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Officers of the National Grange, 1881-1883.

Master	J. J. WOODMAN	Paw Paw, Mich.
Overseer	PUT. DARDEN	Fayette, Miss.
Lecturer	HENRY ESHBAUGH	Hanover.
Steward	WILLIAM SIMS	Topeka, Kan.
Assistant Steward	JOHN J. ROSA	Milford, Del.
Chaplain	HENRY O. DEVRIES	Marriottsville, Md.
Treasurer	F. M. McDOWELL	Wayne, N. Y.
Secretary	WM. M. IRELAND	Washington, D. C.
Gate-Keeper	JAMES V. SCOTT	Texarkana, Ark.
Pomona	Mrs. MARY L. DARDEN	Fayette, Miss.
Flora	Mrs. E. M. NICHOLSON	Camden, N. J.
Ceres	Mrs. H. H. WOODMAN	Paw Paw, Mich.
Lady Ass't. Steward	Mrs. HANNAH A. SIMS	Topeka, Kan.

Secretary's Address,
218 THIRD STREET, N. W.,
Washington, D. C.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

J. J. WOODMAN, Ex-Officio	Paw Paw, Mich.
D. WYATT AIKEN	Cokesbury, S.C.
DR. J. M. BLANTON	Farmville, Va.
J. H. BRIGHAM	Delta, Ohio.

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First Day.

Indianapolis, Indiana,
WEDNESDAY, November 15th, 1882.

The National Grange, in accordance with the provision of its Constitution, and the Resolution adopted at the Session of 1881, assembled in Sixteenth Annual Session, and was opened in the Sixth Degree, at 11 o'clock, A. M., there being present

OFFICERS.

J. J. Woodman, Mich.	Master.
Put. Darden, Miss.	Overseer.
Henry Eshbaugh, Mo.	Lecturer.
Wm. Sims, Kan.	Steward.
Jno. J. Rosa, Del.	Assistant Steward.
H. O. Devries, Md.	Chaplain.
F. M. McDowell N. Y.	Treasurer.
W. M. Ireland, D. C.	Secretary.
Mrs. Mary L. Darden, Miss.	Pomona.
Mrs. E. M. Nicholson, N. J.	Flora.
Mrs. H. H. Woodman, Mich.	Ceres.
Mrs. Hannah A. Sims, Kan.	Lady Assistant Steward.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

Henley James, Ind.
D. Wyatt Aiken, S. C.

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MEMBERS.

B. C. Harrison, Ala.
Daniel Flint, Cal.
Mrs. M. E. Flint, Cal.
Jno. J. Rosa, Del.
D. W. Jones, Iowa.
Wm. Sims, Kan.
Mrs. H. A. Sims, Kan.
H. O. Devries, Md.
Mrs. A. E. Devries, Md.
Jas. Draper, Mass.
Mrs. J. C. Draper, Mass.
C. G. Luce, Mich.
Thos. Tunis Smith, Minn.
Put. Darden, Miss.
Mrs. Mary L. Darden, Miss.
H. Eshbaugh, Mo.
Mrs. M. A. Eshbaugh, Mo.
Geo. A. Wason, N. H.
Mrs. C. L. Wason, N. H.
I. W. Nicholson, N. J.
Mrs. E. M. Nicholson, N. J.
W. A. Armstrong, N. Y.
J. H. Brigham, Ohio
R. P. Boise, Oreg.
D. Rhone, Pa.
Mrs. M. S. Rhone, Pa.
Jas. N. Lipscomb, S. C.
T. B. Harwell, Tenn.
A. J. Rose, Texas
Mrs. S. A. Rose, Texas
A. B. Franklin, Vt.
Mrs. S. R. Franklin, Vt.
J. M. Blanton, Va.
Mrs. S. J. Blanton, Va.
R. W. Baylor, W. Va.

FOUNDERS OF THE ORDER.

W. M. Ireland, D. C.
F. M. McDowell, N. Y.

HONORARY MEMBER.

Mrs. E. S. McDowell, N. Y.

The Worthy Master appointed Bro. C. L. Whitney, of Ohio, as W. Gate Keeper, until the arrival of Bro. Scott.

On motion of Bro. Darden, the Worthy Master was authorized to appoint a Committee on Credentials:

Bro. F. M. McDowell, Treas.
Bro.T. B. Harwell, Tenn.
Bro. D. Flint, Cal.
Sister Franklin, Vt.
Sister Draper, Mass.

The Grange took a recess to allow the Committee to prepare a report, and upon being called to order the Committee presented the following.

REPORT

Your Committee have instructed me to report that the following States are clear upon the books of the Treasurer for dues to June 30th, 1882, and entitled to representation at this session of the National Grange:

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Alabama, California, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

F. M. MCDOWELL, Chairman.

Which was on motion adopted.

Bro. H. R. Deadwyler, of Geo., was then introduced and obligated in the Fifth Degree.

Bro. S. C. Carr, Wis.
E. A. Giller, Ill.
Dan'l. Morgan, La.
Bro. H. R. Deadwyler, Ga.
Sister Isabella B. Carr, Wis.
E. P. Boise, Oreg.
Sister A. Giller, Ill.,
were then introduced and obligated in the Sixth degree.

On motion of Bro. Eshbaugh, Mo., it was

Resolved, That the Worthy Master now suspend the work in the Sixth Degree, and immediately open in the Fourth; and that all work be done in the Fourth Degree, so that, members of that Degree may be admitted to the Sessions of this Grange.

The Grange was then closed in the Sixth and opened in the Fourth Degree, and a large number of visiting Patrons were admitted.

On motion of Bro. Nicholson, N. J., the Order of Business of the Fifteenth Session was adopted for this Session until otherwise ordered.

On motion of Bro. Eshbaugh, Mo., the Grange took a recess until 2 o'clock P. M.

2 O'CLOCK, P. M.

Recess having expired, the Grange was called to order by Worthy Master Woodman, a quorum of State Granges being represented.

The Worthy Master then read the following

ADDRESS.

Worthy Patrons and Members of the National Grange:

In obedience to the requirements of the Constitution of our Order, we have again convened in annual session, to counsel together and take such action for the advancement of the agricultural interests of our common country, as wisdom, guided by

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experience in the work of our organization, may seem to demand.

The year which is just drawing to a close has been one of uncommon prosperity to the farmers of this country. The labors of the field have been "crowned with an abundant harvest," and general health and happiness prevail.

It has also been a propitious year in the work of our organization, as indicated by the reports of the Secretaries of the State Granges, recently received and compiled. There has been a decided increase, not only in the membership, but in the number of Subordinate Granges. Farmers and their families have been brought together, and made to know and understand each other better; light and knowledge have been disseminated through the influence of Grange meetings, the Press and the Lecturers; and error, distrust and prejudice supplanted by truth, confidence, and fraternal unity.

Agricultural schools have prospered, and agricultural science has taken an advanced step in many departments of husbandry. The principles and teachings of our Order have been more thoroughly and wisely discussed in the Granges, at public meetings, and by the Press, and the interests of agriculture have received more attention and favor in the legislative departments of the Government than ever before.

For these and other kindred blessings and signs of progress, let us rejoice, and, with renewed confidence and strength, enter upon the work before us, acknowledging our obligations to God, and invoking his aid and guidance in all our deliberations. Questions relating to agriculture, with its diversified interests, embracing not only practical and scientific agriculture, as connected with the operations of the farm, the garden, the orchard, and the vineyard, but to domestic economy, the influence of farm life upon those who follow it, the education of farmers' sons and daughters, the relation of agriculture to other pursuits and to the welfare of our Nation — will require our attention.

I am confident that the harmonious action, well digested measures, and practical work of our last Session, have inspired confidence among our members, and strengthened the Subordinate Granges throughout the land. It has also removed prejudice, by making the principles which underlie our Order better understood, and consequently better appreciated. It has raised our organization to a higher plane of usefulness, enlarged its influence, and demonstrated to the world that this farmers' movement — the first of its kind that has ever come to the farmers' aid — is worthy the support of not only every farmer in the land, but of every lover of good society, good government, and general prosperity; and that every well-directed effort put forth by this body to elevate agriculture, by advancing

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the interests and bettering the condition of those who till the soil, cannot fail of success.

Let it be not forgotten that all there is of our great brotherhood is in the Subordinate Granges. There all strength and power lies, and from them all means for work, and all authority for action emanates. No member can be advanced to a higher position and maintain it, if his record and standing in his Subordinate Grange is questionable. Whatever a majority of these Granges ask of this body, through their representatives here, will be granted, as far as there is authority to act; and I can say with pride and satisfaction — whatever may have been said or written to the contrary, notwithstanding — that never, to my knowledge, has a petition, resolution, or memorial, been presented to the National Grange, from any Subordinate, County or State Grange, that has not been duly considered; and in no instance has the submission of an amendment to the Constitution of the Order, or change in the laws, been asked for by any considerable number of State Granges, that the request has not been granted. It is right and proper for Subordinate Granges to instruct their representatives to the State Grange, and for State Granges to instruct their representatives here; and I cannot believe that any members of this body here have ever disregarded the instructions of their State Granges. The government of our organization is a pure democracy, and in this its great strength and permanency rests. Every member stands upon an exact equality, all alike eligible to any office in the Order, and the higher degrees, which are conferred in the State and National Granges, are open and free to all alike. An organization based upon principles so just, with objects and aims which challenge the admiration of the world, cannot fail.

The great purposes which we aim to accomplish cannot be too often repeated or too well understood. We aim to make the daily lives of men and women better, and nobler, and truer, and holier, and happier; to encourage education, social and moral culture, and a batter development of the noble faculties of our natures; to provide for ourselves and our families comfortable homes, unincumbered farms, and a fair remuneration for our labor; to beautify our homes, and increase their attraction for our children, and their love for them and our profession, and thereby induce the boys to stay upon the farm; to prevent family jars, dissensions, and separations; to lessen neighborhood strife and disagreements, and prevent litigation, by providing for the settlement of matters of difference between neighbors by arbitration in the Grange; to increase the profits of our farms, by better cultivation, greater diversity of crops, closer study of the market, and better understanding of the laws of trade; to "systematize our labor," and our business, and "practice economy in all things," discarding "the credit

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system, the mortgage system, the fashion system, and every other system tending to prodigality and bankruptcy;" and thus bridge o'er the chasm between labor and its results with joys and blessings, which make labor pleasant, healthful and honorable, and the laborer contented and happy; to encourage home manufactures, and every branch of productive industry, bringing the producer and the consumer into the closest and most intimate relations, and thus create a home market for our surplus products; to encourage the building of railroads and canals, and the improvement of our rivers and harbors, and thereby secure cheaper transportation for our products to market; and to demonstrate to the world that agriculture is a science, and farming a profession, and all who are engaged in it closely allied in interests and sympathy, and can co-operate in an organization for their own mutual benefit and protection, as well as those engaged in the other avocations of life. Such is a brief summary of the principal objects and purposes we are endeavoring to accomplish, and are accomplishing through the influence of our organization.

PROGRESSIVE WORK.

As the intelligence, moral standing and enlightenment of a nation, community or organization is indicated by the character of its literature, and the appreciation of, and support given to a pure and untrammeled Press, so the progress made in the work of our organization may be judged by the increasing number of journals devoted to its interests, and the great prosperity which has attended those heretofore established. In this growing appreciation of Grange and agricultural papers, we can see nearing signs of healthy progress, and lasting prosperity to our cause.

It has been my observation, that in those States which have an organ published in the interest of the State Grange as the medium of communication between the officers of the State Grange and the Subordinate Granges, there a more intimate and fraternal relation exists between these bodies and Patrons generally, and the Order is stronger and more prosperous, than in the States which have no such authorized organ. I do not wish to be understood as advocating a separate and distinct organ for each State, or that but one Grange paper be published in the same State. My convictions are, that each State Grange should have an official organ published somewhere, and that the officers and executive committee of that body should keep their departments well filled with such reliable matter and information, as the welfare of our cause demands. And in addition to this, no effort should be wanting to aid and encourage the support and circulation of all good Grange and agricultural papers; for upon a prosperous and faithful press, must we look for the strong arm that is to bear our heaviest burdens and help in every emergency,

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and for the constant and untiring teacher that instructs, encourages and educates.

LECTURE SYSTEM.

The lecture system has been greatly improved during the past year in some of the States, and where this has been done, good results have followed. The National Lecture Bureau has also done good service, and furnished to the Order at large some of our ablest lectures at a trifling expense. And yet, there is a great need of earnest, untiring lecturers in many of the States; and the idea seems to prevail, that unless they can be put into the field, and all expense paid by the National or State Granges, the want cannot be supplied. For the National Grange, with an income of only five cents a year from each member, to furnish lecturers for so wide a field, at the expense of its treasury, is impossible; and but few State Granges have a revenue sufficient to furnish but a limited supply. Hence the means to compensate lecturers must come mainly from the organization or community employing them, and receiving the benefit of their labors.

The truth of the old adage, that "what costs nothing is worth nothing," has been in some degree verified by the experience of those engaged in the various departments of the great lecture system of the world. Free lectures are not as well patronized or as much appreciated as those which cost something to the listeners; and the advanced step which has been taken in perfecting our lecture system, is to provide competent lecturers in different portions of the State, with a fixed per diem, which, including traveling expenses, is to be paid by the County or Subordinate Grange, or the community employing them. Such lecturers, if able to instruct and interest, will find employment. This system should be extended into every State, and where the State Grange funds will warrant it, the per diem of Lecturers should be paid by the State Grange, and traveling expenses by those employing them. Let this system be perfected, and good lecturers employed within the reach of every Subordinate Grange.

CO-OPERATION.

Business co operation is better understood and more generally practiced by Patrons than heretofore, and where the business is transacted on true co-operative business principles, either through Grange agents, by individual members, or associated capital, our members have been benefited, not only in profits, but in business experience. In the State of Texas alone, there are nearly one hundred co-operative stores, all in thriving condition, and not a single failure where the business has been conducted on the true co-operative plan. The influence of these stores, located in the country villages of the State, together with that of the Supply

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House, run by the State Co-operative Association, in Galveston, have done much to advance the interests of our cause in that young but growing State. This principle of our Order, though the least, perhaps, in importance, of any contained in our Declaration of Purposes, is nevertheless closely allied to the welfare and prosperity of American agriculture, and should be encouraged and strengthened.

AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT.

The action taken by this body at its previous sessions, towards elevating the Agricultural Bureau to a department of the Government, with its Secretary in the President's Cabinet, has finally resulted in the passage of a bill by the House of Representatives to carry out that object. The bill has not yet been considered by the Senate, and a well-organized opposition to its passage seems to have been created. It has been denounced as "class legislation," and a high official of the Government is credited with the opinion that "there is no authority in the Constitution for elevating a Bureau which is intended only to furnish information to an Executive Department of the Government." There might be some force in the first objection, were it not that class legislation has been the rule rather than the exception in Congressional work; and that special favors and franchises have been showered upon other classes, and other interests and combinations of interests, enabling them to fatten and grow rich at the expense of agriculture. And yet the very men who have been instrumental in creating these monopolies to prey upon the industrial interests, object to elevating this department, declaring such an act would be "class legislation," unauthorized by the Constitution, and "the Department as it stands to-day an illegitimate child of the government, deserving support only during its infancy." If it is "class legislation," it is for the benefit of a class that comprises more than one half of our entire population, and upon which all other classes and professions and interests depend, not only for their prosperity, but for their very existence. The wealth and great source of prosperity of a nation is in its soil and its labor; and the government that refuses or neglects to develop and increase the fertility of its soil, and encourage, protect and educate its laborers by friendly legislation, disregards its best interest and main support, and invites the penalty. The onward march of civilization, the progress made in the arts and sciences, and all that pertains to good or evil in the human family and in the history of nations, has been measured at every period of the world's history by the character, condition and prosperity of agriculture. Wherever agriculture has been encouraged by governmental aid, and the husbandman acknowledged as an important factor in promoting the best interests of the people and welfare of the nation, there

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the plow has been moulded and polished and the plow-share and pruning hook sharpened by intelligence; there has been progress, enlightenment and prosperity; and there the people have enjoyed same degree of civil and religious liberty.

But where little or no encouragement has been given to this industry, and those engaged in it left to plod their way along, battling unaided against caste, prejudice and the domineering influence of wealth, there the plow remains the same rude contrivance that it was two thousand years ago, and there the wheels of progress and civilization are blocked by ignorance, superstition, Paganism and idolatry.

The constitutional objection is contained in the narrow minded views entertained by the able statesmen, of the object and purposes of a department of agriculture.

The very proposition to elevate it carries with it the idea of making it something more than a mere Bureau to distribute seeds and "furnish information." If this objection is valid we present to the world the humiliating spectacle of a Republican government with a constitution less liberal towards its agricultural interest, than the monarchical governments of Europe, which give to their agriculture an Executive department in the government. There seems to be no good reason why the Senate should not pass this bill, and thereby enlarge the scope and influence of this department, and do justice to this great and overshadowing interest.

PATENT LAWS.

In the matter of legislation to correct some of the abuses growing out of our unjust patent system, some progress has been made. A bill passed the House by a very large majority, which strikes at the very root of some of the most odious features of the present law, but it has found a lodgement in the hands of the Senate Committee on Patents, where the friends of the "present system" intend to hold it until it dies with the expiration of the present Congress; or, if perchance some friend of the measure should succeed in calling it from the committee, defeat its final passage. To this end W. H. Singleton, of Washington, has come to the front, as the advocate of the righteousness of the present law, and by a lengthy argument, well seasoned with sophistry, endeavors to convince the farmers of the country that they are "benefited by inventions;" and, therefore, "should prize the patent system," which he admits "has defects, and that frauds are committed under it." But thinks it is as "perfect" as "human systems" generally are. He cautions "buyers to beware," and clearly intimates that none but the ignorant, who will not seek information, we defrauded by patent-right venders, and adds: "If any one would purchase a so-called patent article or patent right, let him ascertain its authenticity," by writing to him, and

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he will give the desired information. He "caps the climax" of his argument by quoting the weak and threadbare illustration purporting to show that the innocent purchaser of a patent article from an irresponsible vendor, "stands in the same position under the law as the innocent purchaser of a stolen horse;" and asks triumphantly, if "any one finds fault with the law of personal property?"

The very intimation that "farmers are opposed to inventions, or to just and wholesome laws for the protection of inventors in the exclusive right to make and vend their devices," is a reflection their intelligence. No one has been found simple minded enough not to give credit to inventive genius, for much of our improved system of agriculture. It is not "inventors," nor just laws protecting them that we oppose, but it is a "system" which gives one man, under authority of law, the right to defraud another, who is innocent of any intended wrong or violation of law.

It is well known that if an individual purchases a horse in good faith, which afterwards proves to have been stolen, he cannot be convicted as an accomplice in the theft, or even made to pay damages to the owner for buying the same. The owner proves his property and takes possession of it. The innocent purchaser loses nothing in reputation nor expense further than the price paid for the horse. But how is it with the farmer who wants a plow or other implement of the most approved make for his own immediate use? If he would be wise, and avoid being defrauded, he must take Mr. Singleton's advice and go to the dealer and select his implement, and then "ascertain its authenticity." To do this intelligently it would be necessary to have models or casts made of every part or separate device of the implement, and send these to the patent office or to Mr. Singleton, and if it is found that no part or device was ever patented, or, if patented, and the patents have expired, he may then close the bargain, provided he is able to satisfy himself that he is purchasing of one who either owns the patents, or is the authorized agent of all the patentees interested in the same and that no court will ever decide that the patents under which he purchases are infringements upon some others previously issued; "and by this simple piece of precaution he may save himself money and perhaps a lawsuit." But suppose he disregards this wholesome advice, and makes the purchase, honestly believing that he is buying not only the plow or other implement, but the right to use the same, and it afterward appears that a bolt or some simple device used in its construction is an infringement upon somebody's patent; the law has been violated, and the innocent purchaser is made particeps criminis to the act, and liable to be summoned before a United States court one hundred miles from his home, and there tried for violating the patent laws of the country; and as provided

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in section 4,919 of the patent laws, "the Court may enter judgment against him for any sum above the amount found by the verdict as the actual damage, sustained, not exceeding three times the amount of such verdict, together with cost."

Again an inventor may obtain a patent on some device, and then allow it to go into general use, and even secretly connive with manufacturers and vendors to scatter it broadcast over the land, and when the crop is well and widely sown, send out his army of unscrupulous agents to gather in his harvest of legalized plunder, by collecting royalty of every victimized purchaser.

The bill passed by the House should be enacted into a law, and no effort should be wanting on our part, to influence such action. The advantages gained should not only be held, but followed up with renewed efforts, courage and perseverance. We should memorialize the Senate, and ask every State Grange to do the same, and urge, not only the passage of this bill, but that also to elevate the Agricultural Department. State Granges should be requested to petition the State Legislatures to instruct their Senators to favor these just and wholesome measures.

TRANSPORTATION.

It seems necessary to again call your attention, to the question of regulating transportation by just statutory laws protecting equally the rights of the railroad companies and of the people. But little progress has been made in securing such legislation during the year. Efforts in that direction have been made in several of the States, but with partial success. Representatives of some of the leading industries of the country, including agriculture, were invited to a conference before the congressional committee having this matter in charge, and Bros. W. G. Wayne and J. G. Shepard, of the State of New York, were chosen to represent the National Grange at that conference, which they did, and I am informed did good service there. Their report will be submitted in due time. Further than this it does not appear that any definite action has been taken by Congress upon this Question so vital to the welfare of the people and the prosperity of the nation; and in the meantime these great corporations, absolutely controlling this vast interest, "are dally becoming stronger and more imperious," until by the use of that power which the United States Senate Committee declared that they possessed and exercised, they have enslaved capital, corrupted and controlled legislation, intimidated courts, captured the telegraph, subsidized the press, and now seem to defy the government itself.

The apathy of the masses and seeming indifference of business men towards the growing power and arbitrary extractions of these huge organizations cannot be explained by any system of logic, and savors more of fiction than reality. The history of this contest

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test which is now going on between the despotism of monopolies on the one hand, and the great body politic on the other, for the control of this government, will be anything but complimentary to a people in the full enjoyment of the principles of a constitutional Government, founded upon political equality and the general consent of the governed. And yet the surface of public opinion has occasionally been rippled by a pebble thrown from the Grange, and its influence has penetrated deep, forming an under current which is gaining strength and moving onward with a power before which despotic rule must eventually weaken, for the intelligent and sovereign people of this highly favored land cannot be enslaved by a power over which they have full control. Then let us renew our efforts to disseminate light and knowledge upon this subject, and to influence members of Congress and of State Legislatures to turn from the railroad lobby and heed the petitions and prayers of a neglected and wronged constituency.

THE NATIONAL LECTURER AND THE DOCUMENTS ISSUED BY HIM.

Wherever the National Lecturer has labored good results have followed. All must be impressed with the good judgment and care exercised in the preparation of the documents issued by him to the Subordinate Granges. Although I have no authentic information showing how they are appreciated and used, yet as they are the only documents regularly issued by authority of the National Grange to the Subordinate Granges, and contain practical questions and suggestions, which must interest every member, I am confident that they are doing a good work and should be continued.

EDUCATION.

There is no subject so intimately connected with the welfare of our Order as that of education. Beginning with the infant mind just budding into life, which expands and develops under the influence of circumstances and surroundings, it continues to the end of life. Hence the necessity of correct examples, influences and instructions, not only in the family, but in our associations, and in the public school. I need not discuss here the importance of a higher and more practical education for farmers' sons and daughters. No class of our people are better prepared to enjoy, or would be more benefited by a well educated mind and heart, than the cultivators of the soil; and no occupation in life is so well calculated to develop a man morally, mentally and physically, as that of agriculture, or which requires closer study, deeper thought, or a greater need of the application of science to obtain practical results.

The labors of the husbandman are not confined to the dingy office of the banker or the merchant pouring over ledgers and balance sheets, or to the narrow channels of study and thought

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required of the doctor, to learn the nature and cause of diseases and application of remedies, or to the lawyer, whose life's work is devoted to the study of statutes and decisions, precedents and interpretations. The daily labor of the farmer is in nature's broad fields, where science had its birth; and where the earth beneath and the heavens above, are pages on which is written in letters of truth the history of all literature, and all civilization; and point with convincing certainty to a future and higher state of existence. There is not a science known to the literary world, that cannot be practically used by the tiller of the soil; and the more of science that is brought to the aid of agriculture, the lighter its burdens, and more pleasant and elevating the pursuit. This important question should receive due consideration.

UNORGANIZED STATES.

Louisiana — Believing that the good of the Order demanded the work, I requested the Lecturer of the National Grange to deliver a series of lectures in the State of Louisiana. With this request he cheerfully complied, and labored nineteen days within the State, awakening an interest, which culminated in the organization of a State Grange, and we can again welcome the representatives of the State Grange of Louisiana to our National council. There are good reasons to infer that this new organization is upon a firm basis, and that the future of the Order in that State is most encouraging.

Nebraska — The strength and condition of the Subordinate Granges in that State are about the same as one year ago. No real progress has been made in the work of reorganization. A few of the Subordinate Granges reported and paid dues to the National Grange for the first quarter of the year, and received the Annual Word, but have neglected to make further reports.

No effort has been made to reorganize the State Grange of Nebraska. There is little doubt but that this could be accomplished by sending the National Lecturer into the State, but I have not thought it advisable to incur this expense until there are satisfactory indications, that the confidence, which was lost in a State organization through the mistakes and misfortunes of the former State Grange, can be restored, and a new State Grange organized, which will receive the support, and command the respect of all true Patrons.

Dakota — Several applications were received from parties in Dakota asking for authority to organize Granges in that territory; and deeming it for the best interest of our cause in that section, I placed the territory under the jurisdiction of the State Grange of Minnesota, and authorized the Master to appoint deputies to revive and organize Granges there; and that they be

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required to report and pay dues to the Minnesota State Grange, until a State or territorial Grange can be organized.

This action should be confirmed, or some other means provided by which the enterprising settlers of that territory may be enabled to avail themselves of the benefits of our Order.

