet
every demand and supply every
want. That with an adequate sup
nlv nf this valuable and necessary
article stock raising may be made a
lucrative business and contribute
greatly to the. prosperity and inde
pendence cf our farmers. The hay
crop of our country exceeds in value
that of any other, and as a diversify
ing crop claims the serious consiu
eration of Southern agriculturalists.
Resolved,, That the Southern
States embrace the finest agricul
tural rmintrv in the world, ihe
variety of its soil, climate and pro-
t.
i
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