I also suggest, that to the standing rules be added one requiring Subordinate Granges, that are under the immediate jurisdiction of the National Grange, to report to the secretary, and pay five cents dues for each member, in order to entitle them to the Annual Word.

CONDITION OF THE ORDER AND CONCLUSIONS.

Early in October, I forwarded blanks to the secretaries of all the State Granges for information as to the present strength and condition of the Order in each State as compared with what it was one year ago. Most of the secretaries responded promptly to this request.

Of the thirty-one reports received, twenty-two show an increased membership, six but little variation and three a decrease. In twenty-eight States the reports give a healthy and very much improved condition of the Order. Of the number of Subordinate Granges, nineteen States report, an increase, nine about the same, three a decrease. As most of these secretaries have been long in office, and consequently have had large experience in the work of the Order, it occurred to me that an expression of their views relative to what action should be taken by this body to strengthen the Order and increase its usefulness, would be of some value; and it is interesting to notice that three-fourths of those reporting ignore all other considerations, and concur in the opinion that the aim of all Grange legislation should be to build up the Subordinate Granges and increase the interest and attractiveness of their meetings. This conclusion is in harmony with the experience of all earnest workers in our cause. Where the meetings of the Subordinate Granges are made interesting and attractive, there is no complaint of vacant seats, falling away of members or dying out; but on the contrary, a higher appreciation of Grange meetings, and a growing love for the principles of our Order is the result. But where Grange meetings are held as a mere matter of form with no interesting discussions, literary exercises and but little social recreation, the work becomes a mere routine and members failing to be interested, or to derive any real benefit from the meetings, cease to attend, and the Grange becomes dormant or dies.

The problem, how to build up and maintain an interest in a Grange, has been solved by every prosperous Grange organization in the land, yet the lessons do not seem to be universally understood and practiced; but whatever of progress hits been made can be attributed largely to the efforts that have been put

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forth to systematize and put these lessons of experience into practice.

Then let this work or disseminating information be encouraged and carried forward by every available means at our command, until every farmer and Patron in the land shall be made to understand the mission of our organization, the purposes we aim to accomplish, and the duties devolving upon individual members in order to secure practical benefits. They should know what has been done, and the efforts that are being made to elevate the farmer's calling, better his condition, and emancipate agriculture from the exacting demands of combined and incorporated powers.

It should be distinctly understood that every Grange is a school in which practical lessons are to be learned upon every question affecting the farmer's calling; and that every member is not only a pupil but an instructor; and in order to make these schools profitable they must be conducted upon practical and common sense principles. Teachers and pupils must all be there; and officers must be promptly in their places and co-operate to carry out the lecturer's well prepared programme for the discussions and literary exercises. Every member should be encouraged to take part in these exercises, and be prepared to do so. All questions relating to the farm and the household, are profitable and inexhaustible themes for discussion, and can always be made interesting to every intelligent farmer; and questions of political economy, directly affecting the farmer's interest, may, and of right should be discussed, but not in a political or partisan sense or interest; but in that fraternal spirit which should always characterize every Patron; and remarks or insinuations reflecting upon the political or religious opinions of members, should not only be carefully avoided, but strictly prohibited. Such action seems necessary in order to arrive at truth and form correct conclusions, and thus be able to act together in harmony in every emergency affecting our common welfare.

All Grange meetings should be enlivened with singing and music, and time given for social recreation. They should be made so interesting and attractive that no member can afford to be absent from them; and the greetings of brothers and sisters should be so cordial that the humblest members, though poor and burdened with cares, should be made to feel and know that they are not doomed to toil through weary life, isolated and alone, without friends, sympathy, society, or hope of advancement, but that they are members of a great brotherhood, which extends into every State and every locality in the land, all united in sympathy and interest by ties which bind as gently as a silken thread, yet strong as a hand of steel, all working for the same great object, THE EDUCATION AND ELEVATION OF AMERICAN FARMERS.

J. J. WOODMAN.

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On motion of Bro. Nicholson, N.J., the address was referred to the Committee on Division of Labor.

On motion of Bro. Nicholson, N. J., it was

Resolved, That a Standing Committee of five be appointed, who shall prepare and furnish to the Press of the city so much of the proceedings of the Grange as are suitable for publication.

On motion of Bro. Aiken, S. C., and by a rising vote, it was, unanimously

Resolved, That Bro. A. Gifford, present Worthy Master, and Bro. E. H. Hilborn, Past Worthy Master of the Dominion Grange of Canada, be invited to sit with us and participate in our debates.

The Worthy Lecturer presented the following report:

Officers and Members of the National Grange:

I have been laboring in the lecture field much of my time during the past year, but the only State visited under the direction of the Worthy Master of the National Grange, was Louisiana. I began lecturing in that State August 14th, and continued until the first of September. The fact, that that State Grange is reorganized, and to-day represented in this body, may be all the report required from me; but I beg to say further, that in my labors in Louisiana I found, in a few sections of the State, many noble, honest, faithful workers in the cause who had struggled hard to keep life in the Order during its darkest hours, and in these localities I received much encouragement and aid in reviving and rebuilding for future prosperity and usefulness. I also visited many localities where the work seemed to be almost entirely abandoned, hopes surrendered, and former interest lost, and my stay among them often too short to accomplish the object of my mission.

If the Order in Louisiana, as in Arkansas, is to be made prosperous it will require much earnest labor to re-organize and re-build it upon a sound and healthy basis, and all the encouragement that the National Grange can possibly give should be directed to aid the weak and the digressed, while the stronger are able to protect themselves. It is neither wisdom nor economy to lay the foundation and erect the frame-work of a building, and then suffer it to stand unprotected from the beating storm and opposing elements, and to suffer decay.

It were better, that the preliminary work were not undertaken until such time as when we are able to complete the structure.

In localities where the Order is the weakest, there the National Grange should give its first aid and greatest encouragement.

Past experience teaches, that continued efforts are required to hold our own, and still greater ones to advance the work successfully

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and one of the most important questions that should attract the attention of the members of the National Grange at this session is, how to accomplish the most practical good upon the most economical system. How to furnish the most encouragement and the greatest aid to working Granges; and how to awaken a deeper interest in the minds of members and non-membership farmers.

Much useless and mischievous literature is distributed all over the country. Much of it is gotten up with a view to mislead the thoughtfulness, claiming to represent the agricultural interest and advocate its advancement, pretending to teach political economy and give light on the affairs of government, and in such glowing terms that it deceives its thousands, who are not aware that it is furnished by their opponents who have no interest in agriculture and but little use for farmers, except to gather unto themselves the proceeds their labors. This influence is doing its work to a more or less extent in every State. Its object is to keep the thoughtless in ignorance and hinder the progress of this organization, and, unless the deception is exposed and the influence counteracted, much harm will in the course of time be done. The National Grange, in my opinion, must meet it manfully and deal with it in a proper way.

Localities and States where work is needed cannot all be visited by any system of lecturing that could be devised. Much good work is done by the Grange Press, which should be encouraged in every way possible. But could not much more be done by circular letters, or addresses issued by the Worthy Master or the Executive Committee of this Grange for general distribution at a nominal cost? Some of these communications might be printed on the back of the lecturers' circulars and distributed so as to reach every Subordinate Grange in the United States with a request that they be read and considered in open session.

The back of these quarterly documents have heretofore been used for advertising, which reduced the cost of their issue thirty-eight dollars last year, and fifty dollars this year. Could not this space be made more profitable than by admitting these advertising cards. I have given the subject much thought, and am led to believe that much good would result from the publication of such letters and circulars.

The quarterly issues of questions for consideration in Subordinate Granges was regularly done during the year and distributed to Secretaries of State Ganges, except where the addresses of Subordinate Granges were furnished, they were mailed direct to them.

Being satisfied that Patrons are far more eager to learn their true condition and future prospects than they are to learn how to produce greater productions, most of the questions sent out this year were aimed in that direction.

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The amount expended in their distribution was for printing, expressage, postage and services to the amount of $170.60, and received for advertising $50, leaving a balance due of $120.60.

An itemized account of which is in the hands of the Executive Committee.

All of which is most respectfully submitted.

H. ESHBAUGH.

The report was, on motion, referred to the Committee on Division of Labor.

The Worthy Treasurer submitted the following report, which was ordered to be filed and printed with the proceedings:

F. M. McDowell, TREASURER, in Account with the National Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.

Fiscal Year ending September 30th, 1882.

1881. Oct. 1.	To balance in Trust Company		$2,254 55
1882. Sept. 30	Deposited in Trust Company by W.M. Ireland, Secretary		2,504 11
	Deposited by Farmers' Loan and Trust Co., interest on $40,000 U. S. Bonds		2,400 00
	Deposited by Farmers' Loan and Trust Co., interest on account		49 34
	Deposited by Henley James, of Ex. Com., for sale of property and rent		78 25
	Deposited by Treasurers of STATE GRANGES FOR DUES.
	Alabama	$14 55
	California	123 40
	Delaware	34 50
	Florida	10 55
	Illinois	192 59
	Indiana	191 05
	Iowa	36 40
	Kansas	165 16
	Kentucky	94 08
	Maine	590 26
	Maryland	74 73
	Massachusetts	86 04
	Michigan	792 43
	Minnesota	43 97
	Mississippi	380 95
	Missouri	391 31
	New Hampshire	79 05
	New Jersey	66 85

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	New York	464 80
	North Carolina	71 43
	Ohio	980 24
	Oregon	64 63
	Pennsylvania	458 65
	South Carolina	43 91
	Tennessee	49 95
	Texas	743 32
	Vermont	145 39
	Virginia	191 19
	West Virginia	77 14
	Wisconsin	199 73
			6,858 25
			$14,144 50
1882	CONTRA
Sept. 30.	By drafts drawn for expenses of 15th Annual Session, mileage and per diem		$5,498 36
	Expenses of 15th Annual Session, printing and sundries		738 22
	Printing		1,543 30
	Postage		150 00
	Expressage		100 00
	Contingent Secretary's office		100 00
	Office rent		354 99
	SALARY AND EXPENSES OF OFFICERS.
	J. J. Woodman, salary	$499 92
	Traveling, per diem and office expense	268 65
			768 57
	F. M. McDowell, salary	$300 00
	Traveling expenses	100 00
			400 00
	W. M. Ireland, salary		799 92
	H. Eshbaugh, services and expenses		270 17
	EXPENSES OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
	D. Wyatt Aiken		152 75
	Henley James		150 00
	W. G. Wayne		65 66
	SUNDRIES.
	On account of new song book	$349 00
	Photographs for secret work	10 00
	Knives	58 80
			417 80

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	Adjustment of Dues with State Granges:
	Texas, for 1874 to date		438 73
	Balance		2,196 03
			$14,144 50
October 1.	To balance in Trust Co		$2,196 03

The Worthy Secretary offered the following report, which was ordered filed and printed with the proceedings:

Worthy Master and Patrons:

A happy and a cordial greeting to all.

We are again permitted to assemble at the time appointed by our Constitution, to render an account of our stewardship for the past year, and to counsel with each other as to our plans for the future.

As true Patrons, let us be grateful to the Giver of all good for the blessings vouchsafed to us in the year that has just closed, and for the privilege we have in again assembling. Some of our fraternal band are missing, having been transferred to other spheres of usefulness; and one, Sister Luce, of Michigan, has received the summons from the Grim Reaper, Death.

To those who come here for the first time, we extend a cordial and fraternal welcome, bidding each to feel assured that he is at home in his brother's house.

We are especially gratified to announce that another link has been added to the chain that binds us together — that another State has joined the great army that has so long, and, we hope, successfully, engaged in the work of relieving the farmers of the land from the enthralling fetters that have so long bound them.

The State Grange of Louisiana has again put on its armor, and wheeled into line, and is ready to battle valiantly against hoary oppression and wrong of all kinds.

During the past year there has been a steady increase in the number of new Granges organized, the number of Dispensations issued being 77, distributed as follows:

Alabama	2
Arkansas	1
Dakota	1
Delaware	5
Georgia	3
Illinois	2
Indiana	2
Maine	5
Maryland	2
Massachusetts	3
Michigan	7
Minnesota	1
Mississippi	3
Missouri	2
New Jersey	1
New York	11
North Carolina	3
Ohio	3
Pennsylvania	6
South Carolina	3
Tennessee	1
Texas	8
Virginia	1
West Virginia	1

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As compared with the previous year, this is an increase of 35 per cent. This good work is being kept up, for since the close of the fiscal year, and up to the time your Secretary left his office there have been placed under Dispensation 13 new Granges, about the same number as in the same period of last year.

The receipts of the Secretary's office during the year were $2,513.11, from the following sources:

New Granges	$1155 00
Sales of Manuals	1093 65
Sales of Song Books	134 35
Sales of Digests	67 25
Sales of Secretary's Record Books	15 30
Sales of Treasurer's Record Books	2 40
Sales of Receipt Books	8 50
Sales of Order Books	2 00
Sales of Roll Books	3 75
Sales of Application Blanks	21 10
Sales of Manuals, Fifth Degree	9 81
Total	$2513 11
Amount deposited in the Fiscal Agency	$2504 11
Cash returned to Remitters	9 00
Total	$2513 11

This total shows a decrease of 18 28 per cent, as compared with the fiscal year ended September 30th, 1881.

This failing off is partly owing to the tact that the demand for Manuals has diminished, as most of the Granges have been supplied; and partly because of the anticipated issue of the new Digest and Song Book, the orders for those books were much less in number than in previous years.

These books are now in stock, and it is thought that they will meet with ready sale during the present year.

The reports from the several State Granges, except in one or two instances, show a fair increase in membership, and it is believed that in these exceptional cases, the cause has been purely local. We do not, will not, believe that there is any diminution of zeal among the people for the great interests we are espousing.

Let us hope that the counsels during this Session, may be characterized by wisdom, harmony, and love, that the work done may redound to the glory of our Order, and that we may separate better Patrons.

The following report was presented by Bro. Aiken, of the Executive Committee:

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Worthy Master and Patrons:

As required by Art. VIII. Sec. 1 of the By-Laws of the National Grange, your Executive Committee respectfully submit the following as their annual report:

They have examined the books and accounts of the Secretary and Treasurer, and found them, as usual, neatly and accurately kept, and every expenditure accompanied by a satisfactory voucher.

At the Fourteenth Session of the National Grange, your Executive Committee were instructed to revise the Song Book, and prepare an enlarged edition previous to the Fifteenth Session. For reasons reported at our last Session the Committee failed to perform this duty, and the labor was continued for another season. As soon as practicable after the adjournment of the Fifteenth Session, the Executive Committee entered into a contract with Mr. James L. Orr, of Wooster, Ohio, to compile a Song Book of one hundred and twenty-eight pages, including forty songs selected from the old Song Book of the Order, the conditions of the contract being, that the work should be approved by the Executive Committee, the electrotype plates to be the property of the National Grange; and upon the completion of the work, the Executive Committee were to pay to Mr. Orr the sum of three hundred and forty-nine dollars, and a further sum of three hundred dollars on the first day of December next. The contract thus far has been complied with by both the contracting parties, and an edition of ten thousand copies has been printed, specimens of which are now ready for inspection by the National Grange.

Your Committee were further instructed to continue their efforts to secure from the National Government a donation of that portion of land in Washington City, which is well known as the birth-place of our Order. The effort was made, but, we regret to say, without success. Your Committee, however, would recommend renewed efforts in this direction, believing that a continued agitation of the question may at no distant day result in our obtaining possession.

Your Committee were also instructed to revise the Digest of our Order. This duty has been performed, and an edition of one thousand copies of the same published, containing the Act of Incorporation of the National Grange, Declaration of Purposes, the Constitution and By-Laws of the National Grange, Plan for District Granges, and Decisions of Masters, Executive Committee, and Court of Appeals of the National Grange, from the organization of the Order to May 1st, 1882, with the Parliamentary Guide. This edition is in the hands of the Secretary of the National Grange.

The Executive Committee have failed to issue any style of State Grange Charter, as instructed at the last Session simply

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because such an instrument, unless published upon parchment, would be worse than useless, and the state of our finances would not warrant the issuing of such instruments as would be worthy of the cause for which they were published. For a similar reason your Committee have failed to issue the statistical blanks ordered by the National Grange, assured that a strict compliance with the existing system of reports would furnish all the information desired.

Your Committee feel it their duty to again call the attention of the Grange to the fact, that our net income is not equal to our annual expenditure, and unless the present Session be curtailed as much as possible, and become several days shorter in duration than former Sessions, our permanent investments will be necessarily encroached upon; and if this Grange desires longevity, it will be wisdom on their part scrupulously to refrain from diminishing those investments by a single dollar.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

HENLEY JAMES,
D. WYATT AIKEN,
J. M. BLANTON,
Executive Committee.

The Report was referred to the Committee on Division of Labor.

Bro. Armstrong, N. Y., from the Special Committee appointed at the last Session to invite the Commissioner of Agriculture to visit this Session of the National Grange, reported that be had communicated with the Commissioner, and had received the following telegraphic reply:

WASHINGTON, D.C.

W. A. ARMSTRONG, National Grange, —

Have just reached Washington, and have received yours of 11th November. Business engagements will prevent my leaving here on short notice. Have written as you desire.

GEO. B. LORING,
Comm. of Agriculture.

Which report was accepted.

On motion of Bro. Devries, Md., the roll of States was called for presentation of the reports of State Masters.

The following were presented:

ALABAMA.

B. C. HARRISON, Master. In complying with a resolution requiring Masters of State Granges to submit in writing to this body the true condition of the Order in their respective jurisdictions, I beg leave to report the following:

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After a thorough examination of my secretary's books, I find the Grange in Alabama prospering. The number of active working Granges is fifty-four, and we are happy to say that their influence is for good — for wherever the Grange exists in our State, the people are in a healthy condition — morally, mentally, socially, and financially. Three new and ten Dormant Granges have been added to our roll during the present year, and a greater interest manifested than I have ever known since my connection with the organization.

ARKANSAS.

J. V. SCOTT, Master. I am pleased to report the Order in Arkansas in a healthy condition. While we have not made any rapid advancement, our progress has been sure and I believe will be permanent. There are about forty Subordinate Granges in the State. One new Grange has been organized, and several Dormant Granges revived. The State Grange at its session in October last, resolved to supply a want long felt, by establishing an organ under the exclusive control of the State Grange, to be conducted by its Master. Our disorganized condition has been due largely to the failure of our local State organs. Having always been individual enterprises, and being built up by the Grange just to where they could be made a power for good, have been sold out or suspended, completely demoralizing the Order. I am making arrangements to canvass a good portion of the State, on my return from National Grange, if health permits. Owing to the unusual excitement in polities in our State, I have canvassed but little this year, but will certainly canvass the entire State during the next year.

CALIFORNIA.

DANIEL FLINT, Master. It is conceded by all that the Order in California is more firmly established to day than ever. In reversed ratio as the numbers have diminished, the Order has grown stronger, and the principles been more fully understood and appreciated. No new Granges have been instituted, but a number of Dormant. Granges have been re-organized. From lack of funds, and inability of the State Lecturer to defray his own expenses, he has made but a few visits to the Subordinate Granges. Like a thrifty and frugal farmer that tills a small farm well. I thought it better to do the work thoroughly among the present working Granges, than to go over a large field and only half do the work.

In eight months I visited thirty-six Granges, and a large number of these were reunions, where from three to nine Granges were represented. In one case where the Grange was almost dead, and, they were about to send for the services of the undertaker, with the assistance of two good active members I went out and installed their officers, and we gave them the best words

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of encouragement at our command, and inside of eight weeks I was invited to go to their Grange initiate a class (in 4th degree) of forty, twenty-one (21) brothers and nineteen (19) sisters This Grange was holding its meetings in a small school-house, entirely too small for its accommodation. The younger members started out and procured funds sufficient to build a fine hall, and a short time before I came away, I went out with hundreds of others and dedicated their new building, to the use and purposes of the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry. I have had constant calls to visit the Grange, in nearly all parts of the State. I have cheerfully responded whenever in my power, and have been received with that kindness and courtesy which characterizes all truly noble and progressive people. I have always made it a point to respond to an isolated Grange, whether in the foot hills or on the tops of the Sierras, with that same punctuality that I do to one located in the flourishing districts in the rich valley.

Our last State Grange which met in October, was characterized with harmony, the most social, the most earnest, and was the product of the highest state of literary attainments ever seen in our State Grange. And for the success that we flatter ourselves we are attaining, we owe it to no single member, but to that mutual determination and co-operation which is inspired in the breast of every true Patron. I visited a Grange where they owned a fine hall and in a good farming district, but they had not received a single accession to their numbers for four years. I encouraged them and told them what other Granges were doing, and insisted that every member present should take home with him a blank application, and armed with that and the Declaration of Purposes, get them filled and returned as soon as possible. In a few months I received a letter stating they would have a harvest feast on a certain day, and had a class of eight, or nine for me to instruct in the 4th degree.

We consider our paper, The California Patron, owned and managed entirely by the State Grange, one of the greatest factors, in voicing the wishes of the farmer, in defending his rights, and making an aggressive warfare, instead of forever standing on the back ground and acting on the defensive. It is the only strictly independent farmer's paper in the Pacific coast. Most of our Grange Co-operative Associations are meeting with marked success, and full confidence in their manner of doing business is being established by the farmer. Californians feel proud of the Order and have great hopes or its future success, and extend to all Patrons in all lands a most hearty and cordial greeting.

DELAWARE.

JOHN J. ROSA, Master. I am not able to present as favorable a report of the Grange work in Delaware as I would like. Owing to the very busy season through which we have passed, and

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the heated political campaign, the Grange has been somewhat neglected. However, we are able to report five new Granges and one Dormant Grange revived, and hope from this time forward to see the Grange in its normal condition. The business operations of the Order have proved successful, saving large sums to the Patrons both in buying and selling. Our State Grange Mutual Fire Insurance Company has been a grand success, and has been the means of strengthening the Order in Delaware.

At the last session of our State Grange, a list of subjects for discussion was suggested, covering the whole year, of which the following is a copy:
1. Peaches.
2. Strawberries.
3. Crates and implements.
4. Fertilizers.
5. Transportation.
6. Canned goods and farm produce for canning.
7. Root crops.
8. Cattle and dairying.
9. Grain and grass.
10. Poultry.
11. Amusements for the young.
12. Cooking.
13. Home adornment.

The discussions proved very interesting, and, we think, with the proper variations of subjects to suit localities, could be profitably adopted in other States.

FLORIDA

WM. H. WILSON, Master. I have no progress to report at this session. All, too, is owing to want of active workers. Some Granges report doing well, others are still Dormant that might be aroused by proper efforts. I hope at some future time to receive assistance from some source. Notwithstanding the inertness of our noble Order, the Grange principles are taking hold of our people, and shaking up public opinion. The Grange press is the greatest and grandest educator that has ever reached the farming people. Every effort possible ought to be made to send a Grange paper into the home of every farmer in this country.

GEORGIA.

H. R. DEADWYLER, Master. It gives me pleasures to report that the Order of Patrons of Husbandry in Georgia is increasing. North-east Georgia is thoroughly alive. Dormant Granges are resuming work. Five new Granges have been organized since my report in March; five Co-operative stores were organized this Fall, and a number of Granges are preparing for Co-operative stores. As far as heard from, Granges are adding numbers and

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the best material, showing an increase of nearly fifty per cent. Upon the whole, we are in a better condition than we have been in five years. The farmers of Georgia are beginning to see the oppression heaped upon them, and if we were strong enough to send a live Lecturer out and have the State thoroughly canvassed and Grange literature distributed, thousands would enlist and hoist the Grange banner so high, the enemy could never reach it again. We find where Grange literature is read, there the Grange is the strongest. The Grange could not do more to strengthen their cause, than to distribute Grange papers among the farmers. We are satisfied the "Patron of Husbandry," the organ of several States South, has been one of the means of our success in the State. Co-operation, the natural result of combination, has done a great deal to show the farmer what great weights he has been carrying. Educate the farmer, he will combine and co-operate, thereby raising himself to that position that God intended he should occupy.

ILLINOIS.

E. A. GILLER, Master. We ought to have in our State 181 live Granges at the present time, with a membership of nearly 4500, but as is usual at this season of the year, many of them have failed to pay up for the March and June quarters. Should they do so before the end of the year, we shall show a decided gain on the past year. Four of our Granges during the year have surrendered their charters. Thirteen Dormant Granges have been reinstated, and two new Granges have been organized. Fifty-six of our Granges at the present time are delinquent, and are liable to suspension. We have taken in over 600 new members during the year, and think that from the general weeding out that has taken place, and the character of those who are now members, that our organization is far more powerful for good than ever, and if the farmers of our great Prairie State are only true to themselves, and simply do their duty, there is a grand future before us.

IOWA.

D. W. JONES, Master. In Iowa the Order has not increased in number of Granges in the last year. There are many new members that have joined the working Granges, and the prospect is good for a new life. We have been engaged in fighting the barb-wire monopoly, and so far we are successful. The old debt of the State agency is still hanging over us, and it seems to keep back the interest in the Order. That is, Patrons feel that their money is going to pay for a dead horse. By the advice of the Executive Committee, we think that at the next State Grange session we will liquidate the most of that debt, and Iowa will show that she is still in earnest.

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KANSAS.

WM. SIMS, Master. While the reports of our State Secretary, for the year ending June last, show a slight decrease in the membership of our Order in Kansas. I am not of the opinion that any real loss has been sustained. Many of our Grange's fail to report promptly, and to this cause I attribute the apparent decrease in membership, and believe that the reports for the quarter ending with December (just before the meeting of our State Grange) will more than compensate for the loss shown by the June reports. The Order in Kansas is in a healthy condition. Our financial condition is good. Much benefit is being derived from the social and educational advantages offered by the Grange, and our co-operative associations, organized and conducted upon the Rochdale plan are giving general satisfaction.

LOUISIANA.

DANIEL MORGAN, Master. The State Grange of Louisiana was re-organized October 26, 1882, with twenty-four Subordinate Granges in the State, eighteen of which were represented. We have placed an able Lecturer in the field, and every member of our State Grange has gone to work with renewed energy and determination to restore the Order in Louisiana. There is a deep feeling of interest manifested throughout our State at this time in behalf of our Order. I have every encouragement to hope that prosperity will be restored to the Order in Louisiana, and at the next meeting of the National Grange we will be able to show a very material increase of Subordinate Granges.

MAINE.

FRED ROBIE, Master. I am unable to furnish special statistics or data in regard to the condition of the Patrons of Husbandry in the State of Maine, but I am able to say in a general way that our Order has made satisfactory progress. We have started at least five new Granges, reinstated quite a number of dormant Granges and thereby increased our numbers largely, as our reports to our Treasurer will show. If we have not already reached ten thousand members, it is now our purpose to exceed that number. The farmers of the Northeastern State have great confidence in the purpose of the Grange, and the members thereof, through their representative, send greetings to the members of the National Grange and renew their pledges that the "Dirigo State" will not faulter in an earnest endeavor to establish and perpetuate the principles of our Order.

MARYLAND.

H.O. DEVRIES, Master. In obedience to the law of our cherished institution, I present this my annual report of the condition of the Order and its prospects in our honored Commonwealth. It is not my good fortune to represent any very

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material progress, or misfortune to report any decline in the purpose or ardor of those who have really constituted the working in my State for years. On the contrary, it is but safe to say that additions of this class have been made during the year which, I think, in connection with improvements made in the business arm of the Order, betokens for us a brighter future.

Our numerical strength from the reports by the proper officers of this body must show decline, not only in numbers, but as a consequence in dues paid into the treasury. This, however, is but the result of the pruning process which was, in my judgment wisely adopted at the last session of this body, in reference to delinquent and dormant Granges.

We had been for years carrying too much dead weight, for while this was a source of revenue to the National Treasury, it was one of depletion to us not justified by the facts.

In some sections of the State no improvement is apparent, while in others numerous accessions of a most substantial character have been made. Four new Granges have been organized during the year, the first and only Granges organized since 1876; this is the more encouraging because the increase comes from those counties where observation and experience have demonstrated the great advantages of the Order. Two Grange halls have been dedicated, the third completed and others projected.

I regret to say that some of the seed sown by this body have not yielded their fruit, but am sure that they have taken root, and the harvest may be expected. I now refer to the educational suggestions made.

The Lecturer's documents continue to meet with favor in many Granges, but certainly have not elicited that general interest which their merit demands. This department being purely educational, we hope for its continuance, and trust an incentive may be furnished at this session to advance this important measure by a more general consideration of the topics by the members of the Order.

Our business house in the city of Baltimore continues to be the great nucleus of the Order in our State, without which we should have failed ere this. With its business and influence still increasing we regard it as one of the potent factors to push us to ultimate victory. Profiting by the lessons and experience of the past, our business managers have determined upon a system for the future, different from the existing one, which has been on the commission plan mainly. We no propose to be more cooperative in our policy, which is akin to the Rochdale plan, but not identical with it, as individual profits will accrue in proportion to the amount of dealings had with the house of each Patron.

The reports contemplated from Subordinate Granges to State

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Masters semi-annually, have not as yet been carried into effect generally; the disposition seems to exist to comply with the law of this body in this particular, but the way is not clear. Anticipating this difficulty, the National Grange at its last session provided for a blank form of reports (see printed proceedings page 146). Entrusting the work to our Executive Committee, the form provided for has not reached us. Consequently, our State Grange could not issue blank forms. Masters have complained to me because of their want, and excuse themselves on this ground. I think those blank forms would prove a great incentive and source of strength in the common chain of unity of action in the Order.

Our State Grange adopted the amendment to the organic law recommended at your last session, but not without stern opposition, believing that the law should not stop at equality by States in representation, but the fourth degree members should be constituted eligible as representatives when elected for such purposes. This, with other matters of importance, it will be my duty to lay before this body in due form at the proper time.

MASSACHUSETTS.

JAMES DRAPER, Master. The condition of the Order in Massachusetts has not materially changed since my report in April last, to the Master of the National Grange. The summer months are not as favorable for the development of Grange work in our State as are the other seasons of the year. Since my report to this body a year ago, we have organized three new Granges, and reorganized three that have been dormant.

With very few exceptions, all the Granges in the State have added to their membership, the additions being principally of a class that are considered as our most progressive, intelligent, and thinking farmers.

The efforts made in the lecture field have proved to be a great benefit and stimulus to the Order, and I am fully convinced that therein lies much of the future success of the Order in our State. The Grange Press is a mighty lever, we admit, and indispensable to our work; but the living speaker who is a thorough convert to the fundamental principles of our Order can enter the field with every prospect of making his influence felt in a community, and the Grange doctrines he disseminates respected.

I am satisfied that the visit of the State Master to the several Granges has, in most cases, had a good effect, as it has been the means of establishing a bond of sympathy and confidence between the State Grange and the Subordinates, and has enlarged the fraternal spirit of our Order, which I consider of great importance to have fostered.

The work done by the County Granges has been of great

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benefit to the Order in our State. Most of the meetings have been, open to the public part of the day, which has given an opportunity to those not members of the Grange to learn something of the aims and purposes of the Order. The addresses at these meetings have been prepared with great care, showing much study and research in their production, and the discussions that have followed have been animated and interesting, showing that our farmers are not indifferent to many of the great questions that are being agitated by Patrons all over the land.

The local press have given very extended reports of these discussions, and this, with the valuable service rendered by a generous distribution of the regular Grange papers, has done much to remove prejudice among the farmers generally. With the prejudice removed, we find many valuable accessions made to our membership, and that each year we are commanding greater respect from those engaged in the other industries.

In matters of co-operation we have little to report; there are a few Grange stores that have been doing a small business in a manner that is very satisfactory to their Patrons.

In matters of legislation, the work of the Grange, in securing the establishment of an Agricultural Experiment Station, has at last succeeded, and the Station asked for has been established at our Agricultural College, with a liberal appropriation for its maintenance.

In my report to the body, two years ago, I mentioned the action of the Granges, in securing the enactment of a law to prevent the double taxation of mortgaged real estate. The farmers, as well as other property-holders, wished to have exempted from taxation the amount of the mortgage on their several estates, as, at present, they were paying taxes on the whole estate, and the mortgagee also paying a tax on his interest in the same estate.

The desired law is in force, and proves to be, in its workings, more burdensome than ever before, and is really working in an opposite direction from what they had in mind would be the result of the change.

By the provisions of the law, these deductions made for taxation have reduced the taxable property just so much, and consequently what is left has to bear heavier taxation than formerly.

The new law meets the approval of Savings Banks and Loan Institutions, as they immediately changed the blank form of their mortgage deeds, so as to require the person obtaining a loan to pay the full tax upon the estate.

These are the only matters of public interest that have occupied our attention. I have dwelt at some length on the latter subject, as it is one that is being agitated in other States; and

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let me advise the advocates of such a measure to profit by the experience of the people in Massachusetts, who have found that the actual working of the law, that they looked upon as a great benefit, has proved to be a heavier burden than they were compelled to carry before.

In concluding this report, I will say that, taking into account that the manufacturing industry in our State predominates largely over the agricultural, and that we have a very large number of Farmers' Clubs, that have been organized many years, that have in many cases prevented the formation of Oranges in their towns or neighborhoods, I am well satisfied that we have gained a foothold that will be permanent, and that we are increasing in influence and power with greater rapidity now than at any time since the introduction of the Order into the Old Bay State.

MICHIGAN.

C. G. LUCE, Master. The year 1882 has been one of more than ordinary prosperity with the Order in the State of Michigan. Eight new Granges have been organized, and a number of dormant Granges revived. After deducting losses by death, dimit, and suspension, our net increase is a little over one thousand members. I have not been able to secure full reports from the Masters of Subordinate Granges, but from information received, feel well assured that there are less dormant or inactive members now on the books than at any previous time in our history.

Our increase in membership only partially indicates the advance made. The members are stronger in and of themselves. The improvement in this respect is marked. Several new Halls have been constructed during the year. There are now about one hundred and thirty owned by the Granges in the State. Very few have any trouble in maintaining an interest, and securing a reasonable degree of prosperity, where they are the owners of their own home.

Our business enterprises have all proved fairly successful during the year. We have agencies at Chicago and Detroit, besides several very successful Co-operative Associations in the State. Those now in existence are established upon a solid foundation.

For a number of years the effort to secure cheap land plaster has enlisted the best efforts of the Patrons of the State.

The names of Day and Taylor were familiar in the Grange rooms all over the State. A little more than a year ago, Brother Taylor, the strong man of the House, was accidentally shot. But other strong men have been found to take the place of the dead, upon just as favorable terms. So that in this eight years contest we are still successful.

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Our State Grange Treasury is now, as it has been in all the years of the past, in excellent condition.

The continued illness of our Worthy Lecturer, Brother C. E. Mickley during the entire year, has been a serious affliction and loss to the Order. He is one of the ablest of the many able men our noble cause has enlisted. We had expected much good from his labors, but the heavy hand of sickness has prevented our realizing this hope.

It would be a neglect of duty not to state that for the good degree of prosperity enjoyed, we are greatly indebted to that sterling sheet, the Grange Visitor. This has been one of the strong cords that has bound us together. But we do not rely upon any one thing, but resort to all that will aid us in the race. We try to co-operate in the broadest meaning of the word.

MINNESOTA.

THOMAS TUNIS SMITH, Master. This report of the condition of the Order in Minnesota is not what I could wish to make. Dakota was placed under the jurisdiction of Minnesota, and will be included in this report. I appointed two deputies in that Territory. One Grange was organized at Milbank, Grant Co., by one of the deputies; the other reported to me that he expected to organize two during the winter.

The names of the officers of thirty-eight Granges were reported to me at the close of last year. One new Grange was organized, and two reorganized. In part of the State there has been an increase of membership, and in others a loss. Our numbers have decreased somewhat from last year; we have taken in more new members, however, than during the preceding year, and there is more inquiry among the old members to get back into the Grange, which I regard as signs of a healthier condition.

The Masters who reported to me in October last, generally represent their Granges in good condition. One reports his Grange disbanded from disagreements among the members; another, from the members moving away.

We have a large foreign element, that does not take kindly to secret societies, and a community of Americans in which a Grange has been organized, surrounded by foreigners. When losses occur through removal, or loss of interest, there is no new material from which to draw to keep up the numbers.

The ministers of some denominations set their faces against the order, and in many cases have broken up Granges after they were organized, by causing their members to withdraw.

In counties or districts where the members have a definite object to work for, I find life and activity.

MISSISSIPPI.

PUT. DARDEN, Master. I have the honor to report the Order

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in Mississippi to be in good condition, and steadily improving. We now have nearly two hundred Granges at work. More than thirty dormant Granges have resumed work during the last twelve months, and several new Granges have been organized. Our State Grange has been relieved of its financial embarrassment. The unjust prejudice which once existed against the Order is giving away. The evidences of the good that has been accomplished, educationally, socially, and politically, are to be seen on all sides. We think the prospects for the Order are brightening every day, and that the time will soon arrive when, through the influence of this organization, the farmers' rights and interest will be recognized and secured.

MISSOURI.

H. ESHBAUCH, Master. The Order in Missouri is in a healthy condition, although we occasionally lose a member, and indeed whole Granges become delinquent, which usually leads into dormancy. We aim to make up these losses by new recruits and reorganizations. In this way we are not only holding our own, but are gaining in strength and influence. The educational work is accomplishing grand results in our Order in the State, and its influence is awakening a deeper interest at Grange meetings, which attracts the attention, and induces inquiries among non-membership farmers.

We have a number of Co operative Associations that are doing well. Several large stores were established during the past year, that have thus far been quite successful, with bright prospects for the future.

The past year was the most unfavorable year for Grange work in the State, and great losses to our Order were predicted, and from this fact the work was closely watched and encouraged in every way; and notwithstanding all the discouragements and unfavorable surroundings, we have passed through the year, gaining more than we have lost. Our State Grange held its tenth annual session last month, and was well attended, full of earnestness, and the work of the session was well done, with prospects hopeful for the future. I will say in conclusion, that live, active patrons will be found in Missouri, practicing and advocating our principles, pure and undefiled, as long as any are to be found in any State in this Union.

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

G. A. WASON, Master. We are glad to report from New Hampshire no backward steps in Grange work during the past year. While slowly, perhaps, we may seem to be progressing, yet we are surely moving onward. There has been an effort on the part of the State Grange to complete a more thorough organization, tending to strengthen the Order in the State, and prepare

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the way for the establishment of new Granges, and increase our membership.

For this purpose, the State was districted, and Deputies appointed in each district, whose duty it should be to visit every Grange in his district at least once each year, to note the condition of the several Granges, and see that the secret work was properly given, and also to visit towns within his jurisdiction where there were no Granges, and, if possible, induce the farmers to organize.

Feeling the need of more information as regards the growth and prosperity of our Order throughout the country, Grange literature has been freely distributed, and with good results. Outdoor meetings during the summer months have been very successful; farmers not members have availed themselves very generally of them. This year there has been established an annual State picnic or festival, which was a decided success. Our Governor honored us with his presence, while the addresses of General Cary, Brother Whitney, and Sister Bristol, "New Hampshire's honored daughter," were all very instructive, and will result in great good, we are sure.

Our membership has increased since one year ago. Most of the Masters reported once, and some twice, during the year. From these reports, and from visits in different parts of the State, we are fully justified in saying that the Order is in a much better condition than one year ago. There are many loyal Patrons, whose faith in this noble Order is as firm and immovable as the Granite Hills upon which we live.

NEW JERSEY.

I. W. NICHOLSON, Master. The reports received from the Subordinate Granges, for the quarter ending September 30th, indicate but little change in their numbers. The meetings in most instances are not so well attended, yet those which strive to have some subject of interest to entertain their members report a good attendance throughout the busy season. Lack of co-operation in thought and action is the acknowledged impediment in the way of successful operation of the Granges.

NEW YORK.

W. A. ARMSTRONG, Master. Reports of membership for the four quarters ending with June last, when compared with the reports for the next preceding four quarters, exhibit material increase. Not only a gain in the aggregate is seen, but each quarter of the last year, when compared with the corresponding quarter of the previous year, shows a gain of several hundred members. If we regard merely receipts for dues as the unfailing test of strength, there is in the gain reported still further assurance that the Order in New York has vigor, vital force, and elements of perpetuity. If the Order be judged by what it has

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achieved, the verdict must be favorable. Out of it came the New York Agricultural Experiment Station, the first of its kind in the Union. Patrons' Insurance Associations provide indemnity against loss for many millions of value. A Life Assurance Society has in eight years distributed more than $70,000 to the beneficiaries of deceased members. The Order has also put its impress upon legislation. Witness a railway Commission to be appointed with the new year. And hardly less important — a water route from the lakes to the seaboard, free from toll or other tax. It is not claimed that these progressive steps have been urged by the Order alone, nor that it has all the credit for achievement, but it is true that the Granges pointed the way, and led with potent influence. It has also aided materially in taking the collars polished by long wear from the necks of voters. In other ways the power of the organization is clearly seen by those who have clear perception, and capacity to trace effects to their causes. All the evidence seems to prove that in New York the Order has proved its right to exist, for its work justifies life.

NORTH CAROLINA.

W. H. CHEEK, Master. In this report, I have the pleasure to submit that the Order in North Carolina is in a healthy and growing condition. In the past twelve months it has increased in numbers, and in efficiency its progress has been "onward." Three new Granges have been organized, and seven dormant Granges revived.

In some sections of the State the Order is about defunct, while in another portion it is progressive and aggressive. In this latter section, Co-operative Stores, Agricultural Fairs, under the supervision of the Grange, and Grange Schools, indicate its beneficent purposes, and mark its onward progress.

This is the section where Lecturers, through the efforts of the Subordinate Granges, are kept in the field, and there also is the locality where the Grange newspaper is published and circulates. These facts of themselves plainly tell what things are necessary to promulgate the tenets of our Order, and to preserve its life amid its votaries.

This section during the fall was favored with a visit from Bro. Whitehead, of the National Lecture Bureau. Wherever he went, much good was accomplished. His eloquence inspired the faithful, and his arguments convinced many of the incredulous, and through his persuasion large additions were made to our ranks. If our financial condition was such that a Lecturer could be kept constantly in the field, we verily believe that in the next twelve months the membership could be quadrupled in North Carolina. Could the National Grange at this Session provide or suggest some plan by which this great want, not only of my own State, but of every State in the Union, could be

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supplied, our Order would go forward with a steady and a healthy growth.

In North Carolina we sadly feel this need, and from the success that has attended the Lecturers wherever they go, we duly appreciate the vast possibilities they can accomplish.

OHIO.

J. H. BRIGHAM, Master. The Grange organization in Ohio, according to the reports of the Secretary, has made some growth during the past year. In 1881 the total membership, according to reports from Subordinate Granges, was 15,604; amount of dues paid to National Grange, $780.24. In 1882 the reports show a membership of 18,573, and amount of dues paid to National Grange, $928.64 — an increase in membership of 2,969. I am aware of the fact that the reports do not always show the true condition of the Order, as some Granges do not observe the requirements of the law relating to reports, only reporting once a year. My observation during the year, and the reports received from Masters, and other correspondents, indicate a healthy growth in the Order. Our members are becoming more self-reliant, and are doing more and better work than ever before; and we feel confident that as long as farmers have interests which may be advanced and protected by organized co-operation, that the farmers of Ohio will be found ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with those of our sister States in the organization which has undertaken this important work.

OREGON.

R. P. BOISE, Master. At the last session of our State Grange, in May last, our reports showed a gain in membership of about seven per cent during the year. During that time one new Grange had been organized, and since our last session two new Granges have reported to me as organized.

Some years ago our State Grange engaged in business enterprises, such as importing farm machinery and buying general supplies for farmers. These business ventures were not successful and entailed considerable debt on the State Grange, and caused pecuniary embarrassments, which, for some years, depressed our prosperity and caused some good members to lose confidence in the utility and success of the Order, and predict its early downfall. Some such have left us, who still believe in the principles we teach, but fear that farmers can never, through union in the Grange or otherwise, achieve practical results in exercising their rights against the aggressions of those who prey upon their industries.

We have been able to liquidate these debts and are now relieved from all financial embarrassment and are growing in numbers and influence. During the past year several dormant

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Granges have resumed work and become re-established on a basis which promises future prosperity.

The social intercourse afforded by Grange meetings, and the educational advantages given to its members, have done much to improve them. So that those farmers and their families who have kept right on in the Grange are far in advance of those outside the gates.

Worried by the failures in business of the State Grange, some of our Pomona Granges and Subordinate Granges have begun to co-operate in business within more narrow limits and on truly Grange principles, and are eminently successful, saving a large percentage to their members by buying and selling together. We feel that the time of great mistakes and consequent depression is passed and that our future prosperity is assured.

As Oregon is isolated, being off and beyond the general course of travel, we have not been visited by Grange Lecturers from sister States, and consequently the duties of that department have devolved entirely on the officers of the State Grange. As Master I have visited most of the Subordinate Granges in the Willamette and Umpqua Valleys and lectured on Grange subjects, frequently to open meetings and sometimes to large assemblies. Generally few but farmers attended these meetings, and I uniformly found them ready to agree to our principles. The Worthy Lecturer of the State Grange, Bro. H. E. Hays, has also taken the field and been well received, and is an earnest and able man. These lectures have, I think, done much good in dispelling prejudice, and convincing our farmers that to advance their standing and rank in society and secure a just protection for their great industry, they must unite and act together. They have also had a tendency to weaken the hold of party ties on farmers, by which, through party excitement and discipline, unscrupulous men have often been placed in official positions which they have abused, dishonored and betrayed.

Public sentiment has also been generally awakened to the aggression of the great monopolies which are now laying their greedy hands on the principal avenues of trade and transportation in the great Northwest, and taxing the industries of the people all they will bear.

The organization of the Grange enables us to start needed reforms by discussing them in all the Subordinate Granges at the same time and concentrating public sentiment on them.

The questions and suggestions of the Worthy Lecturer of the National Grange which have been sent to our Subordinate Granges have been of much advantage to us in directing and maturing public thought on questions vital to our best interests. And our organization enables us to hold and preserve our opinions and principles when developed, and save them from being ephemeral.

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Our Agricultural College, though still lacking many educational appliances present in older institutions, is presided over by able and industrious men, who are anxious to aid our farmers by more and better knowledge of agriculture. They were present at our State Grange, and President Arnold delivered to us a lecture full of learning and interest on the best methods of preserving the fertility of our lands.

PENNSYLVANIA.

L. RHONE, Master. It affords me pleasure to report that the Order in Pennsylvania is fully maintaining its status with some improvement. A few new Granges have been added and fourteen dormant Granges re-organized during the year.

Our State Grange is fully convinced of the importance of sustaining a system of work and organization, whereby Lecturers can be kept in the field during those seasons of the year when farmers are not so closely occupied with their farm labors as to prevent them from attending our public meetings. Where this has been carefully observed we have uniformly had good attendance. In connection with these public meetings, wherever it was practical, we would also hold a session with closed doors for instruction in the written and unwritten work of the Order; thereby securing better discipline and uniformity in the work of the Subordinate Granges. Much work needs to be done in this direction yet, and we have kept our State Lecturer in the field almost constantly with others that we employed, as we could secure them, sustaining them by appropriations from the State Grange and voluntary contributions from the Granges visited by our Lecturers.

The largest of these out door meetings was held at Williams' Grove, where the annual meeting has become known all over the country as the Tri-State Picnic and Exhibition of the Patrons of Husbandry continuing during a whole week.

The State Grange is largely indebted to Brother R. H. Thomas, Secretary of the State Grange, for its continued and successful management for ten consecutive years, involving a responsibility of nearly $3,000 annually, without a dollar of indebtedness to the State Grange.

Our State paper, the Farmers' Friend, has done good service for the Order, and could we double its circulation we would be largely the gainers as an Order, as there is no power like the Press to influence a people, as it is daily and weekly exerting its silent influences in every household where it is read, shaping the views and influences of not only each individual, but of the State and Nation Through all these influences and toil of years in behalf of the farmers of our State, we have been able to upset the calculations of politicians, to revert the tide of political ascendancy and all its pernicious influences by so educating the agricultural

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classes of our State as to assert their rights as independent citizens to rust a, free ballot, untrammeled by party restraints, so as to not only assert our self-respect as farmers but to also serve the best interests of our State in electing a Patron to the second highest position in the State, that of Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

J. N. Lipscomb, Master. While l cannot have the gratification of having, as at the meeting two years ago, South Carolina recognized us the banner Grange State, she having organized more new Granges and increased her membership more than any other State, still I can say the Order is in a healthy and sound condition. There are more live Granges in the State than is shown by the reports of the Secretary, because most Subordinate Granges report through the Secretary of the Pomona Granges according to State By-laws, and these Pomona reports, waiting on dilatory Subordinate Granges, frequently come to the State Secretary too late for the currant quarter's report. There have been some new Granges organized, and still more dormant Granges reorganized.

The great, need of the Order in South Carolina is a newspaper organ and Lecturers. So far we have failed to secure an organ and have not been benefited by having lectures. The live, flourishing Granges hold splendid meetings that they are justly proud of, and invite the State Master and others to address them, but in sections of the country where the Order is languishing and the Granges are dormant, no meetings are had nor addresses made. If some plan could be devised that Lecturers, explaining the object and benefits of the Order, could be sent out to speak to the public, regardless of local Grange action, it would do much to strengthen the Order. The good the Order has already done in our State, educationally, socially, teaching the farmer not only agriculture, but his civic duties, establishing an Agricultural Department as part of the State government, procuring railroad legislation, and many other things, is almost incalculable and has paid us an hundredfold for all the time, labor and money spent upon it. I am satisfied that the Order will be sustained and live long in our State, but should it cease as an active organization, still its influences for good will prevail and be felt during future years by future generations.

TENNESSEE.

T. B. HARWELL, Master. The Order in Tennessee has made steady progress during the last year. Whilst members have been in some instances dropped from the roll, and some Granges have failed to report, there have been about fifteen Granges revived and one new Grange organized, all of which we trust will appear at the proper time in the Secretary's report. We have

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also made some progress in co-operation. The enterprises already undertaken have proved profitable and satisfactory, and others are in contemplation.

We have labored under peculiar difficulties during the present year. Whilst a local political question of absorbing interest to our people has occupied the public mind we have had hard times from an unprecedented crop failure and an empty Grange treasury to embarrass us. We are making the best efforts possible, under the circumstances, to begin again active field work with every encouragement to believe it will be most successful. We are satisfied that our great want is such work.

TEXAS.

A. J. ROSE, Master. Since the last session of this body, Texas has made sonic progress in Grange work. From November, 1881, to November, 1882, we have to report the organization of fourteen (14) new Granges, and the reorganization of fifty-five (55). There are perhaps, some that have fallen by the way, but not reported to us. The reports from fifty Masters, to October (6 months), show a steady growth in membership and interest; a few do not report so favorable. Our secretary's report for last quarter shows considerable increase in membership, but not so much in number of Granges, which we account for by quite a number of secretaries not reporting as the law requires. The past year has been a hard one with us financially. The abundant crop of this year will put a large majority of our people well up and ahead. The increased interest, as shown by the many letters received at our office, argues well for the Grange the coming year in our State. The Order is gradually growing in favor with the people, molding public sentiment for good, as it never has before. Its moral influence is admitted wherever it has a foothold. At the last Annual Session of the Texas Co-operative Association, P. of H., there were over fifty delegates in attendance, and over one hundred visitors. It was the topic of conversation that no member present had been seen visiting the saloons; the press of the town also alluded to it. We have not known or heard of a Co-operative store handling spiritous liquors. The common schools are made much more profitable where the Grange is established. The farmers are publicly expressing themselves on the great issues of the day as they never did before. At the last called session of the legislature of our State, while discussing the fare bill on railroads, a member remarked, What has come over this body since the regular session? The bill passed reducing the fare from five to three cents per mile.

For our business interest we have to report, it a success. The Texas Co-operative Association purchased last year, and sent out $421,000 in supplies, and sold over 9,000 bales of cotton. The premium on purchases was $8,667, and the actual saving in the

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cotton handling in commission, $8,540. The annual report shows $14,350 stock, and about $13,000 profit in the business. There are ninety-two Local Co-operative Associations that have stock in the Texas Co-operative Association, and others that, have not. The Co-operative Patrons of our State have looked well to the interest of the Order, requiring all Patrons to be in good standing in a Subordinate Grange to entitle them to hold stock in our Co-operative stores or to receive profits. The business is increasing very rapidly, and in every section where this is the case the Grange is increasing.

At the session of our State Grange in August last we had the pleasure of the presence and help of our Worthy Master and Lecturer of this Grange, which was indeed a great treat to our people. Their telling speeches, advice, and counsel added greatly to the success of the State Grange. Much of the prejudice was removed from those who heard them. These brethren will long be remembered by our people and the remembrance will be a kindly one. Their work was appreciated by all, both inside and outside the gates. Although the reports from Masters of Subordinate Granges in our State are very limited, we believe that they should be continued. These reports form connecting links between the Subordinate Granges and National Grange, the great head of our Order. We think that they will increase each succeeding year, both in number and interest, as the Masters better understand their duties. Where the Lecturer's documents sent out by authority of this body have been discussed, they have been beneficial to our people, and we think should be continued.

Our State Grange has an organ published in the State, (The Texas Farmer), which has aided greatly in strengthening, building up, and educating our people. We are clearly of the opinion that each State should have some such means of communication with its members.

VERMONT.

A. B. FRANKLIN, Master. I have the honor to report the Order in Vermont as advancing. The principles of the Order are being more generally disseminated and are influencing and moulding public sentiment. During the year a Grange Organ, "The Patron's Rural," has been established, which seems to meet a want long felt, and from which we hope much. In short, we have no cause for discouragement.

VIRGINIA.

J. M. BLANTON, Master. The condition of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry in the State of Virginia is much the same as that which was reported at the last session of this body. There has been one new Grange organized and several Dormant Granges revived, and the membership, upon the whole, I have

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reason to believe, has been materially increased. The outlook for the future is more encouraging, and the probability is, in the near future, the Order will take a new start on the road of progress. A new and fresh impulse has been given to the principles which underlie the organization, and a deeper sense of the importance for farmers to unite together for mutual aid and protection is being universally felt. This new order of things in the Old Dominion has been produced by causes which it is not worth while to enumerate in this report. Sufficient to state that the farmers are aroused to the necessity of a more thorough organization, in order that they may carry out their measures of vast importance to the agricultural interest, which are at the present time agitating the minds of our people.

WEST VIRGINIA.

R. W. BAYLOR, Master. As to the condition of the Grange in West Virginia, I regret, I have but little favorable to report. During the past year we have organized one new Grange, and revived three Dormant Granges. Our last State Grange meeting gave us reason to hope for greater encouragement in the future. The meeting was well attended, considering the distance that many of its members had to travel, and the expense they had to incur much interest in the Order was manifested. The Order in my State has much to retard its progress. A small area of West Virginia is adapted to the raising of cereals; consequently, a very large portion of its citizens are engaged in occupations which are not strictly "agricultural pursuits," and under our rules, are ineligible as members of our Order. Again, the agricultural portions of the State are so widely separated, with little or no intercourse, that no great benefit can be derived from Co-operation.

The great need of the Order in my State is earnest, active, and efficient labor in the field, by competent lecturers, which, in the exhausted state of our treasury, we are unable to obtain. Fully concurring in the views of our National Lecturer, that the weak Granges should be looked after and receive assistance, whilst the strong Granges are able to take care of themselves, I do most earnestly invite our National officers to aid us, especially as not one has ever yet left the impress of his feet on our soil.

Many Granges have died from lack of interest, owing to not being fully instructed in the aims, objects, and purposes of the Order. Under all these adverse circumstances, we have not given up in despair, believing that the necessity for the existence of the Order is so great, that nothing can check its onward progress until success is achieved.

WISCONSIN

S. C. CARR, Master. We are holding our own in Wisconsin,

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and hope to show some gain at our next State Grange meeting. What Patrons we have are among the very best farmers in the State; they mean business and are going to stick to the Fraternity as long as there is a member left. We have 38 Grange halls, valued at $36,560; many of them have good organs and fine libraries. Fourteen Grange stores are reported to me with a capital of $56,300, which did a business of $319,000 during the year 1881. We have a State Grange Agent, Bro. L. G. Kniffen, located in Milwaukee, who buys and sells for Patrons. During seven years his trade has aggregated $579,258. He buys organs, sewing machines, coffee and tea by the car load, which is a great saving to our members. The quarterly reports that I have received from the Masters speak very encouragingly. In most cases Granges are in good condition, and meetings well attended. Our Patrons' Benevolent Aid Society, organized in 1875, has about 1,000 members. When a death occurs in the Society, an assessment is made of one dollar upon each member, and every dollar paid in goes to the beneficiaries of the deceased member. The running expenses of the Society are paid out of the fund provided by the membership fees, which are graded according to age. Our Grange Bulletin, issued semi-monthly, edited by H. E. Huxley, Secretary of State Grange, is doing a good work. It is not only taken by our Patrons, but a good many farmers outside of our Order read it. H. C. Sherwin, State Lecturer, has awakened quite an interest among the Granges he has visited. Also Bro. C. L. Whitney, of Cincinnati, O., who has given about forty lectures in this State the past year, has not only aroused the Patrons but the farmers outside, from their drowsiness, and the cry is, tend us more lecturers.

Pending the presentation of these reports, and on motion of Bro. Baylor, W. Va., it was:

Resolved, That the labors of the Grange be closed until 10 o'clock A. M., Thursday.

On motion of Bro. Draper, Mass., the vote by which the last resolution was adopted was reconsidered.

And the question recurring on the adoption of the resolution as offered by Bro. Baylor it was lost.

Bro. Aiken, S. C., offered the following:

Resolved, That Bros. Draper, Flint, Rose, Lipscomb and Smith be appointed a Committee to supply the reporters of the press with items for publication from our proceedings.

Bro. Lipscomb, S. C., offered the following as a substitute:

Resolved, That the Executive Committee be appointed a committee to supply the reporters of the press with items for publication from our proceedings.

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Which was adopted, and the resolution, as amended by the substitute, was then adopted.

On motion of Bro. Cheek, N. C., it was ordered that when the labors of the day are concluded the Grange be closed until 10 o'clock to-morrow morning.

The Grange was then closed by the Worthy Master until 10 o'clock A. M. Thursday.

Second Day.

THURSDAY, November 16, 1882.

The Grange assembled in accordance with the order of Wednesday, and was opened at 10.15 o'clock A. M., in the Fourth Degree, by the Worthy Master.

Present — officers and members as on previous day, with the addition of Bro. J. V. Scott, Worthy Master of State Grange, Arkansas, and Worthy Gatekeeper of National Grange.

The roll was called and a quorum found present.

The journal of Wednesday was read and approved.

The Committee on Credentials presented the following report, which was accepted:

The Committee on Credentials direct me to report that the States of Arkansas, Kentucky, Maine and Ohio are clear upon the books of the Treasurer and entitled to representation in the National Grange.

F. M. MCDOWELL, Chairman.

Bro. Scott, Ark.; Bro. J. L. Neal, Ky.; Sister S. H. Neal, Ky.; Bro. F. Robie, Me., and Sister M. O. Robie, Me., and Bro. Brigham, Ohio, then took seats as member of the National Grange.

Bro. A. Gifford, of Meaford, Ontario, Worthy Master of the Dominion Grange of Canada, was introduced and addressed the Grange, as follows:

Worthy Master and Patrons of the National Grange:

It affords me much pleasure to meet with you, and bear to you the fraternal greeting of the Patrons in Canada.

It has been very pleasing to me to listen to the reports made by your representatives, showing the progress and present standing of the Order in their respective districts, and I cannot, perhaps,

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entertain you better than by giving an account of the work with us. In estimating our progress, it will be necessary to bear in mind that, while the Dominion of Canada is very extensive, much of it is, as yet, very sparsely or entirely unsettled, and that in the well-settled sections, especially in our Province, we have a large class who entertain strong objections to secret societies.

From the first introduction of the Order, however, a large number recognized the advantages it was destined to confer upon the agriculturists of the country, and the work of organization progressed rapidly, particularly in the Province of Ontario, and more recently in the Provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. During the eight years that have elapsed since its first introduction there have been organized in all some eight hundred and sixty Granges. Quite a number of these have died, or, becoming reduced in numbers, have united with neighboring Granges, and others are dormant, only giving signs of life when called upon to co-operate with the live Granges, in some effort needing all the power of the agriculturists to accomplish. However, we find that whenever so called upon, we have the support of all who have at any time been connected with the Order, thus giving us a much greater influence than appearances would indicate. There have been at least 35,000 members put through the Grange mill during this time, the most of whom have been heads of families, but recently we have introduced a change in our Constitution, by which we hope to secure a large influx of the young people, believing that their presence will tend to foster the social features of the Grange, which we find are absolutely necessary for maintaining it successfully.

A number of institutions have been organized and brought into successful working through the Grange, the first of which, the Dominion Grange Mutual Insurance Company, projected some five years ago, has proved most successful. At the present time we have policies in force covering over $5,000,000 of farm property, and a reserve capital of about $120,000. All our losses have been promptly paid in cash. At first, we had to contend with strong opposition, but we have overcome this, and now have the entire confidence of the insuring public, and have established a branch for insuring the property of non-members.

The Canadian Mutual Aid, established for the purpose of cooperative life insurance, though not confined strictly to the Grange, is an offspring of the Order; it has only been established about two years, but has a membership of nearly 1400, which is being steadily increased.

The Grange Trust, with a capital of $4,000,000, has been organized by the Grange, the entire capital being taken by members of the Order. It was established for the purpose of introducing

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cheap foreign capital to compete with the many private Loaning Companies, and reducing the exorbitant interest charges to which farmers were subjected.

A Central Supply Company has been established, with headquarters in the city of Toronto, for the purpose of furnishing members with goods, implements, etc., at wholesale prices. The last annual report of this Company shows a business of nearly $300,000 for the current year. In addition to this company, there are several wholesale houses that send travelers regularly to the Granges with samples, and do a large business.

In matters of legislation the Grange has wielded a large influence, particularly in the Province of Ontario. Up to the beginning of this year, there has existed a clause in our Municipal Act permitting cities, towns, and incorporated villages to impose a tax on all farm products offered for sale within their limits, under the name of market fees. The Grange commenced an agitation for the repeal of this clause, which proved successful at the last session of the House. Another very important matter which owed its origin to the Grange, was the establishment of a Commission, appointed by the government, to inquire into the agricultural resources of the country, and report thereon. This Commission did its work very thoroughly, the result being a large amount of valuable information, which was embraced in a voluminous report, and copies sent to every Grange, forming the nucleus of an agricultural library, available to all the members free of cost. As a sequel to this Commission, a Bureau of Industries has been established, which collects monthly reports of the growing crops, and compiles therefrom statements of the crop prospects, which are regularly published, enabling all classes to estimate the trade prospects of the country. It has been very forcibly stated, by one of your honorable members, that "the great object of the Grange is to elevate the farmer." This principle we have duly recognized in the Dominion, and, believing its accomplishment rests mainly upon education, have devoted our energies largely to securing greater educational advantages for the farming community. Large amounts are expended in the establishment and maintenance of institutions for giving a superior education to men destined for other professions, while the common school system has been considered quite sufficient for the education of farmers, upon whom the prosperity of our country mainly depends. Conceiving that this want of education was the secret of the lack of appreciation accorded to our profession, we have constantly kept this feature before our members. For some years there has been a School of Agriculture, connected with an experimental farm, existing in the Province of Ontario, which has been doing good service, but it was liable at any time to be discontinued. The Grange petitioned for its permanent establishment by charter, which has

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been done, and now, if we can secure its endowment, we believe we shall furnish to our children the means for securing a liberal education, without withdrawing them from the pursuit of their fathers.

From what I have learned of the history of your country, I know that agriculture with you, as with us, is the basis of your prosperity; hence the Grange is a necessity; it cannot be dispensed with; it may, and will, no doubt, fluctuate, but its permanency is secure. The Dominion Grange, looking to the National Grange as the parent institution, entertains nothing but the most filial regard for this body, which I am here to express, and we hope to give and receive every assistance the existing relations would dictate. I have to thank you for the kindly reception given to Bro. Hilborn and myself, as members of the Dominion Grange, and hope we may all meet again at the final ingathering of the wheat by the Great Husbandman.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

A. GIFFORD,
Delegate from Dominion Grange

Regular order of business was then taken up, and on a call of States the following papers were introduced and referred:

By Bro. Giller, Ill.:
Preamble and resolutions on the subject of transportation.
To Committee on Transportation.

By Bro. Devries, Md.:
Resolution from Brighton Grange, No. 60, Md., favoring the publication of a synopsis of Grange reports.
To Committee on Good of the Order.

Also,
Resolutions from Maryland State Grange, asking an amendment to the Constitution on the subject of representation.
To Committee on Constitution and By-Laws.

By Bro. Darden, Miss.:
An amendment to Article I. Sec. 3 of the Constitution.
To Committee on Constitution and By-Laws.

By Bro. Eshbaugh, Mo.:
Resolution of State Grange, Missouri, urging the adoption of biennial sessions of State Grange.
To Committee on Constitution and By-Laws.

By Bro. Brigham, Ohio:
Resolution on the subject of adoption of a suitable badge in place of the present regalia.
To Committee on Good of the Order.

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By Bro. Rhone, Pa.:
Preamble and resolution opposing a protective tariff on commercial fertilizers.
To Committee on Agriculture.

By Bro. Rose, Texas:
Petition, asking that Antioch Grange, 1204, Texas, be allowed to change its name to Paige, No. 1204.
To Committee on Good of Order.

By Bro. Baylor, W. Va.:
Petition for State Grange of West Virginia, asking a change in the Constitution of National Grange to allow Fourth Degree members to be representatives in both State and National Granges.
To Committee on Constitution and By-Laws.

By Bro. Aiken, S. C.:
Resolution favoring the printing and distribution of certain old documents and papers, the stereotype plates for which are now in possession of the National Grange.
To Committee on Resolutions.

Bro. Devries, Md., offered the following, which was adopted:
WHEREAS, The former State Grange of Louisiana has ceased to exist, and
WHEREAS, A new State Grange has been organized in said State,
Resolved, By the National Grange, that the National Treasurer is hereby directed to balance the accounts of said State to date.

On motion of Bro. Lipscomb, S. C., it was
Resolved, That the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws be and is hereby instructed to report an amendment to the Constitution, allowing Subordinate Granges, to elect any Fourth Degree member as delegate to the State Grange when the Worthy Master cannot attend.

Sister Rhone, Pa., offered the following preamble and resolution, which were adopted;
WHEREAS, For long ages it has been the custom of Nations, States and Organizations to employ some appropriate badge or emblem indicative of Nationality, State-rank, or Organization, thus the Fleur-de-Lys of France, the Rose of England, the Thistle of Scotland, the Tre-foil of Ireland, — of Organizations, the Masonic insignia, the Odd Fellows' monogram, and recently the expressive pendant of the Grand Army of the Republic, by which they are everywhere known as members of their respective fraternities, and

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WHEREAS, Our noble Order has no badge or emblem recognized by the National Grange, therefore
Resolved, That a Committee by appointed, whose duty it shall be to prepare a neat and appropriate Badge from some of our native metals, suitable to be worn by members of our Order, and recognized by the National Grange as the badge and emblem of the Order, and report at the next session of this body.

On motion of Bro. Luce, Mich., the Grange took a recess until 3 o'clock P. M.

3 o'clock P.M.

Recess having expired, the Grange was called to order by Worthy Overseer Darden, acting as Worthy Master.

The regular order of business was resumed.

On motion of Bro. Jones, Iowa, the space of thirty minutes was set apart for the purpose of allowing such visiting Patrons as might desire to do so, to speak to the Grange on the "Good of the Order," and several brothers entertained the Grange.

The Worthy Master arrived and assumed the chair and announced the Standing Committees.

On motion of Bro. Brigham, Ohio, the Secretary was instructed to have printed for use of the members, two hundred copies of the list of Committees, and the roll of members.

Bro. James, Ind., moved that the Grange take a recess until 7.30 P. M., pending which motion, a question as to eligibility for service on a committee arose, when the Worthy Master asked instructions from the Grange, and Bro. Draper, Mass., moved that the list, as announced by the Worthy Master, be confirmed by the Grange.

After discussion, on motion of Bro. Lipscomb, S. C., the motion to confirm was laid on the table.

The Grange then took a recess until 7.30 P. M.

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The Standing Committees, as finally arranged by the Worthy Master are:

CREDENTIALS
B. C. Harrison, Ala., Chairman.
A. B. Franklin, Vt.	Mrs. J. C. Draper, Mass.
T. B. Harwell, Tenn.	Mrs. M. E. Flint, Cal.
DIVISION OF LABOR.
Aaron Jones, Ind., Chairman.
R. P. Boise, Oreg.	Mrs. M. L. Darden, Miss.
E. A. Giller, Ill.	Mrs. I. B. Carr, Wis.
FINANCE.
Jas. Draper, Mass., Chairman.
D. Flint, Cal.	Mrs. S. A. Rose, Tex.
C. G. Luce, Mich.	Mrs. A. M. Cheek, N. C.
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS.
A. B. Franklin, Vt., Chairman.
A. Jones, Ind.	Mrs. S. J. Blanton, Va.
B. C. Harrison, Ala.	Mrs. H. A. Sims, Kan.
GOOD OF THE ORDER.
J. H. Brigham, Ohio, Chairman.
R. W. Baylor, W. Va.	Mrs. E. M. Nicholson, N. J.
W. H. Cheek, N. C.	Mrs. M. E. Flint, Cal.
CO-OPERATION.
H. Eshbaugh, Mo., Chairman.
H.O. Devries, Md.	A.J. Rose, Tex.
R.W. Baylor, W. Va.	H.R. Deadwyler, Ga.
TRANSPORTATION AND COMMERCIAL RELATION.
W.A. Armstrong, N.Y., Chairman
J.N. Lipscomb, S. C.	T.T. Smith, Minn.
F. Robie, Me.	E. A. Giller, Ill.
RESOLUTIONS.
J. N. Lipscomb, S. C., Chairman.
W. Sims, Kan.	Mrs. C. L. Wason, N. H.
S. C. Carr, Wis.	Mrs. S. H. Neal, Ky.
ACCOUNTS.
J. J. Rosa, Del., Chairman.
A. J. Rose, Tex.	Mrs. J. C. Draper, Mass.
S. C. Carr, Wis.	Mrs. M. S. Rhone, Pa.

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CLAIMS AND GRIEVANCES.
R. P. Boise, Oreg., Chairman
D. W. Jones, Iowa.	Mrs. S. A. Rose, Tex.
G. A. Wason, N. H.	Mrs. A. M. Cheek, N. C.
MILAGE AND PER DIEM.
G. A. Wason, N. H. , Chairman.
J. V. Scott, Ark.	Mrs. A. Giller, Ill.
D. Morgan, La.	Mrs. E. P. Boise, Oreg.
FOREIGN RELATIONS.
Fred Robie, Me., Chairman.
A. Jones, Ind.	Mrs. C. L. Wason, N. H.
H. Eshbaugh, Mo.	Mrs. M. C. Baylor, W. Va.
EDUCATION.
T. B. Harwell, Tenn., Chairman.
T. T. Smith, Minn.	Mrs. M. A. Eshbaugh, Mo.
J. J. Rosa, Del.	Mrs. M. O. Robie, Me.
ORDER OF BUSINESS.
W. H. Cheek, N..C., Chairman.
Put. Darden, Miss.	Mrs. A. E. Devries, Md.
J. V. Scott, Ark.	Mrs. M. O. Robie, Me.
DORMANT GRANGES
J. M. Blanton, Va., Chairman.
D. Flint, Cal.	Mrs. M. C. Baylor, W. Va.
D. W. Jones, Iowa.	Mrs. M. S. Rhone, Pa.
RITUAL.
H. O. Devries, Md., Chairman.
H. R. Deadwyler, Ga.	Mrs. H. A. Sims, Kan.
J. H. Brigham, Ohio.	Mrs. S. R. Franklin, Vt.,
DIGEST.
Wm. Sims, Kan., Chairman.
I. W. Nicholson, N. J.	Mrs. S. R. Franklin, Vt.
J. L. Neal, Ky.	Mrs. M. A. Eshbaugh, Mo.
AGRICULTURE.
Put. Darden, Miss., Chairman.
C. G. Luce, Mich.	J. M. Blanton, Va.
W. A. Armstrong, N. Y.	L. Rhone, Pa.
J. L. Neal, Ky.

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PUBLICATION.
I. W. Nicholson, N. J., Chairman.
L. Rhone, Pa.	Mrs. S. J. Blanton, Va.
Jas. Draper, Mass.	Mrs. S. H. Neal, Ky.

7:30 o'clock P.M.

Recess having expired, the Grange was called to order by the Worthy Master, who announced, as the special order for the evening, in accordance with the resolution adopted at the last annual session, the conferring of the higher degrees, and exemplification of the unwritten work.

The labors of the Grange in the Fourth Degree were then suspended, and all but the Fifth Degree members having retired, it was opened in that degree. Several Patrons were introduced and obligated to the Fifth Degree.

The Grange was closed in the Fifth Degree and all but those having the Sixth Degree having retired, it was opened in that degree. One hundred and eighty seven Patrons were then introduced and received the Sixth Degree and were instructed in its secrets.

The Grange was then closed in the Sixth Degree and again in the Fourth, and the Worthy Master exemplified the unwritten work of the four degrees.

The Grange was then closed until Friday morning, 17th instant.

Third Day.

Friday, Nov. 17th, 1882 10 A. M.

The Grange assembled, pursuant to resolution of yesterday, and was opened in the Fourth Degree, by the Worth Master.

The roll was called and a quorum responded.

The journal of Thursday was read, corrected, and approved.

The roll of States was called, and the following papers were presented and referred.

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By Bro. Flint, Cal.:
Memorial of State Grange of California, in relation to representation in the State Grange.
Referred to the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws.
A copy of a Report of a Committee of the State Grange of California on the subject of life and fire insurance.
Referred to Committee on Good of the Order.
A communication from the Immigration Association, of California, on the subject of getting information to assist it in circulating certain documents.
Referred to Committee on Good of the Order.

By Bro. Giller, Ills.:
Resolution that all Fourth Degree members should be eligible to act as delegates to the State and National Granges.
Referred to Committee on Constitution and By-Laws.
Resolution authorizing State Granges to re-number their Subordinate Granges.
Referred to Committee on Good of the Order.

By Bro. Armstrong, N. Y.:
Preamble and Resolution in relation to change of name by a Subordinate Grange by official authority.
Referred to Committee on Good of the Order.

By Bro. Boise, Oreg.:
Resolution that any Fourth Degree member may be eligible to office as delegate from a Subordinate to the State Grange.

By Bro. Lipscomb, S. C.:
Resolution changing the time of holding the sessions of National Grange.
Referred to Committee on Constitution and By-Laws.

By Bro. Rose, Tex.:
Resolution to amend the Constitution so as to give Fourth Degree members the right to act as Delegates to the State Grange.
Referred to Committee on Constitution and By-Laws.

By Bro. Blanton, Va.:
Resolution from the State Grange of Virginia, asking a reduction of fees for charter members.
Referred to Committee on Constitution and By-Laws:

By Bro. Carr, Wis.:
Preamble and Resolutions on the subject of the discrimination of railroad companies in the matter of freight rates.

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Referred to the Committee on Transportation.

Bro. Nicholson, from the Standing Committee on Publication, submitted the following report:
Your Committee on Publication beg leave to report that, in order to make a full and satisfactory report of the proceedings of the National Grange, for the Press of the city and the Grange papers throughout the country, they deem it essential to employ a reporter, whose duty it shall be to make a note of the proceedings and discussions, and furnish as many copies as may be needed for publication.

That they have consulted with Bro. Whitney, of Ohio, and recommend his employment for the present session, at a compensation the same as received by members of the National Grange, in attendance at its annual session; such reports to be subject to the approval of the Committee on Publication.

I. W. NICHOLSON,
MRS. JAS. L. NEAL,
MRS. J. M. BLANTON,
JAS. DRAPER,
L. RHONE,
Committee.

On the question of adopting the report, the yeas and nays were demanded. The demand being sustained, the roll was called, resulting

{Yea, 24
{Nay, 23

And the report was adopted.

Those voting in the affirmative were:
Bro. Flint, Cal.; Sister Flint, Cal.; Bro. Giller, Sister Giller, Ill.; Bros. Jones, Iowa; Sims, Kan.; Bro. Neal, Sister Neal, Ky.; Bro. Robie, Sister Robie, Me.; Bro. Draper, Sister Draper, Mass.; Bro. Luce, Mich.; Bro. Wason, Sister Wason, N. H.; Bro. Nicholson, Sister Nicholson, N. J ; Bro. Rhone, Sister Rhone, Pa.; Bro. Franklin, Sister Franklin, Vt.; Sister Baylor, W.Va.; Bro. Carr, Sister Carr, Wis. — Twenty-four (24).

Those voting in the negative were:
Bros. Harrison, Ala.; Rosa, Del.; Deadwyler, Ga.; Morgan, La; Devries, Md.; Smith, Minn.; Darden, Miss.; Eshbaugh, Mo.; Armstrong, N. Y.; Cheek, N. C.; Brigham, Ohio; Boise, Oreg.; Lipscomb, S. C.; Harwell, Tenn ; Rose, Tex.; Blanton, Vt; Baylor, W. Va.; Sisters Sims, Kan.; Devries, Md.; Eshbaugh, Mo.; Cheek, N. C.; Boise, Oreg.; Rose, Tex. — Twenty-three (23).

It being announced to the Grange that Bro. Scott, Worthy Gate-Keeper, was sick, and that to perform the duties of the

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office would necessarily binder him from participating in the business of the Grange, it was,

On motion of Bro. Cheek, N. C.,Resolved, That the Executive Committee be instructed to employ, immediately, a member of our Order to take charge of the outer Gate during the sittings of the National Grange.

By unanimous consent, the following Report from the Committee on Order of Business was received, and on motion was adopted:
Your Committee on Order of Business beg leave to recommend the same Order of Business as provided at the last Session, held at Washington, D. C. ; and that but one session be held each day, beginning at 10 o'clock, A. M.

W. H. CHEEK, Chairman.

Bro. Armstrong, N. Y., presented the following report, from a Special Committee appointed by the Worthy Master to appear before the Standing Committee on Commerce of the House of Representatives, of the National Grange, and urge the necessity of regulating by law transportation between the several States, which was, on motion, referred to the Committee on Transportation:

In compliance with a request of Worthy Master Woodman, of the National Grange, through Brother Armstrong, of the New York State Grange, the undersigned appeared before the Commerce Committee of the House of Representatives in March last, to urge upon that body the necessity of regulating by law transportation through and between the several States of the Union; and beg leave to submit the following report upon the subject:

That Congress possesses Constitutional authority over this subject, under the delegated power to regulate commerce between the States, is not denied.

That the best interests of the people demand that this authority shall be exercised, the history of railroad transportation in this country abundantly proves. In demanding this legislation, we emphatically deny hostile intent toward the railroad interests of the country, which have grown with marvelous rapidity to almost fabulous magnitude within the last few years. We realize the indispensable necessity of railroads, and freely admit that they have been, and are, of great benefit to every section of our common country.

When honestly built and faithfully operated for the public good (the original purpose of their creation), they are a boon and blessing to the people who have granted liberal franchises

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for , their construction. But when, in defiance of all traditions of common law, and all the instincts of public justice, these franchises are claimed as private rights, and used solely for the purpose of individual or corporate gain, they become an engine of oppression, destructive of the very objects and purposes of their creation. Without tracing the history of the development and progress of railroads in the United States, it is sufficient to say that, in their infancy and weakness, they courted popular favor, and prudently avoided popular offence. Obedient to the law which governs common carriers everywhere, they based their charges upon the common sense and business principle of cost of service, and treated all communities and individuals, if, not with impartial justice, at least with impartial equality.

They accepted charters limiting dividends to reasonable profits upon capital actually invested. In supplicating legislative favors, they acknowledged reciprocal obligations. Roads were largely built with money actually paid by stockholders, and when completed represented only the cost of labor and material used in their construction, and the people were taxed only enough to pay fair profit on such investment. So long as roads were thus built and operated, people were satisfied, and no murmurs of discontent were heard ; but all this is now changed — the Credit Mobilier is a modern institution. A large amount of stock upon which dividends are now paid, is purely fictitious, representing nothing but water.

Franchises are claimed to be vested rights Their obligations as common carriers are denied, and laws governing them are defied. Special rates are given to favorites of the roads. Communities and individuals are discriminated against, and no pretence of equality of treatment is made.

Charges are no longer based upon cost of service, but upon the arbitrary, absurd, and villainous theory of what the traffic will bear.

Competition is destroyed by combination. Sovereign powers are arbitrarily exercised by railroad managers in this country, which neither the President nor Congress dare exercise, and if exercised by any sovereign in Europe would produce revolution. Values of property are entirely in their control. An increase of ten per cent, in the cost of transportation reduces the value of the productions of this country millions of dollars, without at all reducing the cost to consumers.

The natural forces of steam and electricity have been monopolized by a few individuals, and so controlled as to rob the productive industries of the country of their just reward, and the fruits of honest toil are gathered into their coffers.

By the practical working of these forces, and the abuse of franchises granted by law, fabulous fortunes are suddenly accumulated, while the masses of the people are impoverished.

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To correct those abuses, and restrain corporate power, legislative authority is invoked; just and equitable laws should be enacted, that will protect popular rights, without doing violence to individual or corporate interests. Railroad Commissioners should be appointed by the Federal and State Governments to see that these laws are enforced. The purpose of the law and the endeavor of all good citizens should be to avoid antagonisms and harmonize the interests of all departments of the business of the country. We believe these objects would be substantially secured by the Reagan bill, and we therefore urged its adoption with such force and arguments as we could command.

But all arguments and appeals fell upon leaden ears. The Committee was nearly solid in the railroad interest — a majority of whom were stockholders in, or attorneys for, these corporations. But we do not despair of ultimate success in railroad transportation reform. The sense of public justice will not always slumber, and when fully aroused, the people will surely provide a remedy for public wrongs, and a protection for popular rights.

We cannot close this report without testifying to the fidelity and ability with which Judge Reagan is pressing this subject upon the attention of Congress, and trust he may be permitted to see his efforts crowned with success.

We also embrace this opportunity of rendering grateful acknowledgment to Brother Aiken, of South Carolina, for the many courtesies received while in Washington.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

JAS. G. SHEPARD,
WM. G. WAYNE.

Bro. Eshbaugh, Mo., presented a preamble and resolutions on the subject of authorizing State Granges to re-number Subordinate Granges,
Which were ordered referred to the Committee on the Good of the Order.

The Committee on Division of Labor presented the following report, which was adopted:
Worthy Master:

The Committee on Division of Labor, having considered the address of the Worthy Master, beg leave to report as follows:

First. — That so much of the address as refers to the rights of Subordinate and State Granges to petition the National Grange, asking for changes in the Constitution of the National Orange, and the heed to be paid thereto, be referred to the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws.

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Second. — That so much as refers to the purposes of the Order, be referred to the Committee on "Good of the Order."

Third. — That so much as refers to the progress of the work of the Order, education and Grange papers, be referred to the Committee on Education.

Fourth. — That so much as refers to the lecture system and the National Lecture Bureau, be referred to the Committee on the Good of the Order.

Fifth. — That so much as refers to co-operation in business, be referred to the Committee on Co-operation.

Sixth. — That so much as refers to patent laws, be referred to the Committee on the Good of the Order.

Seventh. — That so much as refers to the establishment of an Agricultural Department by Congress, be referred to the Committee on Agriculture.

Eighth. — That so much as refers to "transportation," be referred to the Committee on Transportation.

Ninth. — That so much as refers to education, both in the family and public schools, be referred to the Committee on Education.

Tenth. — That so much as refers to the Lecturer of the National Grange and the documents issued by him to the Subordinate Granges, be referred to the Committee on Good of the Order.

Eleventh . — That so much as refers to unorganized States, and suggestions made to improve and build up Subordinate Granges, be referred to Committee on Dormant Granges.

Respectfully submitted, R. P. BOISE, Chairman.

Bro. Armstrong, N. Y., from the Committee on Transportation, asked for and was granted permission for that committee to sit during the sessions of the Grange.

Bro. Lipscomb, S. C., presented a resolution to amend the Constitution in such a way that Patrons in counties where there are no working Subordinate Granges may become members of the County or State Grange, and have a way to pay dues and receive the A. W.
Which was referred to the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws.

Bro. Scott, Ark., presented a report of a committee of the State Grange of Arkansas, recommending a change in the Constitution of the National Grange in relation to representation,
Which was referred to the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws.

Bro. Rose, Texas, moved that the Grange take a recess until 3:30 P. M., but on request withdrew it temporarily.

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A statement was made to the Grange that Lieut. Dunwoody, of the United States Signal Service, who is now in the city attending a convention of "Weather Observers," had expressed a desire to address the Grange on the subject of establishing State Weather Bureaus.’

On motion of Bro. Eshbaugh, Mo., it was
Resolved, That Lieut. Dunwoody's request to address, the Grange be acceded to, and that the hour of 4 o'clock this afternoon be fixed for the purpose.

The motion to take a recess was renewed and adopted, and the Grange was declared at recess until 3.30 P. M.

3:30 O'CLOCK P. M.

Recess having expired, the Grange was called to order by the Worthy Master, and the regular order of business was resumed.

On motion of Bro. Giller, Ill., the vote by which the report of the Committee on Publication, made at the morning session, was adopted, was re-considered.

The question recurring on the adoption of the report, Bro. Nicholson, N. J., offered the following as a substitute:

Your Committee on Publication beg leave to report, that, in order to a full and more satisfactory report of the proceedings of this National Grange for the press of the city and the Grange papers throughout the United States, they deem it to be necessary to employ a clerk, whose duty it shall be to make a correct report of the proceedings, and the discussions relating thereto, and furnish so many copies as shall be needed for distribution.

We, therefore, ask authority from this Grange to employ such assistance as we deem necessary for the work, and that he be suitably compensated therefor.

I. W. NICHOLSON,
JAMES DRAPER,
MRS. JAS. L. NEAL,
L. RHONE,
Committee.

Pending discussion of the substitute, the hour for the special order arrived, and the Grange was declared at recess.

Lieut. H. H. Dunwoody, United States Signal Office, was introduced to the Grange by His Excellency, Gov. Porter, of Indiana, and addressed the Grange on the subject of the organization of State Weather Service, to gather statistics as to temperature,

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rain fall, and all climatic changes, and, in connection with the United States Signal Office, to give warning of approaching storms, frost or floods.

On motion of Bro. Neal, Ky., the thanks of the National Grange were tendered Lieut. Dunwoody for the address.

The Grange resumed its labor, and the discussion of the substitute report of the Committee on Publication, the subject being discussed by Bros. Luce, Devries, Blanton, Brigham, Armstrong, Cheek, Lipscomb, Bro. Darden, Miss., offered the following amendment to the substitute. Add the words:

Provided, That the individual to be employed shall not in any manner directly or indirectly be connected with any paper to which reports are to be furnished.

After further discussion, Bro. Neal, Ky., moved that the whole question be laid on the table, on which the yeas and nays were demanded. The demand being sustained, the roll was called and resulted: Yeas, 25 — Nays, 17
and so the question was tabled.

Those voting in the affirmative were:
Bros. Harrison, Scott, Flint, Deadwyler, Giller, Neal, Morgan, Luce, Smith, Darden, Eshbaugh, Armstrong, Brigham, Boise, Lipscomb, Harwell, Rose, Blanton, Baylor, and Sisters Fint, Giller, Neal, Eshbaugh, Boise and Baylor. — Twenty- five (25).

Those voting in the negative were:
Bros. Rosa, Jones, Iowa; Sims, Robie, Devries, Draper, Wason, Nicholson, Cheek, Rhone, Franklin, Carr, and Sisters Sims, Devries, Wason, Nicholson and Rhone. — Seventeen (17).

Sister Rhone, Pa., presented a preamble and resolution requesting the Executive Committee to prepare a hand-book of designs for Grange halls and for ornamenting the same, which, on motion of Bro. Rose, Tex., was referred to the Committee on Good of the Order.

Bro. Lipscomb, S. C., offered a series of resolutions protesting against the authority of the Federal and State Legislatures to exempt any property from taxation for local purposes.
Which, on motion of Bro. Luce, Mich., were referred to the Committee on Good of the Order.

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Bro. Draper, Mass., asked that the Committee on Publication be instructed how to act in view of the recent action of the Grange.

On motion of Bro. Armstrong, N.Y., the Committee on Publication was discharged from further service.

The following telegram was presented by the Worthy Master:

WASHINGTON, D. C., Nov. 17, 1882.

MASTER NATIONAL GRANGE, Indianapolis, Ind.:

I have this day called a convention of agriculturists to assemble in Washington, January 23d proximo, for the purpose of considering the interest of agricultural education and the animal and cotton industries. Please appoint, if possible, a delegation from the National Grange to take part in these deliberations.

GEO. B. LORING,
Commissioner of Agriculture.

On motion of Bro. Rose, Tex., the communication was referred to the Executive Committee.

On motion of Bro. Scott, Ark., the labors of the day were closed.

Fourth Day.

SATURDAY, November 18, 1882.

The Grange assembled pursuant to order of Friday, and was opened at 10 o'clock, A. M., in the Fourth Degree, by the Worthy Master.

The roll was called and a quorum responded.

The journal of Friday was read, corrected and approved.

Bro. Aaron Jones, Worthy Master of the State Grange of Indiana, was admitted, and took his place as a member of the National Grange.

By unanimous consent, Bro. Armstrong, N. Y., presented the following communication, which was read and ordered to be filed:

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Department of Agriculture, Commissioner's Office,
WASHINGTON, D. C., November 15, 1882.

MY DEAR SIR:

I have just returned to Washington and have received yours of the 11th instant, communicating to me a resolve passed by the National Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, on the 26th of November, 1881, inviting me to be present at the meeting of the Grange, which commences to-day at Indianapolis.

Please convey to the Grange my appreciation of their kindness in extending to me the polite invitation contained in the resolve. Had it reached me earlier, I should have been happy to attend the meeting and have conferred with the members on the great industry which they represent. My engagements here, which have accumulated during my absence, will now require my constant attention, and will prevent my enjoying the proposed pleasure.

Trusting you will have an agreeable and satisfactory session,
I am, Truly Yours, &c.,
GEO. B. LORING,
Com. of Agriculture.

Mr. W. A. ARMSTRONG,
National Grange, Indianapolis, Ind.

Under a call of States, the following papers were presented and referred:

By Bro. Scott, Ark.:
Resolutions from Mt. Pleasant Grange, No. 633, Arkansas, asking an amendment to the Constitution, making Fourth Degree members eligible to be elected as delegates to State Grange.
To Committee on Constitution and By-Laws.
Resolution from State Grange of Arkansas, asking National Grange to meet in Arkansas.
To Committee on Good of the Order.
Resolution from Mt. Pleasant Grange 633, Arkansas, asking National Grange to hold its next session in Texarkana, Ark.
To Committee on Good of the Order.

By Bro. Sims, Kan.:
Resolution adopting a rosette or a badge to be worn by members of the Order, female and male respectively, in lieu of the present regalia.
To Committee on Good of the Order.

By Bro. Wason, N. H.;
Resolution to strike out decision 110 — Sec. V. article iv, of the Digest.
To Committee on Digest.

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By Sister Wason, N. H.:
Resolution that the color and form of the regalia now worn by sisters of the Order be changed.
To Committee on Good of the Order.

By Bro. Harwell, Tenn.:
A form of memorial to Congress on the subject of Public Education.
To the Committee on Education.

By Bro. Rose, Tex.:
Resolution that the National Grange adopt an organ.
To Committee on Resolutions.

Also,
An invitation from the State Grange of Texas, to the National Grange to hold its next session in Dallas, Texas.
To Committee on Good of the Order.

By the Worthy Master:
The account of the Worthy Lecturer for expenses in visiting Louisiana.
To the Committee on Accounts.
Also,
His own account for expenses and per diem during the year.
To Committee on Accounts.

The following reports were presented by Standing Committees:

By Committee on Constitution and By-Laws:
Your Committee on Constitution and By-Laws has had under consideration, the resolution adopted by the State Grange of Virginia, asking for a reduction of, fees for Charter members in a Subordinate Grange, and respectfully report adversely thereto.

The report was received, and on motion concurred in.

Also,
Your Committee on Constitution and By-Laws has had under consideration, the resolution of the State Grange of Missouri, favoring a change in the Constitution authorizing biennial sessions of State Granges, and report adversely thereto.

The report was received and concurred in by a vote of 27 yeas to 17 nays.

Also,
Your Committee on Constitution and By-Laws, to which was referred the resolution offered by Bro. Lipscomb, recommending that the sessions of the National Grange be held on the third

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Monday of August in each year, has had the same under consideration, and report adversely thereto.

The report was received, and on motion concurred in.

Also,
Your Committee on Constitution and By Laws, to which was referred the memorial of the State Grange of California, asking a change in the Constitution, in relation to the eligibility of woman to representation in the State Grange, and asking that their position in the Grange be more clearly defined, respectfully report the resolution back without action, as the points of the memorial are already covered by the laws contained in the Digest.

The report was received, and on motion concurred in.
By the Committee on Good of the Order.

Bro. Baylor, W. Va.:
The Committee on Good of the Order, to which was referred the resolution of the California State Grange, relating to Life Insurance, has had the same under consideration, and has instructed me to report, that in its opinion, it would not be advisable for the National Grange to take any action thereon at this time.

The report was received, and on motion concurred in.

By Sister Nicholson, N. J.:
The Committee on Good of the Order beg leave to report, that it has carefully examined the resolutions presented by Bros. Giller, of Ill., and Eshbaugh, of Mo., giving authority to State Granges to re-number their Subordinate Granges, and report adversely thereto.

After discussion, the report was, on motion of Bro. Devries, Md. , re-committed to the committee.

Sister Nicholson, N. J., also presented the following:
The Committee on Good of the Order beg leave to report, that it has examined the resolution offered by Bro. Darden, Miss., asking an amendment to Sec. 3, Article 1 of the Constitution, allowing any Subordinate Grange to elect a Past Master, or any Fourth Degree member, as its representative in the State Grange; and the wife, if a Matron, of the member elected shall be a voting member of the State Grange, and as it involves an amendment to the Constitution, recommend that it be referred to that Committee.

The recommendation was concurred in, and the resolution so referred.

By Sister Flint, Cal.:
The Committee on Good of the Order ask leave to report, that

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it has examined the resolution offered by Bro. Rose, Tex., asking that Antioch Grange No. 1204, Texas, be allowed to change its name to Paige Grange No. 1204, and report in favor thereof.

The report was, on motion, concurred in.

Also,
A favorable report on the resolution offered by Bro. Armstrong providing for a change of name by a Subordinate Grange.

Owing to the absence of Bro. Armstrong, the report was place on the Order of Unfinished Business.

Bro. Franklin, Vt., offered the following report:
Your Committee on Constitution and By-Laws, to which was referred the resolution offered by Bro. Lipscomb, S. C., asking a change in the Constitution, allowing members of the Order who reside in counties where there are no working Subordinate Granges, to become members of the County or State Grange, and to pay dues to the Secretary of the same, and when clear on the books to receive the A. W., has had the same under consideration, and report adversely thereto.

The report was received, and after general discussion was, on motion, concurred in.

By unanimous consent, Bro. Harrison, Ala., presented the following memorial:
To the Honorable Senators of the National Congress:

The National Grange, now in 16th Annual Session, assembled in the city of Indianapolis, Ind., respectfully request the Senators of the several States, to give favorable consideration to a Bill now on the Senate files; said Bill having for its object, the creation of a free Department of Agriculture, whose head shall be a member of the Cabinet, with the title of Secretary of Agriculture. The National Grange, in its present session, comprises members from thirty-two States, and they believe they do represent truly the desires of farmers throughout the Union, in the request herein preferred.

Which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture.

By unanimous consent, Bro. Harwell, Tenn., presented the following:
Resolved by the National Grange, assembled in Indianapolis, in 16th Annual Session, that it hold its next regular meeting in the city of Nashville, Tennessee.
Referred to the Committee on Good of the Order.

On motion of Bro. James, Ind., the Grange took a recess until 3 o'clock, P. M.

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3 O'CLOCK, P. M.

Recess having expired, the Grange was called to order by the Worthy Master.

An invitation was received from Mrs. Governor Porter inviting the members of the Grange to call on her this evening.

On motion of Bro. James, the invitation, was accepted, and the hour of 8 o'clock fixed as the time.

Regular order of business resumed.

The following report of the Committee on Good of the Order was taken from the order of unfinished business:

The Committee on Good of the Order beg leave to report, that it as had under consideration the following resolution, offered by Bro. Armstrong, N. Y.:

"Whereas, There are many Subordinate Granges that desire a change of name, having good and satisfactory reasons therefor; and

"Whereas, These requests, in default of specific provision for such changes, must necessarily be addressed to this body, thus encumbering its work; and

"Whereas, A general rule under which changes of name can be effected is desirable; therefore

"Resolved," That the name of any Subordinate Grange may be changed as follows:

"Any Subordinate Grange desiring a change of name shall proceed: 1st, By the selection of a name, which shall be pro posed at a regular meeting, and be approved by a two-thirds vote at two subsequent meetings. 2d. After such proposition and approval, the name so chosen shall be reported to the Worthy Master of the State Grange, together with transcripts of records mating to action thereon, and when the name so chosen is approved, the Worthy Master of the State Grange shall report the same, together with the former name and number of the said Subordinate Grange, to the Worthy Secretary of the National Grange, who shall then enter the name chosen as the name of the Subordinate Grange ; and such report shall also be made to the Worthy Secretary of the State Grange, and like action shall be taken, by him ; whereupon said change of name shall be effected, and the Subordinate Grange shall thenceforth be known by its new name."

And report favorably thereon.

The report was received, and, on motion, was laid over till Bro. Armstrong could be present.

Under the call for reports from Standing Committees, the following were presented:

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By Bro. Franklin, Vt.:
The Committee on Constitution and By-Laws, to which was referred the Resolution offered by Bro. Rose, asking that the Constitution be amended so as to make Fourth Degree eligible as representatives in the State Grange has considered the same, and report adversely thereon.

After discussion, Bro. Neal offered the following, as a substitute for the original resolution of Bro. Rose:
Resolved, That when it is impossible for the Master and Past Master of a Subordinate Grange to attend the meeting of the State Grange, and represent his Subordinate Grange, therein such Subordinate Grange may elect any Fourth Degree member in good standing, as its representative in the State Grange.

After further discussion, Bro. Cheek, N. C., moved that the report be recommitted to the Committee, with instructions to prepare and report an amendment to the Constitution to authorize any Subordinate Grange to elect any Fourth Degree member to represent it in the State Grange, when the Master of such Subordinate Grange cannot attend.

Bro. Jones, Ind., moved to amend the instructions by striking out the words "whenever the Master of such Subordinate Grange cannot attend."

And on this the yeas and nays were demanded, and the demand being sustained, the roll was called, resulting Yeas, 15, Nays, 28

And the amendment was decided lost.

Those voting in the affirmative were:
Bros. Jones, Ind.; Sims, Kan.; Morgan, La.; Luce, Mich.; Darden, Miss.; Brigham, Ohio; Boise, Oreg.; Rose, Texas; Baylor, W. Va ; Carr, Wis.; and Sisters Sims, Kan.; Boise, Oreg.; Rose, Texas; Baylor, W, Va.; and Carr, Wis. — Fifteen (15).

Those voting in the negative were:
Bros. Flint, Cal., Rosa, Del.; Deadwyler. Ga.; Giller, Ill.; Jones, Iowa; Neal, Ky.; Robie, Me.; Devries, Md.; Draper, Mass.; Smith, Minn.; Eshbaugh, Mo. Wason, N. H. ; Nicholson; N. J.; Cheek, N.C.; Rhone, Pa.; Lipscomb, S. C.; Harwell, Tenn.; Franklin, Vt.; and Sisters Flint, Cal.; Giller, Ill.; Robie, Me.; Draper, Mass.; Darden, Miss.; Nicholson, N. J.; Cheek, N. C., Rhone, Pa.; Franklin, Vt.; Blantoon, Va. — Twenty-eight (28).

Bro. Boise, Oreg., moved to amend the instructions by adding these words: "and that where a State Grange has reduced

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its representation, any Fourth Degree member may be elected a delegate to the State Grange."

Which was adopted.

The question was then taken on the motion to re-commit, with the instructions as amended, on which the yeas and nays were demanded; the demand being sustained, the roll was called, resulting Yeas 36, Nays 9

And the motion was adopted.

Those voting in the affirmative were:
Bros Flint, Cal.; Deadwyler, Ga.; Giller, Ill.; Jones, Ind.; Sims, Kan.; Neal, Ky.; Morgan, La.; Robie, Me.; Devries, Md.; Luce, Mich.; Smith, Minn.; Darden, Miss.; Wason, N.H.; Nicholson, N.J.; Cheek N. C.; Brigham, O.; Boise., Oreg.; Lipscomb, .S. C.; Harwell Tenn.; Rose, Tex.; Baylor, W. Va.; Carr, Wis.; and Sisters Flint, Cal.; Giller, Ill.; Sims, Kan.; Neal, Ky.; Robie, Me.; Devries, Md.; Darden, Miss.; Eshbaugh, Mo.; Nicholson, N.J.; Cheek, N. C.; Boise, Oreg.; Rose, Tex.; Baylor, W. Va.; Carr, Wis. — Thirty six (36).

Those voting in the negative were:
Bros. Rosa, Del.; Jones, Iowa; Draper, Mass.; Eshbaugh, Mo ; Rhone, Pa.; Franklin, Vt.; and Sisters Draper, Mass. Rhone, Pa.; Franklin, Vt. — Nine (9).

Bro. Harwell, Tenn., from the Committee on Education, presented the following report:
The Committee on Education, to which was referred the resolution that this body memorialize the Congress of the United States, asking for an appropriation in behalf of public education beg leave to report that they have considered the same, and instruct me to report in favor of its adoption.

The report was received, and on motion concurred in.

Bro. Darden, Miss., from the Committee on Agriculture, offered the following report:
The Committee on Agriculture, after due consideration of the memorial to Congress asking for the passage of the bill having for its object the creation of a full Department of Agriculture whose head shall be a member of the Cabinet with the title Secretary of Agriculture, have instructed me to return the same and ask its passage.

The report was received, and, on the question of concurring therein, the yeas and nays were demanded, and the roll being

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called, resulted Yeas, 47 Nays, 0

And the memorial was unanimously adopted.

Those who voted in the affirmative were:
Bros. Flint, Rosa, Deadwyler, Giller, Jones, Ind.; Jones, Iowa; Sims, Neal, Morgan, Robie, Devries, Draper, Luce, Smith, Darden, Eshbaugh, Wason, Nicholson, Cheek, Brigham, Boise, Rhone. Lipscomb, Harwell, Rose, Franklin, Blanton, Baylor, Carr; Sisters Flint, Giller, Sims, Neal, Robie, Devries, Draper, Darden, Eshbaugh, Wason, Nicholson, Cheek, Boise, Rhone, Rose, Franklin, Blanton, Baylor, Carr.

On motion of Bro. Neal, Ky., the labors of the Grange were closed until Monday, at ten o'clock A. M.

Fifth Day.

MONDAY, November 20, 1882.

The Grange assembled in pursuance of the order of Saturday, and was opened in the Fourth Degree by the Worthy Master.

On roll call a quorum responded.

The journal of Saturday was read, corrected and approved.

Under a call of States, the following was presented and referred.

By Bro. Draper, Mass.:
Preamble and resolution in favor of petitioning Congress to repeal the law of 1879, known as the "Whiskey Vinegar Law."
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture.

The following papers were presented from Standing Committees:

By Bro. James, from Executive Committee:
The account of Messrs. W. G. Wayne and J. G. Shepard, of New York, for expenses incurred in visiting Washington to appear before the Committee on Commerce, by request of the Worthy Master of the National Grange.
Referred to the Committee on Accounts.

By Bro. Blanton, from Executive Committee:

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A report, returning the communication received from the Commissioner of Agriculture, inviting the National Grange to appoint a delegation to take part in the deliberations of a convention that he has called, to consider the subject of agricultural education, and the animal and cotton industries, and asking that it be referred to the Committee on Agriculture.

On motion of Bro. Armstrong, N. Y., the rules were suspended that the invitation might be considered at once.

Bro. Armstrong moved that the Grange "do respectfully decline the invitation."

On which motion, the yeas and nays were demanded, and the roll being called resulted Yeas, 15 Nays, 34

And the resolution was defeated.

Those voting in the affirmative were:
Bros. Harrison, Ala.; Luce, Mich.; Smith, Minn.; Darden, Miss.; Nicholson, N. J.; Armstrong, N. Y.; Rhone, Pa.; Lipscomb, S. C.; Blanton, Va.; Baylor, W. Va.; and Sisters Darden, Miss.; Wason, N. H.; Rhone, Pa.; Blanton, Va., and Baylor, W. Va. — Fifteen (15).

Those voting in the negative were:
Bros. Scott, Ark.; Flint, Cal.; Rosa, Del.; Deadwyler, Ga.; Giller, Ills.; Jones, Ind., Jones, Iowa; Sims, Kan; Neal, Ky.; Morgan, La.; Robie, Me.; Devries, Md.; Eshbaugh, Mo.; Wason, N. H.; Cheek, N. C.; Brigham, O.; Boise, Oreg.; Harwell, Tenn.; Rose, Tex.; Franklin, Vt.; Carr, Wis.; and Sisters Flint, Cal.; Giller, Ills.; Sims, Kan.; Neal, Ky.; Robie, Me.; Draper, Mass.; Eshbaugh, Mo.; Nicholson, N. J.; Cheek, N. C.; Boise, Oreg.; Rose, Tex; Carr, Wis. — Thirty-four (34).

Bro. Jones, Ind., offered the following:
Resolved, That the invitation of the Commissioner of Agriculture be accepted, and that the Worthy Master appoint a committee of three to represent the National Grange.

On motion of Bro. Rose the word "THREE" was stricken out and the word "two" inserted in lieu thereof, and the resolution, as amended, was adopted.

Bro. James, from the Executive Committee, presented the expense and per diem accounts of Bros. James and Aiken, of that committee.
Which were referred to the Committee on Accounts.

By unanimous consent, the following papers were offered and referred.

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By Bro. Brigham, Ohio:
Amendment to Sec. 1 Art. I. of Constitution:
After the word "the"in the first line, insert the words "officers and Past Masters of State Grange and the."
To Committee on Constitution and By-Laws.

By Bro. Harrison, Ala.:
Resolutions that Masters and officers of Subordinate Granges memorialize, by personal letter, their respective Senators, asking for the passage of the bill to elevate the Department of Agriculture to a full Department.
To the Committee on Agriculture.

The following reports were presented from Standing Committees:

By Bro. Jones, Ind., from Committee on Division of Labor:
The Committee on Division of Labor beg leave to report, that it has had under consideration the report the Worthy Lecturer, and recommend that all matters and suggestions there contained, be referred to the Committee on Good of the Order.

It has also considered the report of the Executive Committee, and recommend as follows:

That the portion thereof which refers to the Song Book, be referred to the Committee on Accounts.

That the portion which refers to a donation from the National Government of the land in Washington city, which is known as the "birth-place of the Order," be referred to the Executive Committee, that it may renew its efforts toward that end.

That the portion which refers to the new Digest, be referred to the Grange.

That the portion which refers to charter for State Granges, be referred to the Finance Committee.

That the portion which refers to statistical blanks for Subordinate Granges, be referred to the Finance Committee.

That the portion which refers to the financial condition of the National Grange, be referred to the Finance Committee.

The report was received, and, on motion, concurred in.

By Bro. Draper, from Committee on finance:
Worthy Master:

The Committee on Finance, having in charge the matter of fixing the salaries of the officers, and the mileage and per diem of members, has instructed me to report the following recommendations:

That the Worthy Master shall receive a salary of five hundred dollars, and five dollars per day and necessary traveling expenses when engaged in Grange duty away from home.

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That the Worthy Secretary shall receive the sum of eight hundred dollars and necessary traveling expenses while attending sessions of the National Grange.

That the Worthy Treasurer shall receive the sum of three hundred dollars and necessary traveling expenses.

That the Worthy Lecturer shall receive four dollars per day, while engaged in Grange work, and traveling expenses.

That the compensation of the members of the Executive Committee shall be three dollars per day, while engaged in Grange duty, and their necessary traveling expenses.

That the members attending this session of the National Grange shall receive the sum of three dollars per day, to include the time necessarily consumed in traveling to and from this session by the shortest practical route.

And we further recommend that each member shall receive the sum of four cents a mile for the distance traveled in coining to and returning from this session, by the shortest practical route.

The report was received, and, on motion, the recommendations were concurred in.

Bro. Eshbaugh, Mo., presented the following report from the Committee on Co-operation, which was, on motion, adopted:

Worthy Master:

The Committee on Co-operation, to whom was referred that part of the Worthy Master's address relating to Co-operation, have considered the same, and give it their approval, and desire to say in addition thereto, the subject of Co-operation utilized for the advancement and perpetuity of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. And we advance step by step, from year to year, in proportion as we employ the true principle or co-operative effort. While much has been learned in the past of its mission and application, as well as of its power for usefulness, there remains much more to be learned before its practice becomes the universal guide in the general work of our Order. True co-operation does not mean division, but consolidation; it does not mean occasionally, but always; it does not mean in any one thing, but in all things; it does not mean for any special purpose, but for all purposes; it does not mean for the advantage of a part, but for the general good of all. There is no principle in the Order that should receive closer attention, and be more closely studied, than the true method of Co-operation, for upon this principle rests everything else, and its power can only be applied as we become conversant and familiar with its use, and fully understand

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that its application is an imperative necessity in all Grange work where good results are to be accomplished.

We must educate ourselves to know each other, and to become worthy of each other's confidence. This is the first lesson to be learned and practiced in every co-operative effort. A thorough study and discussion of this subject teaches us how to successfully unite our forces, means, effort and influence. Members must learn to be true to each other, trustworthy in every position to which they may be called. We must seek to banish all selfishness, and fully realize that co-operation cannot be of self nor for self alone, but must be by the many and for the good of all interested; and when fully understood upon this principle, there will be less difficulty in uniting our membership upon any general or special branch of Co-operation. Means can then be safely consolidated and successfully employed, to the advantage of every member seeking pecuniary advantages. Efforts will then be united in every progressive movement, and, when properly conducted, cannot fail, but will surely tend to satisfactory results. Our usefulness as an organization will then be fully realized, and its power felt for good in every department of life. Much thought and time has been spent in studying this principle in a business point of view, and wherever members have become correctly educated upon Co-operation in business, there enterprises of this kind have been established with successful results. And where these enterprises were commenced prior to a proper education upon this subject failure has often been the consequence. The danger of failure in Co-operation lies within and not without the association.

There are three essential elements to be considered and understood in business Co-operation:

First — A thorough education upon this subject, so as to fully understand its wants, strength and usefulness.

Second — A location where business is needed, where it can be concentrated to advantage and convenience.

Third — The management of all business upon the true principle of Co-operation, and in harmony with the teachings of our Order. Enterprises established upon these rules cannot fail to bring to the co-operators satisfactory and profitable results.

But Co-operation is not confined to business interests alone. While the saving of dollars and cents is all right and commendable, it is but a small part of the object of Co-operation, which is applicable to and indeed indispensable in every effort calculated to advance our interest, to build up our

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organization, and to educate and elevate us to a higher manhood and womanhood.

It is by co-operative effort only that Granges are organized, and by the same means are made successful in advancing their individual and mutual interest, which leads to pecuniary advantages, to social, intellectual and moral improvement.

It is a mistaken idea to suppose that dollars and cents are the only advantage of Co-operation in our work. The advantages gained by Co-operation in business enterprises are readily acknowledged with all their importance. But there are other features in Co-operation paramount to this; for it is upon this general principle of Co-operation that governments are founded, and upon the application of its general use rest the success of every organization worthy of a name, whether of Church or State.

The future prosperity of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry depends upon the Co-operative efforts of a united membership, not upon certain branches, but in all things pertaining to the welfare and advancement of our Order.

Your committee are deeply impressed with the necessity that this subject should be correctly taught, and to do this, it must be prominently brought before every Grange, to be studied and well considered by every member. We would, therefore, recommend, that the National Grange request Masters and Lecturers of State Granges to make the subject of general Co-operation a special topic in lecture and writings during the ensuing year, with a view of bringing it more prominently before the Subordinate Granges, that it may be considered in its true and comprehensive sense.

H. Eshbaugh,
H. O. Devries,
R. W. Baylor,
A. J. Rose,
H. R. Deadwyler.

The Committee on Transportation and Commercial Relations, by its chairman, Bro. Armstrong, N. Y., made the following report:
Worthy Master:

All excessive taxes levied upon products of labor necessarily increase their cost to the user, or diminish their value in the hands of the producer. In the former case, demand lessens; in the latter, production is discouraged. In both, traffic is impeded. Transportation charges have the nature of a tax, but in so far as they are just, traffic easily adjusts itself

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to the condition, for it has new fields, with new demands, and by operation of natural laws, products of labor seek the highest markets through the cheapest transportation. Thus, when these interests have harmonious adjustments, the producer maybe stimulated to increased effort; the carrier may have full reward for service rendered, and ultimate use may be augmented, commerce extended, industry encouraged and material gain may accrue to all the interests involved. When this result, attends fair division of service, it promotes general prosperity, and when secured to the people of any country, becomes an element of wealth. When this beneficent adjustment prevails over a wide extent of territory having diversified products, profitable interchange is made and wider range of desire gratified.

Commerce ministers to the tastes, interests and wants of men. It is a civilizing influence. With the people of this country it strengthens the bond of union. Between us and foreign nations it begets kind relations while ministering to the pleasures of all. But it is fluctuating, unstable, sensitive to change, and if not regulated by the principles of justice, its mission fails. And when it makes successful usurpation of power, it becomes an instrument of extortion, a discouragement, for it levies taxes at will, and may even destroy industries from which it has derived support.

Within the present century a new system of inland transportation lids has had origin and surprising development. Its invested capital to-day is nearly as great as it the whole assessed value of the land, improvements, money and manufactures of all the Union a half century ago. Its lines traverse every State, intersecting and intertwining as the, ramifications of commerce have directed. They extend in unbroken connection from ocean to ocean, though thousands of miles intervene; they reach from the gulf; they reach from the great lakes to the gulf; they interlace a continent, and in their cold embrace graced the commerce of every region. The system thus extended and ramified has brought unnumbered blessings; and has unlimited capacity for good, with corresponding capacity for evil. It has grown and developed with surprising rapidity, and without regulating restraints, until now it has become the indispensable agent of commerce while executing its behests, its hard master when the will of its directors so incline. Its immeasurable possibilities challenge admiration, and they have not yet, reached full development. Its slender threads, interwoven like the spider's web, in like manner entrap the products of industry, to satisfy the predatory instincts of

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managers. That they may serve wisely to extend and amplify trade, no one doubts; that they do not is equally clear. Viewed as a system, the railway lines of this comment are a marvel, while their management is a menace to the freedom of a people, the products of whose industry give profit or loss, according to the degree of pressure in transit, more or less, as a power wholly irresponsible may decide.

Such is file history, development and character of our railway system and its management; but there is more to contemplate, if we would meet the peril it brings and avert disasters clearly portended.

Corporations that control railway transportation are moved by impulses and desires in no wise different from those that direct individual acts; but they seem strangely unmindful of responsibilities and impatient of restraint, winch is even more necessary to their welfare than for the people who ask, that wholesome regulation be provided. Railway corporations assail the integrity of legislatures when they attempt to dictate construction, as they do, and they offend morality when they employ bribes, as they do, to influence legislation. Permeated with lust of power they can not feel throbs of the public pulse beating with quickened measure because of anxiety to establish regulations, that may serve as safeguards against dangers clearly foreseen in the exercise of power, that commands legislators, who yield obedience; power that invites a court to hold sittings in railway offices, and has compliance; power that violates every sense of right in its amazing exactions; power that offends decency and invites contest when it flaunts its arrogance in the challenge, "The public be damned."

The people, patient and long-suffering as they are, cannot yield all. They must still be supreme. They desire no contest, but if it must come they will triumph at any cost. The creature cannot be greater than the power that creates. It will not do to trust the varied industries of this country to corporations that throttle them when the operation turns temporary profit to their coffers. It will not do to subject commerce to the discriminating desire of masters who say, "at this point it suits us to develop, at that to repress," masters who may subtract a hundred million from the value of agricultural products the day after returns from a fruitful harvest are completed — and, it is no fiction to say that this subtraction has more than once been made. If this were clone by the general government, it would be overturned. It would, be regarded as unbearable; yet railway managers may

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add five cents a bushel to transportation charges for corn and wheat from the grain fields of the West to the seaboard, after an abundant harvest is gathered, and the thing is done. These grains have not one cent of added value in foreign markets, the ultimate destination of the surplus, yet there has been more than a hundred millions subtracted from their home value, no matter whether they are transported or not.

There is something wrong when corporations organized for a public service can direct the profits of labor to their coffers, with no regulating force to intervene; something to correct when a Croesus springs from momentary resolve; something to regulate when individual wealth by absorption swells from a modest competence in a few years, a score or less, to a hundred millions — to two hundred millions. That these things have happened is matter of common notoriety. What shall be done to save for their use what the people earn, may not at present be entirely clear; yet it is certain that a way to reach the attainment is possible, that it is feasible, and that we can not afford delay. There must be governmental supervision, if not control, of railway transportation. Happily several States, moved by instinct of self preservation, have established supervisory commissions, an important step because of the publicity that will thus he given to methods hitherto concealed, and consequent enlightenment that will serve to illuminate farther progress. Regulation by the general government, in so far as it may be applied without impairment of vested rights, will be another very important step, and it should be taken at once.

Still another influence, most potent in its effect, is the improvement of water channels until they attain the highest degree of usefulness. We therefore commend judicious measures planned to make the Mississippi River available for all commerce that may seek its channel, even though the improvement may cost many millions more than have been appropriated. We commend also the wise forethought that has induced citizens of New York to abolish tolls on its canals, and will view with favor any suitable measures employed by the general government to obtain possession of the Erie Canal, and subsequent enlargement of its capacity to meet the needs of a commerce, rapidly growing, whose benefits, diffused as they will be by cheap transportation, will justify the cost of making a ship canal from Lake Erie to tide water and maintaining it free from tolls. With these regulating influences, the problem of railway control must reach partial solution; and for the rest we ask that certain

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elementary principles of management be established by law — for instance, fixity of rates, publicity of accounts, absolute prohibition against all discriminations as between individuals or localities; such rules to be provided and enforced by the States interested, and by the general government as their respective rights may require.

W. A. ARMSTRONG, N. Y.,
J. N. LIPSCOMB, S. C.,
F. ROBIE, Me.,
T. F. SMITH, Minn.,
E. A. GILLER, Ill.

The report was discussed by Bros. Neal, Giller, Lipscomb, and Boise, and was then, on motion, adopted.

On the motion of Bro. Jones, Iowa, the Grange took a recess until 3 o'clock, P. M.

3 O'CLOCK P. M.

Recess having expired, the Grange was called to order by the Worthy Master.

The regular order of business was resumed, and the following reports were received from the Standing Committees:

By Bro. Rosa, Del.:
Your committee on Accounts, to which was referred the account of Bro. Eshbaugh, Worthy Lecturer of the National Grange, has examined the same, and beg leave to report, that the certified account for services rendered, and expense incurred while lecturing in the State of Louisiana, is correct and properly chargeable to the National Grange, amounting to $187.30. Your Committee, therefore, recommend that a draft be drawn in favor of Henry Eshbaugh, Lecturer of the National Grange, for the amount.
The report was received, and, on motion, was concurred in.

By Bro. Devries, Md., from the Committee on Ritual:
Your Committee on Ritual, has not had any matter submitted for their consideration by this body, on Ritualistic work, but beg to make some suggestions, which they deem important.

We would recommend, that the discretion allowed Masters in the "Field Work" of the First Degree, as set forth in the fifth edition of the Manual, but left out of the sixth, be restored in the next issue.

Your Committee find that the Dedicatory and Burial Ceremonies, have both been omitted in the last publication of the Digest and Ritual. We are clearly of the opinion, that they should

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be restored to one or the other of these works. Their usefulness, beauty, and solemnity, being admitted by all, your Committee believe it best, that these Ceremonies should be in the possession of every Grange, as a matter of usefulness and economy. Being ritualistic in their character, their proper place would seem to be in the Ritual; we therefore recommend, that in the next issue of the Ritual, these important ceremonies be added thereto.

On motion of Bro. Lipscomb, the suggestions in the report were considered seriatim.
The first suggestion as to the discretion allowed Masters, in the matter of the "Field Work," be restored to the Manual, was read, and on motion, concurred in.

The second suggestion, as to restoring the Dedicatory and Funeral services to the Ritual, was read, and after discussion, was not adopted.

By Bro. Sims, Kan.:
Worthy Master:

I am directed by the Committee on Digest, to which was referred the resolution presented by Bro. Wason, providing that Decision 110 — page 58, Sec. 4, Article II, relating to membership, be stricken from the Digest, to return the resolution, with a recommendation that it be adopted.

The report was received, and after discussion was, on motion of Bro. Draper, placed on the Order of Unfinished Business.

Bro. Darden, Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, presented the following report:

Your Committee on Agriculture begs leave to report, that full consideration of that portion of the Worthy Master's address, which relates to agriculture, has been given, and that the Committee approve all therein contained.

The report was received, and on motion, concurred in.

Also the following:
The Committee on Agriculture has considered the accompanying resolution offered by Bro. Harrison, and instructed me to report it back, with the recommendation that it be adopted.

Resolved, That this National Grange does respectfully request members of the Order, and especially Masters and Officers of Subordinate Granges in every jurisdiction, to memorialize, by letter or otherwise, the Senate of the United States, through the Senators of their respective States, asking the passage of the bill now on the Senate Calendar, designed to elevate the Department of Agriculture to full rank, with a Cabinet officer at its head. To this end, the National Grange requests such members and officers to address personal letters, preferring this claim to their

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respective Senators without unnecessary delay, and the members of this body, through, the secretaries of their respective State Granges, will communicate with the Subordinate bodies, asking such action.

The report was received, and on motion, the resolution was adopted.

Also the following:
The Committee on Agriculture has considered the accompanying resolutions "opposing Protective Tariff on Commercial Fertilizers," offered by Bro. Rhone, of Penna., and has instructed me to report favorably thereon.

WHEREAS, The highest dictates of enlightened statesmanship demand that in an agricultural Nation like ours, every avenue should be open and free, that will assist the producing millions of our land, in securing larger results for their labor, the fertility of the soil being an indispensable pre-requisite, and in order to promote the increased growth of plants and cereals, commercial being in many sections of our country, so largely in demand, as to induce immense investments in their manufacture, and sale; and,

WHEREAS, It is confidently believed that these fertilizers have been sold in the different markets, for at least a fair remuneration to the manufacturer, and no doubt in many cases, in advances of what they were intrinsically worth, to the consumer; and,

WHEREAS, An effort was made during the last session of Congress, to impose a tax or duty upon foreign manufactories, and doubtless will be pressed with renewed vigor the coming winter; and,

WHEREAS, Our home manufacturers have recently been before the Tariff Commission, in the City of Baltimore, urging that said commission shall recommend a duty of 30 per cent, ad valorem, on importations of artificial compositions containing sulphuric acid, &c.; and,

WHEREAS, The proposition, if successful, means an unwarranted advance of price on commercial fertilizers, or a direct tax, upon the producer, which will abstract millions, in the aggregate, from the farmers of our country, and transfer it to the pockets of capitalists; therefore,

Resolved That whilst Protection may be essential to National prosperity, we here by utter our solemn protest against the proposed plan to add an additional burden to the already overtaxed American farmer, and that we will use all honorable means to prevent the passage of such an onerous tax.

Resolved, That the National Grange respectfully recommend to the Masters of the several State Granges and through them to the Subordinate Granges, to remonstrate (provided the effort

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shall be renewed to impose it), against the passage of a law so manifestly unjust and injurious to American agriculture.

The report was received, and on motion, the preamble and resolutions were adopted.

Through Bro. Darden, Chairman, the Committee on Agriculture presented their general report as follows:

Agriculture absorbs the labor of our people to a greater extent than any other industry, the proportion of our population thus engaged being about half; and, as the character of their labor does not permit idlers to enter, the proposition that agriculture engages more time, thought and effort than all other industries, will be accepted as true. It is also true, that all this labor expended in the production of food and raiment has an object beyond the mere subsistence of the laborers and others depending on them. That object is the betterment of all persons employed in the field — competence for the faithful, support for the feeble and infirm, education for all to the limit of capacity, especially that practical education which in its application augments the benefits flowing from labor; in short, social, intellectual and material advancement, all in large degree dependent on the immediate results of labor. Beyond all this, as the sum of material blessings, the highest good for all people (peace, plenty, thrift, intelligence, morality), has intimate relations with prosperous agriculture. All these constitute the grand objects for which we strive. They are the blessings hidden in the soil, and the rains and the air, separate as elements, which nothing but toil may combine into the useful products that feed, clothe and bless all people.

It is our province to supply the conditions by labor through which Nature transmutes these elements into products, that in their uses lift mankind to the highest plane of useful endeavor, if left free from arbitrary check. Such great good made possible through our labor implies also great responsibility from which there is no escape, except in faithful, intelligent, persistent effort, that ends not with sowing and reaping, but binds us to wise distribution of products free from all tax beyond the elements of cost, carriage, handling and the fair profit that each branch of labor is entitled to receive.

That they are not thus free is a fact that excites just alarm, not only in the minds of intelligent farmers who see present or prospective distress in all artificial burdens placed on their industry, but in the minds of men who are moved by philanthropic considerations. These burdens are seen in arbitrary exactions imposed by men who establish charges for carrying, based on the capacity of soil products to yield profit in the service, rather than on the cost of service — a power exercised in

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defiance of just rights inherent in the persons whose faithful labor is the primary claim to profits so diverted; a power wholly irresponsible until there shall be established by the will of the people laws defining the general relations between the various branches of industry, from the producer to the user.

In another way the products of our labor are made subject to hurtful fluctuations in prices by which our rewards are rendered uncertain or even wholly lost, so far as profits are concerned. It is in the combinations of men who speculate in prices — men who are able to, and who do employ vast sums of money to depress prices by fictitious purchases at low rates, thus preventing real transactions at prices based on natural conditions. This is nothing more, nothing less, than gambling, and as a rule we are compelled to pay the losses which constitute our whole share in the transaction. Until correction of these wrongs is made and their recurrence prevented, our industry will continue tributary to the greed of men and combinations of men who regard justice with contempt, and whose deeds curse the world, whose touch is as a blight on our crops, whose hearts are chilled by avarice, whose instincts lean even to the thirty pieces of silver, although they be the price of suffering by those whose toil Nature would reward by blessings to mankind.

We ask that gambling in the products of our labor be interdicted by law. It is no answer to say ‘it cannot be done.rqou; Laws may be enacted to forbid the unholy traffic, and penalties for every violation or evasion may be enforced.

The will of the people, when exercised, moulds their character. Their will may make law even without statutory enactment. When we, as farmers armed with the elective franchise, resolve to correct abuses, and having resolved, proceed to act, the way will be open and will have no tortuous direction. We wait for what? Because we doubt the justice of our claims? Are we so abject that we do not recognize bondage as the synonym of degradation? Is it true that we have such pusilanimity of character that we dare not obey the law which makes self-preservation a primary condition, of existence? Answer will some time be made, and if we have wisdom at all comparable with our patience, there will not be long delay.

We have not designed to recount grievances with a purpose of exciting sympathy we do not deserve. For the disabilities placed on our industry we are chiefly responsible, inasmuch as they can exist only by sufferance. While thought is inert there will be no action to free our toil from the incubus that may neutralize the blessings of a most fruitful season, and with this danger always impending, our free institutions, based on equality of rights and privileges for all citizens, are swiftly moving on untoward. When the chief industry of the land is the football of schemers and burdened with taxes varied in kind and ruinous

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in extent, it is time to qualify patience by the dignity of action. Agriculture pays the civil list. It builds levees, opens artificial waterways, builds ships and railways, encourages and supports manufactures; it is the basis of foreign exchange — all this indirectly, it may be, but none the less really. All this it will continue to do, at least in its just share, but when robbery begins, then let our protest be made in tones that shall reverberate in every capital with such effect that no selfish or political ambition can stand against it.

How shall we, as representatives of an industry thus wronged, an industry that meets with cheerful alacrity every real obligation, organize for its defense? There can be but one way, and that is in wise political action, wholly free from that partisan bias against which the gates of this order are closed, and the voice of the people recently emphasized protest as the Republic never heard before.

We violate no principle of our Order when we exercise every right inherent in our manhood and citizenship, but it is our right to make government and shape its policy so that it may dispense blessings, not curses. We ask no special privileges, no concessions. We offer no petitions and make no demands for favors — we want none: but we must have restoration of that equality which is the underlying principle of the government founded by our fathers, and this will not come without action on the part of the great body of our people engaged in agricultural pursuits; hence our desire for immediate and effective organization for the specific purposes already defined.

Attainment can only be had through wise legislative action, and that must come directly from our efforts, as it surely will when we ascertain the power we possess. Let us hasten 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 allegiance to principle as the only safe rule of action.

Resolved, That we repudiate all leadership in politics except that which tends to the advancement of the material interests of all our people through the exercise of the virtues that dignify and ennoble citizenship.

Resolved, That safe protection for our industry against organized extortion implies suitable, and in some degree proportionate, representation in State and National legislatures.

PUT. DARDEN, Miss.
C. G. LUCE, Mich.
J. M. BLANTON, Va.
L. RHONE, Pa.
J. L. NEAL, Ky.
W. A. ARMSTRONG, N. Y.

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Bro. Rosa moved that the report be adopted, and Bro. Sims called for a division of the vote on the resolutions.

Pending this, on motion of Bro Lipscomb, S. C., the report and resolutions were made the special order for 11 o'clock A. M., Tuesday.

Bro. Lipscomb, S. C., presented the following Memorial from the State Grange of South Carolina:
To the Worthy Master and Members of the National Grange:

DEAR BRETHREN, — At a meeting of the State Grange of South Carolina, held on the 11th and 12th of August last, a committee was appointed to memorialize your honorable body, in reference to the representation in State Granges. The decision of the National Grange at its last meeting, precludes any representation from Subordinate Granges, except Masters and Past Masters, and their wives who are Matrons.

We respectfully suggest, that such a decision will be highly detrimental to the Subordinate and State Granges, for the following reasons:

It is not unfrequently the case, that Masters or Past Masters cannot attend the meeting of the State Grange, and if Subordinate Granges are not allowed to send delegates to represent them, they will be debarred representation at all, which will cause Subordinate Granges to lose interest, and become lukewarm, and eventually become Dormant. Then, again, the State Grange will often not be able to transact business for want of a quorum, Masters or Past Masters not being able to attend. Subordinate Granges receive new life from representatives attending these meetings, and State Granges are enabled always to have a quorum, and a full attendance for the better transaction of business, thereby adding new life and enthusiasm to the meetings.

Your Committee, then most respectfully and most earnestly memorialize your honorable body, at its next meeting, to change the law so as to allow Subordinate Granges to elect delegates, not Masters or Past Masters, to represent them, when said Master or Past Masters cannot attend, and your petitioners will ever pray.

Fraternally Yours,

W. K. THOMPSON, Chairman of Com. of the State Grange of S. Carolina.

Which was referred to the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws.

On motion of Bro. Wason, N. H., the rules were suspended to permit the introduction of a report from a Standing Committee, and the Committee on Mileage and Per Diem presented the following:

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Worthy Master:

Your Committee on Mileage and per Diem would respectfully report that they have examined the accounts of officers and members in attendance at the Sixteenth Annual Session of the National Grange, and have directed me to make the following report:

We find the distances traveled, and the number of days required in coming to and returning from this Session, to be as follows:

STATES.	NAME AND POST-OFFICE.	MILES.	DAYS.
Alabama	B. C. Harrison, Selma	1300	4
Arkansas	J. V. Scott, Texarkana	1470	5
California	Daniel Flint, Sacramento	4760	10
California	Mrs. M. E. Flint, Sacramento	4760	10
Delaware	Jno. J. Rosa, Milford	1510	2
Georgia	H. R. Deadwyler, Dove's Creek	1410	5
Illinois	E. A. Giller, Whitehall	420	2
Illinois	Mrs. A. Giller, Whitehall	420	2
Indiana	A. Jones, South Bend	360	2
Iowa	D. W. Jones, Manchester	920	3
Kansas	Wm. Sims, Topeka	1180	4
Kansas	Mrs. H. A. Sims, Topeka	1180	4
Kentucky	J. L. Neal, Harrodsburg	490	2
Kentucky	Mrs. S. H. Neal	490	2
Louisiana	Daniel Morgan, Magnolia	2030	5
Maine	Frederick Robie, Gorham	2190	4
Maine	Mrs. M. O. Robie, Gorham	2190	4
Maryland	H. O. Devries, Marriottsville	1480	4
Maryland	Mrs. A. E. Devries, Marriottsville	1480	4
Massachusetts	James Draper, Worcester	1850	4
Massachusetts	Mrs. J. C. Draper, Worcester	1850	4
Michigan	C. G. Luce, Gilead	360	2
Minnesota	T. T. Smith, St. Paul	1200	4
Mississippi	Put. Darden, Fayette	1500	6
Mississippi	Mrs. M. L. Darden, Fayette	1500	6
Missouri	H. Eshbaugh, Hanover	550	2
Missouri	Mrs. M. A. Eshbaugh, Hanover	550	2
New Hampshire	G. A. Wason, New Boston	1950	4
New Hampshire	Mrs. C. L. Wason, New Boston	1950	4
New Jersey	I. W. Nicholson, Camden	1480	4
New Jersey	Mrs. E. M. Nicholson, Camden	1480	4
New York	W. A. Armstrong, Elmira	1230	8
North Carolina	W. H. Cheek, Warrenton	2050	5
North Carolina	Mrs. A. M. Cheek, Warrenton	2050	5
Ohio	J. H. Brigham, Delta	500	2
Oregon	R. P. Boise, Salem	6430	16
Oregon	Mrs. E. P. Boise, Salem	6430	16

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STATES.	NAME AND POST-OFFICE.	MILES.	DAYS.
Pennsylvania	L. Rhone, Centre Hall	1110	4
Pennsylvania	Mrs. M. S. Rhone, Centre Hall	1110	4
South Carolina	J. N. Lipscomb, Chappells	1710	6
Tennessee	T. B. Harwell, Aspen Hill	760	3
Texas	A. J. Rose, Salado	2200	6
Texas	Mrs. S. A. Rose, Salado	2200	6
Vermont	A. B. Franklin, Townshend	1810	4
Vermont	Mrs. S. R. Franklin, Townshend	1810	4
Virginia	J. M. Blanton, Farmville	1700	4
Virginia	Mrs. S. J. Blanton, Farmville	1700	4
West Virginia	R. W. Baylor, Summit Point	1280	4
West Virginia	Mrs. M. C. Baylor, Summit Point	1280	4
Wisconsin	S. C. Carr, Milton Junction	590	2
Wisconsin	Mrs. I. B. Carr, Milton Junction	590	2
Michigan	Mrs. H. H. Woodman, Paw Paw	470	2
Totals		85,270	230
Total miles traveled Session of 1881		79,514	232
Increase of miles traveled over 1881		5,756
Decrease of days from Session of 1881			2

All of which is respectfully submitted.

G. A. WASON,
J. V. SCOTT,
DAVID MORGAN,
E. P. BOISE,
A. GlLLER.

The report was received, and on motion adopted.

Regular order of business was resumed.

The Report of the Committee on Digest, recommending that decision 110, page 58, sec. 2, Art. II. of Digest, be stricken out, was taken up, and after discussion, Bro. Eshbaugh, Mo., demanded the previous question, which was sustained, and the question being put, "Shall the main question be now put?" the main question was ordered. The yeas and nays were demanded and, the roll being called, resulted: Yeas, 14 Nays, 31

And the resolution was not adopted.

Those voting in the affirmative were:
Bros. Jones, Ind.; Jones, Iowa; Sims, Kan.; Neal, Ky.; Robie, Me.; Luce, Mich.; Wason, N. H.; Nicholson, N. J.; Lipscomb, S. C.; Harwell, Tenn.; and Sisters Sims, Kan.; Robie, Me.; Wason, N. H.; Cheek, N.C. — Fourteen (14).

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Those voting in the negative were:
Bros. Harrison, Ala.; Scott, Ark.; Flint, Cal.; Rosa, Del.; Deadwyler, Ga.; Giller, Ill.; Morgan, La.; Devries, Md.; Smith, Minn.; Darden, Miss.; Eshbaugh, Mo.; Cheek, N. C.; Boise, Oregon; Rhone. Pa.; Rose, Texas; Franklin,Vt.; Blanton, Va.; Baylor, W. Va.; Carr, Wis.; and Sisters Flint, Cal.; Giller, Ill.; Seal, Ky.; Devries, Md.; Draper. Mass.; Darden, Miss.: Eshbaugh, Mo.; Nicholson, N. J.; Rhone. Pa.; Rose,Tex.; Blanton, Vt.; Baylor, W. Va. — Thirty-one (31).

By unanimous consent, Bro. Aiken, S. C., offered the following, which was adopted:

Resolved, That this Grange hails with pleasure the ability of any Patron or Subordinate Grange to invest in successful manufacturing enterprises, and to encourage our Brothers, A. C. Mace, of Chillicothe, Ohio, and W. L. Carpenter, of Des Moines, Iowa, who have so invested, we commend them to the patronage of the Order.

The labors of the Grange were then, at 6.30, closed until 10 o'clock A. M., Tuesday.

Sixth Day.

TUESDAY, November 21, 1883.

The Grange assembled pursuant to order of Monday, and was opened at 10 o'clock A. M., in the Fourth Degree, by the Worthy Master.

On roll call a quorum responded.

The journal of Monday's session was read and approved.

Under a call of States the following was presented and referred:

By Bro. Eshbaugh, Mo.:
WHEREAS, The National Grange is the owner of a number of Government bonds that are now quoted at a high premium, and
WHEREAS, Said bonds will soon become due, when interest will cease, and the premium they now bear be lost; therefore
Resolved, That the Executive Committee be instructed to consider the propriety of selling said bonds at an early day, and investing

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the proceeds in other good securities, and report their conclusions as soon as possible.
Referred to the Executive Committee.

The following reports were received from Standing Committees:

From Committee on Finance.
By Bro. Flint, Cal.:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred that part of the report of the Executive Committee wherein they recommend the curtailment of the expenses of this session as much as possible, beg leave to report the following:

That they fully approve of the work and recommendations of the Executive Committee, and would suggest that this session do close its labors not later than Wednesday, 22d instant, at 10 o'clock P. M.

The report was received, but the recommendation was not concurred in.

From the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws.
By Bro. Franklin, Vt.:
Your Committee on Constitution and By-Laws, to whom was recommitted the resolution of Bro. Rose, of Texas, with instructions to prepare an amendment to them Constitution, authorizing any Subordinate Grange to elect any Fourth Degree member in good standing to represent it in the State Grange when the Master is unable to attend; and also, where States have reduced their representation, to amend so as to allow any Fourth Degree member in good standing to be elected as a delegate to the State Grange, respectfully report, in accordance with instructions, the following amendment:

Amend Article I., Section 1, by inserting after the word "Granges," in the second line, the following: "and such Fourth Degree members in good standing, as may be elected as delegates thereto."

Pending the discussion on the adoption of the report, the hour set for the special order of the day arrived, and the report was laid aside temporarily, and the special order, viz.: Consideration of the resolutions reported by the Committee on Agriculture, was taken up.

The first resolution was read.

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Bro. Robie, Me., moved the following as a substitute for the resolution:
Resolved, That principles are more potent than rigid adherence to the behest of party, and that whenever the interests of the country demand a departure from the claims of party, and whenever the great principles and purposes for which the agriculturists are contending are ignored by party leaders and platforms, it is then high time that those interested should assert their right by such independent action, by the ballot, as will secure a proper recognition of these rights and principles.

The question was discussed by Bros. Neal, Armstrong, Darden, Eshbaugh, in favor of the resolution, and Bros. Sims, Lipscomb, Robie, Brigham and Jones, Iowa, against it.

When, on motion of Bro. Devries, Md., the whole subject was recommitted to the committee.

Consideration of Regular Order of business, suspended at the time the special order was taken up, was resumed, the question being on the adoption of the amendment to the Constitution Art, I, Sec.1.

And, after discussion, the amendment was adopted by a vote of 35 in the affirmative, to 7 in the negative.

The Committee on Constitution and By Laws presented thefollowing reports:
Your Committee on Constitution and By-Laws submit the following amendment to the Constitution:
Amend Art. I., Sec. 3, by striking out the words "a Past Matter," where they occur in the second line, and insert in lieu thereof, the words," any Fourth Degree member in good standing."
The report was concurred in, and the amendment adopted by a vote of 32 affirmative and 7 negative.

The Committee on Constitution and By-Laws, to which was referred the resolution from the State Grange of West Virginia, asking amendments to the Constitution to permit any Fourth Degree member to be a representative in either State or National Granges, has considered the game, and report against the measure.
The report was received, and, on motion, concurred in.

The Committee on Constitution and By-Laws, to which was referred the resolution of the State Grange of Maryland in relation to representation in the State Grange, report adversely thereon.

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The report was received, and, on motion, concurred in.

The Committee on Constitution and By-Laws, to which was referred the resolution introduced by Bro. Boise, of Oregon, to make Fourth Degree members eligible as delegates to State Grange, report adversely thereto.

The report was received, and, on motion, concurred in.

Sister Nicholson, N. J., from the Committee on Good of the Order, presented the following report:
The Committee on Good of the Order, to which was referred the resolution offered by Sister Rhone, in relation to the adoption of a hand-book of designs for the erection and adornment of Grange halls and grounds, has had the same under careful consideration, and ask that it may be referred to the Executive Committee.

The report was received, and, on motion, concurred in.

Sister Flint, Cal., from same committee, made the following report:
Your Committee on Good of the Order ask leave to refer back to the Grange the various resolutions, naming places for holding the next meeting of the National Grange, and recommend that their consideration be made the special order for Tuesday (today), at 3 o'clock P. M., and a vote be taken thereon.

The report was received, and, on motion of Bro. Draper, Mass., was amended by striking out THREE and inserting FOUR as the hour, and, as amended, was concurred in.

Bro. Cheek, N. C., from same committee, made the following report:
Your Committee on Good of the Order, to which was referred the letters of Bro. J. V. Webster and other Immigration Agents of the State of California, has had the same under consideration, and instruct me to report: That while we are deeply impressed with the great value it would be to the State of California to improve its population by additions of people from the Eastern and Southern States, we do not see wherein the Order of Patrons of Husbandry would be benefited. We, therefore, recommend that this Grange take no action in this matter.

The report was received, and, on motion, concurred in.

Bro. Cheek, N. C., also presented the following report from the same committee:
Your Committee on Good of the Order, to whom was referred the resolution of Brighton Grange, No. 60, of the State of Maryland, has had the same under consideration, and has instructed me to report that such a document as is asked for in the resolution

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would be of great value, and that there is a necessity for its publication. In order to obtain the information necessary for this purpose, we recommend that this Grange adopt a resolution requiring the Masters of State Granges to submit a report in writing to the next session of the National Grange, setting forth what advantage or benefit the Order has conferred on its members, and upon the people of his State. And that such information, when received, shall be compiled and prepared for publication by an appropriate committee.

The report was received, and was concurred in by a vote of 23 yeas to 14 nays.

On motion of Bro. Eshbaugh, Mo., the Grange took a recess till 3:30 o'clock P. M.

3:30 O'CLOCK P. M.

Recess having expired, the Grange was called to order by the Worthy Master, and the regular order of business, viz.: Consideration of reports of Standing Committees, resumed.

The Committee on Transportation presented the following reports:

Worthy Master:

That portion of the Worthy Master's address which was referred to this committee has been duly considered, and we beg leave to report our cordial approval of the sentiments therein embraced.

The report was received, and, on motion, concurred in.

Your Committee on Transportation and Commerce has had under consideration the accompanying resolutions, offered by Bro. Carr, Wis., together with the introductory statements, and, while concurring in the general purpose expressed, in so far as it may be attained without disturbance of Tested rights, begleave to submit the subjoined statement; That the same purpose within safe limitations is declared and supported in a report already adopted, and we, therefore, beg leave to return the matter submitted as substantially approved by a formal vote now recorded.

The report was received and concurred in.

Your Committee on Transportation has given careful consideration to a report by Bros. Wayne and Shepard, of New York, deputed by the Worthy Master of this Grange to visit Washington for the purpose of making arguments before the House Committee on Commerce favoring the passage of a bill to

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regulate inter-State commerce, and the committee has pleasure in recording judgment thereon; that the duties imposed were well discharged.

The Committee also desires to express approval of the act of the Worthy Master which led to the service reported, and would also commend the exercise of large discretion by the Worthy Master in selection and appointment of persons to give similar service during the intervals between our annual sessions, such liberty and discretion being essential to guard the interests of our Order.

The report was received, and, on motion, concurred in.

Worthy Master:

The resolutions offered by Bro. Giller, relating to the establishment of new lines of transportation by the General Government, the same having been referred to this committee and duly considered, are herewith returned at the request of Bro. Giller, a member of the committee, who believes the purpose is well expressed in the general report of the committee already approved, and that further action thereon will not be desirable.

Bro. Sims, Kan., from Committee on Resolutions, submitted the following report:

Your Committee on Resolutions, to whom was referred the resolution offered by Bro. Rose, Tex., suggesting that this Grange establish and publish a paper, or organ, in the interest of our organization, have had the same under consideration, and are of the opinion that the enterprise is not practicable, and, therefore, direct me to report adversely thereto.

The report was received, and, on motion, concurred in.

The Committee on Accounts presented the following reports:

By Bro. Rosa, Del.:

Your Committee on Accounts, to which was referred the account of Bro. J. J. Woodman, Worthy Master of the National Grange, has carefully examined the same, and beg leave to report that it is correct.

He charges for expenses and per diem in attending the Fifteenth Annual Session of the National Grange	$147 55
And, for office expenses up to Nov. 11, 1882	78 35
A total of	$225 90
He has received from the Treasurer of the National Grange, the sum of	200 00
Leaving a balance due him of	25 90

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The Committee recommend that a draft for this amount, $25.90, be drawn in favor of the Worthy Master.

The report was received, and on motion concurred in.

Also,
Your Committee on Accounts has examined the expense and per diem account of the Worthy Master, while engaged in Grange work in the States of Texas, Arkansas, and Illinois, and find the same correct and properly chargeable to the National Grange.

The account amounts to	$218 29
There is a credit, for sums received from different parties in the States visited, of	87 49
Leaving a balance due Bro. Woodman, of	$130 80

We recommend that a draft for this amount be drawn in favor of Worthy Master Woodman, and that the account be filed.

The report was received, and on motion concurred in.

Also,
Your Committee on Accounts, to which was referred the account of W. G. Wayne and J. G. Shepard, of New York, for expenses incurred in visiting Washington, to meet with, and present the views of the Patrons of Husbandry, and labor in the interests of the agriculturists of the United States before the Congressional Committee on Commerce, has instructed me to report that these accounts are correct, and the Committee recommend that Bro. W. G. Wayne be paid the sum of $31.59, and Bro. J. G. Shepard the sum of $34.50.

The report was received, and on motion the recommendation was concurred in.

Also,
The Committee on Accounts, to which was referred that part of the report of the Executive Committee relating to the issuing of the new Song Book for the Order, has instructed me to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the Executive Committee has faithfully performed the duly imposed on it, and has fully carried out the contract made with Mr. J. L. Orr.

The Committee find that, according to the terms of the contract, there is still a balance of $309.00 due Mr. Orr, which the contract requires shall be paid on the 1st of December, proximo.

It therefore recommends that a draft be drawn in favor of James L. Orr for $309.00, the same to be paid to him on Dec. 1st, proximo, as per contract.

The report was received, and on motion the recommendation was concurred in.

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By Sister Draper, Mass.:
The Committee on Accounts, to which was referred the account of Bro. Henley James, a member of the Executive Committee, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1882, has carefully examined the same, and find the items correct,

amounting to	$229 20
He has received from the Treasurer	177 68
Leaving due him on this account	$51 62

The payment of which is recommended.

The report was received, and on motion the recommendation was concurred in.

By Sister Rhone, Pa.:
The Committee on Accounts, to which was referred the account of Bro. D. Wyatt Aiken, of the Executive Committee, has had the same under consideration, and instruct me to report

that the account, amounting to	$176 60
for per diem and traveling expenses, is correct. Bro. Aiken has received by draft from the Treasurer of the National Grange	125 00
Leaving due him the sum of	$51 60

The Committee recommend that a draft for this sum be drawn in favor of Bro. Aiken.

The report was received, and on motion concurred in.

Bro. Harwell, Tenn., from the Committee on Education, presented its report, which was, at his request, made the special order of the day, immediately following the reading of the Journal, on Wednesday morning.

Bro. Darden, Miss., from the Committee on Agriculture, presented the following report:

The Committee on Agriculture has considered the resolutions introduced by Bro. Draper, Mass., which are as follows:

"Whereas, By an act of Congress the interests of agriculture have been greatly injured, in encouraging the production of vinegar from whiskey; and whereas by such production the orchards of the country have been largely injured in their legitimate revenue by the production of cider vinegar; and whereas the legislation protecting the whiskey vinegar production is a blow to the farmers in every apple-producing State in the country, and is converted into a shield to ward off legitimate taxation in the production of whiskey; therefore,

"Resolved, That, as members of the National Grange, we condemn

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the law of 1879, known popularly as the whiskey vinegar law.

"Resolved, That we call upon Congress to repeal the provisions of the Whiskey Vinegar Act, and restore protection to the orchard-owners and cultivators of the country.

"Resolved, That we hail with satisfaction the organization of a new society in Massachusetts, the energy and activity of which is to be devoted to the repeal of the Whiskey Vinegar legislation.

"Resolved, That whatever of encouragement we can furnish to such an independent organization to protect the orchard grower in his legitimate rights, to uncover the infamous protection which the whiskey vinegar legislation has wrapped around the whiskey distillers, and to secure for the people pure, wholesome, unadulterated cider vinegar, shall be fully and freely given

"Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, over the official signatures of the National Grange, be sent to every member of Congress, and that all the members of that body be called upon at once to secure a repeal of a law so adverse to the farming interest, so dangerous in its influence upon the health of the people, and so vicious in screening distillers from the payment of just government tax upon distilled liquors."

And instruct me to report that there is not sufficient data before the Committee, upon which to base intelligent action, and that, in its opinion, it is better to postpone action until further light may be obtained.

The report was received, and on motion adopted.

The Committee on Agriculture presented the report and papers that were re-committed to it at the morning session.

On motion of Bro. Cheek the resolutions presented by the Committee were considered seriatim.

The first resolution was read, and advocated by Bro. Devries.

Before a vote was reached, the hour set for the special order of the day arrived, and that order was called, but on motion of Bro. Armstrong, N. Y., its consideration was deferred until the pending question was disposed of.

Discussion of the resolutions was resumed.

On the question of adopting the first resolution, the yeas and nays were demanded. The demand being sustained, the roll was called, and resulted
Yeas, 47 Nays, 4

And the resolution was adopted.

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Those voting in the affirmative were:
Bros. Scott, Ark.; Flint, Cal.; Rosa, Del.; Giller, Ill.; Jones, Ind.; Jones, Iowa; Sims, Kan.; Neal, Ky.; Robie, Me.; Devries, Md.; Draper, Mass.; Luce, Mich.; Smith, Minn.; Darden, Miss.; Eshbaugh, Mo.; Wason, N. H.; Nicholson, N. J.; Armstrong, N.Y.; Cheek, N. C.; Brigham, O.; Boise, Ore.; Rhone, Pa.; Harwell, Tenn.; Rose, Tex.; Franklin, Vt.; Blanton, Va.; Baylor, W. Va.; Carr, Wis.; and Sisters Flint, Cal.; Giller, Ill.; Sims, Kan.; Neal, Ky.; Robie, Me.; Devries, Md.; Draper, Mass.; Darden, Miss.; Eshbaugh, Mo.; Wason, N. H.; Nicholson, N. J.; Cheek, N. C.; Boise, Oreg.; Rhone, Pa.; Rose, Tex.; Franklin, Vt.; Blanton, Va.; Baylor, W. Va.; and Carr, Wis. — Forty seven (47).

Those voting in the negative were:
Bros. Harrison, Ala.; Deadwyler, Ga.; Morgan, La.; and Lipscomb, S. C. — Four (4).

The second resolution was read, and on the question of is adoption the roll was called, prior to which, on motion, Bro. Cheek was excused from voting.

The roll call resulted
Yeas, 39 Nays, 9

And the resolution was adopted.

Those voting in the affirmative were:
Bros. Scott, Ark.; Flint, Cal.; Rosa, Del.; Giller, Ill.; Sims, Kan.; Neal, Ky.; Morgan, La.; Robie, Me.; Devries, Md.; Draper, Mass.; Luce, Mich.; Smith, Minn.; Darden, Miss.; Wason, N. H.; Nicholson, N. J.; Armstrong, N. Y. ; Brigham, O.; Boise, Oreg.; Rhone, Pa.; Harwell, Tenn.; Rose, Tex.; Franklin Vt.; Blauton, Va.; Carr, Wis.; and Sisters Flint, Cal.; Giller, Ill.; Sims, Kan.; Neal, Ky.; Devries, Md.; Draper, Mass.; Darden, Miss.; Nicholson, N. J.; Cheek, N. C.; Boise, Oreg.; Rhone, Pa.; Rose, Tex.; Blanton, Va.; Baylor, W.Va.; and Carr, Wis. — Thirty-nine (39).

Those voting in the negative were:
Bros. Harrison, Ala.; Deadwyler, Ga.; Jones, Ind.; Jones, Iowa; Lipscomb, S. C.; Baylor, W. Va.; and Sisters Draper, Mass.; Franklin, Vt.; Wason, N. H. — Nine (9).

The third resolution was read, and on the question of its adoption the roll was called, and resulted
Yeas, 50 Nays

And the resolution was adopted.

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Those voting in the affirmative were:
Bros. Harrison, Ala.; Scott, Ark.; Flint, Cal.; Rosa, Del.; Deadwyler, Ga.; Giller, Ill.; Jones, Ind.; Jones, Iowa; Sims Kan.; Neal, Ky.; Morgan, La.; Robie, Me.; Devries, Md.; Draper, Mass; Luce, Mich.; Smith, Minn.; Darden, Miss.; Eshbaugh, Mo.; Wason, N. H.; Nicholson, N.. J.; Armstrong, N. Y.; Cheek, N. C.; Brigham, O.; Boise, Oreg.; Rhone, Pa.; Lipscomb, S. C.; Harwell, Tenn.; Rose, Tex.; Franklin, Vt.; Blanton, Va.; Carr, Wis.; and Sisters Flint, Cal.; Giller, Ill.; Sims, Kan.; Neal, Ky.; Robie, Me.; Devries, Md.; Draper, Mass.; Darden, Miss.; Eshbaugh, Mo.; Wason, N. H.; Nicholson, N. J.; Cheek, N. C.; Boise, Oreg.; Rhone, Pa.; Rose, Tex.; Franklin, Vt.; Blanton, Va.; Baylor, W. Va.; Carr, Wis. — Fifty (50).

The question was then taken on the adoption of the report, on which the roll was called, and resulted
Yeas, 47 Nays, 1

And the report was adopted.

Those voting in the affirmative were:
Bros. Scott, Ark.; Flint, Cal.; Rosa, Del.; Giller, Ill.; Jones, Ind.; Jones, Iowa; Sims, Kan.; Neal, Ky.; Morgan, La.; Robie, Me.; Devries, Md.; Draper, Mass.; Luce, Mich.; Smith, Minn.; Darden, Miss.; Eshbaugh, Mo.; Wason, N. H.; Nicholson, N. J.; Armstrong, N. Y.; Cheek, N. C.; Brigham, O.; Boise, Oreg.; Rhone, Pa.; Harwell, Tenn.; Rose, Tex.; Franklin, Vt.; Blanton. Va.; Baylor, W. Va.: Carr, Wis.; and Sisters Flint, Cal.; Giller, Ill.; Sims, Kan.; Neal, Ky.; Devries, Md.; Draper, Mass.; Darden, Miss.; Eshbaugh, Mo.; Wason, N. H.; Nicholson, N. J.; Cheek, N. C.; Boise, Oreg.; Rhone, Pa.; Rose, Tex.; Franklin, Vt.; Blanton, Va.; Baylor, W. Va.; and Carr, Wis. — Forty-seven (47).

Those voting in the negative were:
Bro. Lipscomb, S. C. — One (1).

See the Report and Resolutions as finally adopted, on pages 84-86.

The special order for the day, viz., The report of the Committee on Good of the Order, on fixing the place for holding the next session of the National Grange, was then taken up.

The report was read, and Bro. Lipscomb, S. C., offered the following as a substitute for the report of the Committee:

Resolved, That the National Grange now proceed to ballot for the place for holding the next session of the Grange.

Which was adopted.

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Bro. Darden, Miss., nominated Washington City, D. C.

Bro. Rose, Texas, nominated the city of Dallas, Texas.

Bro. Harwell, Tenn., nominated the city of Nashville, Tenn.

Bro. A. Jones, Ind., nominated the city of Indianapolis, Ind., and presented the following communications:

Executive Department,
INDIANAPOLIS, IND., Nov. 20, 1882.

J. J. WOODMAN, Esq., Master National Grange:

It would give me much pleasure, as Governor of Indiana, to salute you again on behalf of the citizens of our State. Should it be agreeable to you to hold your National Grange here next year, our citizens will always welcome to the State, with satisfaction, persons who, like yourselves, represent the great agricultural class.

Yours very truly,
A. G. PORTER.

INDIANAPOLIS, IND., November 21, 1882.
To the Master and Members of the National Grange:

GENTLEMEN: — On behalf of the city of Indianapolis, I extend to your organization, a cordial invitation to hold your next annual meeting in this city.

Very respectfully,
D. W. GRUBBS, Mayor.

Indiana State Board of Agriculture,
INDIANAPOLIS, November 20, 1882.

Hon. J. J. WOODMAN, Master of National Grange:

SIR: — On behalf of the Indiana State Board of Agriculture, the National Grange is hereby cordially and earnestly invited to hold their annual session of 1883, at Indianapolis. Your present session has created an earnest inquiry into Grange affairs, and reflects credit on the agricultural fraternity.

Very respectfully,
L. B. CUSTER, President.

ALEX. HIRON, Secretary.

INDIANAPOLIS, November 21, 1882.

To the Worthy Master and Members of the National Grange:

The Indiana State Grange, feeling greatly honored and benefitted, by the holding of the 16th Annual Session of your honorable body in our State, would respectfully and cordially invite the National Grange to hold its annual session in 1883, in Indianapolis.

Fraternally,
AARON JONES,
Master Indiana State Grange.

ROBERT MITCHELL, Chairman Executive Committee State Grange.

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Invitations for the Grange to meet in Arkansas, Dallas, Tex., and Texarkana, Ark., were also read.

On the second ballot, Washington City, D. C., having received a majority of all the votes cast, was declared selected as the place for holding the next session of the National Grange.

The following reports from Standing Committees, were presented:

By Sister Neal, Ky., from the Committee on Resolutions:
The Committee on Resolutions, to which was referred the resolution presented by Bro. Aiken, S. C., authorizing the Executive Committee to publish and distribute to the State Granges, as many copies as there are Granges, in the respective States, of the several papers contributed in the past, for publication by members of the Order; and also such copies of the "Bryan Fund Publication," as the Executive Committee may consider worthy of republication, beg leave to report the same favorably.

The report was received, and on motion, concurred in.

By Bro. Franklin, from Committee on Constitution and By-Laws:
The Committee on Constitution and By-Laws, to which was referred the resolution offered by Bro. Giller, of Ill., in relation to 4th Degree members being made eligible, as representatives in the State Grange, report adversely thereon.

The report was received, and on motion concurred in.

Also,
The Committee on Constitution and By-Laws, to which was referred the resolution of the State Grange of Arkansas, relating to Fourth Degree representatives, report adversely thereon.

The report was received, and on motion concurred in.

Also,
The Committee on Constitution and By-Laws, to which was referred the resolution offered by Bro. Scott, of Ark., in relation to the election of Fourth Degree members as delegates to the State Grange, has considered the same, and report adversely thereon.

The report was received, and on motion concurred in.

Also,
The Committee on Constitution and By-Laws, to which was referred the resolution of instructions offered by Bro. Lipscomb, and the memorial of the State Grange of South Carolina, respectfully report the same back, as the matter has already been covered by other resolutions of instructions on the same subject.

The report was received, and on motion adopted.

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Also,
The Committee on Constitution and By-Laws, to which, was referred the resolution offered by Bro. Darden, of Miss., proposing an amendment to Sec. 3 Article 1, of the Constitution, respectfully report adversely thereto.

The report was received, and on motion concurred in.

Also,
The Committee on Constitution and By-Laws, to which was referred the resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution, Article I, Sec. 1, offered by Bro. Brigham, O., has considered the same, and report adversely thereto.

The report was received, and on motion concurred in.

Bro. Brigham, from the Committee on Good of the Order, presented the following report:
Your Committee on Good of the Order, to which was referred the resolutions offered by Sister Wason, N. H., and Bro. Sims, Kan., and Brigham, O., relating to changes in the regalia of our Order, beg leave to submit the following report:

We recommend that Subordinate Granges be permitted to wear, in lieu of the regalia of the Order, a badge described as follows: Rosette three inches in diameter, with two rows of quilled light yellow ribbon around the outer edge, with blue satin centre one and a half inches in diameter, with silver bullion button in the centre of the blue centre; the Rosette to have a pin and bouquet holder attached, to fasten it to the lappel of the coat. Appended to the rosette, shall be a blue ribbon two and a half inches wide and six inches long, with silver fringe at the bottom. On the ribbon shall be printed first, a design of a Gleaner, in the form of a female figure sitting, with rake in the left hand, plow in front, horn of plenty at right side of the figure, with name and number of the Grange, P. of H., name of town and State where located.

We do not recommend that Subordinate Granges be required to exchange their regalias for this badge, but that they be permitted to wear the badge, in lieu of the regalia of the Subordinate Grange. Your Committee do not deem it advisable, to make a recommendation as to any other change in the regalia of our Order. Respectfully submitted by order of the Committee,

J. H. BRIGHAM, Chairman.

The report was received, and after some discussion was, on motion of Bro. Neal, Ky., made the special order for to-morrow, immediately following the discussion of the Report of the Committee on Education, and that the sisters be requested to appear before the committee and present their views on the subject.

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Bro. Neal moved that the labors be closed until to-morrow at 9 o'clock. A. M., but withdrew the motion temporarily, to allow Bro. Harrison to present the following resolution:

WHEREAS, This Order must derive strength and support from the practice of the virtues that give it character, and especially exemplifies charity that vaunteth not itself. And,

WHEREAS. Its membership is gathered from the various portions of the Union, whose people may commingle with cold regard, while jealousies exist or evil words are lightly dropped. And,

WHEREAS. We would allay all bitterness, and aid in bringing the era of perfect peace by good words and deeds, moved by the spirit of kindness, that will not permit evil speech or act; therefore.

Resolved, That when we return to our respective homes, as in our intercourse here, kindness, charity, and fraternal regard shall rule our lives to the end, that peace may establish her benignant reign in the hearts of men throughout the broad Union, that in this way only, the Order may attain its highest glory and power to bless our race.

The resolution was unanimously adopted by a rising vote.

The motion to close the labors was renewed, and the Grange was closed until 9 o'clock, A. M., Wednesday.

Seventh Day.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22d, 1882

The grange assembled, pursuant to order of Tuesday, and was opened at 9 o'clock A. M., in the Fourth Degree, by the Worthy Master.

On roll call a quorum responded.

The Journal of Tuesday's proceedings was read and approved.

The Worthy Master officially announced the death of Sister Julia A. Luce, wife of Bro. Cyrus G. Luce, Worthy Master of the State Grange of Michigan, and a member of this Grange.

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On motion of Sister Nicholson, S. J., the Worthy Master was requested to appoint a committee to draft suitable resolutions.

The Worthy Master appointed Sisters Nicholson, N.J., Franklin, Vt., and Neal, Ky., as the Committee.

The special order of the day — viz., the Report of the Committee on Education, was taken up.

The report was read, and discussed by Bros. Harwell, Tenn., Luce, Mich., Robie, Me., Jones, Ind., Lipscomb, S. C., Eshbaugh, Mo. , Boise, Oreg., and was then, on motion, adopted.

The report is as follows:
The Committee on Education, to which were referred the several divisions or the Worthy Master's address, in reference to the Progressive Work of the Order, Education, Grange Papers, and Education, both in the family and in the public schools, have carefully considered the same, and instruct me to report:

PROGRESSIVE WORK.

First — That we heartily endorse what the Worthy Master has said in regard to this work, and beg leave to incorporate and make thee same a, part of this report, as follows:

"As the intelligence, moral standing and enlightenment of a nation, community, or organization is indicated by the character of its literature, and the appreciation of, and support given to, a pure and untrammeled Press, so the progress made in the work of our organization may be judged by the increasing number of journals devoted to its interests, and the great prosperity which has attended those heretofore established. In this growing appreciation of Grange and agricultural papers, we can see nnerring signs of healthy progress, and lasting prosperity to our cause.

It has been my observation, that in those States which have an organ published in the interest of the State Grange as the medium of communication between the officers of the State Grange and the Subordinate Granges, there a more intimate and fraternal relation exists between these bodies and Patrons generally, and the Order is stronger and more prosperous, than in the States which have no such authorized organ. I do not wish to be understood as advocating a separate and distinct organ for each State, or that but one Grange paper be published in the same State. My convictions are, that each State Grange should have an official organ published somewhere, and that the officers and executive committee of that body should keep their departments well filled with such reliable matter and information, the welfare of our cause demands. And in addition to this, no

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effort should be wanting to aid and encourage the support and circulation of all good Orange and agricultural papers; for upon a prosperous and faithful press, must we look for the strong arm that is to bear our heaviest burdens and help in every emergency, and for the constant and untiring teacher that instructs, encourages and educates."

EDUCATION.

Second — We accord with the Worthy Master in the importance he attaches to the subject of Education. The Grange claims for itself a distinct individuality of its own as a farmers' organization, which seeks to promote a higher agriculture, and the social and political elevation of the farmer, with a distinct literature of its own, and its own peculiar methods for accomplishing is aims. In marshalling the activities by which its ends are to be attained, it has justly given the pre-eminence to Education, and early devised those methods by which the Grange has become a college for the farmer, and a most excellent school for the citizen. Abundant and repeated testimony prove, that where these methods have been applied, more practical knowledge and a broader intelligence have been the result.

In the adoption of practical educational methods for its members, the Order recognizes the important fact, that the attainment of a higher rank as an educated class by the farmers does not depend alone upon the universities and the schools, but upon a patient striving of both themselves and the Government, to provide the most appropriate education possible under the circumstances. An enlarged experience approves the methods which have been adopted, and with which the members of this body are familiar.

The committee does not deem it necessary, therefore, to do more than to urge the vigorous employment of these methods in the Subordinate Granges, and to recommend that the duties devolved upon the Worthy Lecturer at the last National meeting be continued.

GRANGE PAPERS.

Again — We fully endorse the views of the Worthy Master in regard to the importance and value of Grange papers, and would especially urge upon the Masters present, and our brother patrons everywhere, to promote, by every possible means, their circulation amongst the farmers of the country. It has been truly said that wherever they are read, they give vigor and strength to the Order.

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EDUCATION IN THE FAMILY AND PUBLIC SCHOOL.

With regard to home education, we would suggest, that much thoughtful care should be given to this subject. Much may be done to direct and educate the young mind in the earlier stages of its development. Through properly selected pictures, juvenile readers and simple devices, familiar science may be taught, and valuable instruction imparted. The young mind is educated by everything with which it comes in contact. In its restless search for knowledge it gathers it at the fireside, at the family altar, in youthful sports everywhere; and the parent is fortunate who directs its natural inquisitiveness into healthful and instructive channels.

With regard to the public schools, we would respectfully urge that one of the most important duties ever devolved by this body upon its members, is to use every proper effort to have the elementary principles of agricultural science taught in them. Many of the State Masters, in their annual addresses, have urged the importance of this measure, and are, we trust, laboring to secure the necessary legislation in the premises. Others, again, have only in a general way discharged this duty.

We have not space in this report, even if it were now necessary, to urge the importance of a specific education for the farmer, or the peculiar benefits to be derived from the introduction of this study into the public schools, or to recite the arguments in favor of it; so we will dismiss this subject, with the following resolution in reference to it, passed at the 14th Annual Meeting of this body:

"Resolved, That the elementary principles of scientific agriculture should be introduced and taught as a permanent branch of education in the common schools of the country."

We beg leave to recommend, further, that the National Grange urge upon the members of this body, and Patrons everywhere, to use every effort to make the teaching of agricultural science and the mechanic arts the paramount object of the agricultural colleges of the several States. Unfortunately for the best interests at stake, this department is too often subordinate. It too often occurs, that whilst these colleges receive a liberal patronage, a very small per cent, of those who attend them take the agricultural courses, notwithstanding they are established and supported at public expense, to diffuse agricultural education throughout their respective States.

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They are, in too many instances, but little more than mere literary and classical schools, rivaling those which have been established by corporate and private enterprise, and to the detriment of the great interest they are required to subserve.

We hold, then, that instruction in theoretical and practical agriculture, should be the prime object of these schools, and that all students who attend them, under State auspices, should be required to take either the agricultural or the mechanical course.

It sometimes occurs, and where the contrary happens it is the exception, that classes of from two to five hundred pupils scarcely more than a dozen will be in the agricultural department; and of this small number, a large proportion will seek professorships in the colleges of the country, and a very small proportion will return to the farms. It is obvious that an intelligent farmer, whose operations are directed by a knowledge of the principles which underlie them, will diffuse around him the intelligence that guides him. Such an individual will prove invaluable in promoting a healthy public sentiment in favor of an educated husbandry. By requiring all who attend these colleges, as prescribed by law, to take the agricultural course, you largely multiply these centres of light, and the work of promoting agricultural education will go on in rapid progression. We have not the space to pursue this subject further in our report, but we would respectfully recommend, that this body enjoin upon the Masters of the several State Granges that they make diligent inquiry in reference to this matter, with a view to such action in the future as may be necessary to conform these institutions to the requirements of the law establishing them, and to the demands of a progressive agriculture; and, further, that they be required to report at the next Annual Session of the National Grange all the facts they may have learned in this direction. This is a legitimate subject of Grange inquiry, and as intimately connected with the welfare of the Order, and with the best interests of those we represent as any other phase of Grange education.

The duty imposed upon Masters is easily performed; much useful information may be collected, and Grange and agricultural education may be largely advanced. The committee respectfully suggest that this duty should be enforced by resolution, and instruct me to offer the following:

Resolved, That the Masters of the several State Granges be required to report to the next meeting of the National Grange the number of pupils in their respective State Agricultural

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Colleges; in how many are the studies elective; what per cent, of the pupils are in the several departments — the classical, the mechanical, and the agricultural; also how many of these schools have instituted courses of lectures for the masses, and, indeed, if any steps have been taken in any of them to popularize this branch of education, and to bring the farmers more directly in contact with it than is possible in the strictly college course. All of which is respectfully submitted.

T. B. HARWELL, Tenn.,
T. T. SMITH, Minn.,
J. J. ROSA, Del.,
Mrs. M. A. ESHBAUGH, Mo.,
Mrs. M. O. ROBIE, Me.

The second special order — viz., the Report of the Committee on Good of the Order, on the subject of Regalia, was taken up.

On motion of Sister Rose, on behalf of the Sisters present, the following was adopted as a substitute for the report of the Committee:
Resolved, That, the Sash of the present size and color be retained, and that each Subordinate Grange he allowed to select its own material.

The report, as amended by the substitute, was then adopted.

The regular order of business was taken up.

The following papers were presented and referred:

By Bro. Luce, Mich.
Petition from Canandaigua Grange, 277, of Michigan, to be allowed to change its name to Medina Grange, 277.
Referred to the Committee on Good of the Order.

By Bro. Franklin, Vt.:
A Resolution from Pomona Grange, No. 2, Vermont, asking a change in the Constitution, to admit children of twelve years of age as members, and at a reduced fee.
Referred to the Committee on Good of the Order.

Bro. Aiken, of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
The Executive Committee, to whom was referred the resolution of Bro. Eshbaugh, "instructing the Committee to consider the propriety" of changing the investment of the National Grange, instruct me to submit the following report:

On the 8th of March, 1875, the National Grange held Government securities to the amount of $60,000, as follows: of the

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issue to the Union Pacific R. R. Co., by Acts of Congress, July 1st, 1862, and July 2d, 1864, $43,000.

Of the issue to the Central Pacific R. R. Co., by Acts of Congress July 1st, 1862, and July 2d, 1864, $12,000.

Of the issue to the Sioux City and Pacific R. R. Co., by Act of Congress of April 20th, 1874, $1,000.

Of the issue to the Central Branch, Union Pacific R. R. Co., late Atchison and Pike's Peak R. R. Co., assignees of the Hamilton and St. Joseph R. R. Co., $4,000 — Total, $60,000.

The National Grange has at sundry times ordered the following sales, to wit: — On Nov. 28th, 1876, $5,000; on April 19th, 1876, $5,000; on July 6th, 1877, $5,000; on Nov. 25th, 1879, $3,000; and on Nov. 22d, 1880, $2,000. During the present Session, the Treasurer of the National Grange has been compelled to avail himself of the power given him at the last Session to sell $2,000 more, making a total of $22,000 worth, leaving in the hands of the Farmers' Loan and Trust Company, of New York, our fiscal agency, the sum of $38,000 at par value.

The premiums received from the various sales have fluctuated from $23.00 to $31.50. The bonds sold Nov. 22d, 1880, commanded $131.50. Those sold during the present Session realized but $129.00.

These bonds mature in January, 1897, January, 1898, and January, 1899.

The various sales effected prove conclusively that these investments have a fluctuating value. Your Committee are impressed that there is a strong probability that they have reached their highest premium.

With a net cash balance in the Treasury of the United States, of $151,000,000, and a daily increase of over a quarter of a million of money, and the assurance that the National Banks of the United States would float the debt of the Government at par, free of interest, rather than surrender their charters, no one can anticipate what Congressional legislation may follow this condition of things. Your Committee, therefore, are of the opinion, that it is bordering upon speculation for the National Grange to continue the present investment for a much longer period of time.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

HENLEY JAMES,
D. WYATT AIKEN,
J. M. BLANTON,

Bro. Devries moved that the report be re-committed.

On motion of Bro. Devries, the report was re-committed to the Executive Committee, with instructions to report their recommendation as soon as possible.

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The following reports from Standing Committees were presented:

By Bro. Blanton, Va., from Committee on Dormant Granges.
Worthy Master and Members of the National Grange:

Your Committee on Dormant Granges beg leave to make the following report:

The existence of the State and National Granges depend upon the Subordinate Granges. If these latter are suffered to languish and die, it is a mere matter of time as to the duration of the former.

It is a difficult problem to solve as to how the Dormant Granges can be revived. But difficult as the problem is, it must be met, and we must bend all of our energies towards the solution.

It is evident from all that has been said at this meeting, from the reports of Masters of State Granges, from the message of the Master of the National Grange, and the discussions upon this floor, that the chief cause of dormancy lies in the fact, that the people are not sufficiently instructed as to the aims and purposes of our organization, and the methods by which we propose to accomplish them. Hence, to revive Dormant Granges, it is essential that we demonstrate the fact of the necessity for our organization, which is dependent upon live working Granges, and that we convince a sufficient number of the old members, that it is both desirable and beneficial that they conform to the requirements of the constitution of the Order.

It is true, that in very many cases, the members of Dormant Granges will, with difficulty, be induced to voluntarily act with that unanimity which will insure success. It is, therefore, the more necessary that suitable individuals, good patrons, who have the interest of the Order at heart, and who are capable of imparting instruction, be selected, and authority be delegated to them, to canvass the neighborhoods of Dormant Granges, and by public lectures, called meetings, and personal conversation, revive an interest in the Order generally; and where this is effected, a desire to be re-instated to full fellowship will possess the members of Dormant Granges. It may be wise too, when it can be done, to place special Deputies in the field and make it their duty to discuss the principles of the Grange, and urge the necessity upon the farmers generally. The members of your committee are impressed with the fact, that difficulties are in the way of this important and necessary work, but if a strong and earnest

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effort be made, these difficulties can be measurably overcome.

As has been said, the chief instrument in restoring vitality to Dormant Granges, is education, instruction in the principles, objects and purposes of the Order, as the necessity of accomplishing these. This instruction can be more cheaply imparted by means of the Grange Press than in any other way, and therefore, your committee would urge upon this body, the necessity for disseminating knowledge through this channel.

The people are ready to receive instruction; they hunger and thirst for knowledge in regard to those measures of relief, which have been devised by this body, and it is the duty of those assembled here, to see to it, that when they ask for bread, they shall not receive a stone; when they ask for fish, they shall not be given a serpent, which will surely be the case, if information and knowledge be sought outside of Grange lectures and the Grange Press. Every avenue for the dissemination of Grange literature should be utilized, and when this is done, and the masses are made to fully comprehend, that the great purpose of this organization is to educate, protect, and elevate the farmers of this country, the fires will be again re-kindled upon the altar of every Dormant Grange in the land, and we shall go forward on the march of progress and reform, with closed ranks and unbroken step.

J. M. BLANTON,
D. W. JONES,
DANIEL FLINT,
M. S. RHONE,
M. C. BAYLOR.

Which was on motion adopted.

By Bro. Blanton, Va., from Committee on Dormant Granges.
Worthy Master and Members of the National Grange:

So much of the Master's address which was referred to this Committee, relating to "unorganized States," has been carefully considered, and we recommend that the action of the Master be confirmed by your body.

The report was received, and, on motion, was adopted.

By unanimous consent, Bro. Armstrong, N. Y., offered the following:

Whereas, The present Patent system has become an instrument of extortion, which designing men operate easily on unsuspecting persons, who, in the ordinary course of business, become

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amenable to penalties odious in their nature, penalties incurred often where no sense of wrong exists, and

Whereas, The Worthy Master of this Grange has designated clearly the great evils resulting from the system, that bears heavily on innocent users of articles, protected by patents, of which they can have no knowledge until licensed marauders prefer their claims, and

Whereas, Correction of the abominable wrongs thus inflicted is imperatively demanded in the interests of justice and fair dealing, and is easily attainable through the operation of a bill now pending in Congress; therefore

Resolved, That this National Grange does respectfully and most earnestly request Representatives and Senators to enact the remedies embraced in the said bill, and that attention be given thereto as early as practicable after the assembling of Congress.

Resolved, That the members of this body will severally request their respective Representatives in Congress to advance the said bill to enactment, as a measure of simple justice to industries that, under the present system, are subjected to forced loans having the character of legalized robbery — wrongs borne too long, and now demanding instant correction.

Which was, on motion, adopted.

Bro. Morgan, La., asked for and was, by unanimous consent, excused from further attendance at this session.

On motion of Bro. Darden, Miss., it was
Resolved, That when the Grange take a recess, it be to meet again at 7 o'clock P. M.

Sister E. M. Nicholson, N. J., from the Special Committee appointed to draft resolutions on the death of Sister Luce, of Michigan, presented the following:

WHEREAS, The Beneficent Disposer of events has removed from our presence by death, Sister

JULIA A. LUCE, wife of Bro. Cyrus G. Luce, Master of the State Grange of Missouri, and

WHEREAS, She was not only a blessing to our Order, as a loyal Matron, but an ornament to every circle in which she moved; therefore

Resolved, That the members of the National Grange lament, in her loss, one who was faithful to the interests of the Order one rich in womanly graces; the devoted wife and mother; the conscientious Christian neighbor and friend.

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Resolved, That we extend our deepest sympathies to the husband, daughter and friends of the deceased in this hour of their bereavement.

Resolved, That, in love and respect to the memory of the departed, a page in the journal of our proceedings be devoted to the commemoration of our sister's death, and that the Grange do now close its labors.

E. M. NICHOLSON,
SUE H. NEAL,
S. R. FRANKLIN,
Committee.

Which resolutions were seconded by Sister H. H. Woodman and addresses delivered by Bros. Eshbaugh, Mo., Robie, Me., Brigham, O., Whitney, Mich., and Sister Bristol, N. J.

And the resolutions were unanimously adopted by a rising vote.

After prayer, by the Chaplain, the choir sang

"Forget not the dead."

And the Grange was then declared at recess, until 7 o'clock P. M.

7 O'CLOCK P. M.

Recess having expired, the Grange was called to order by the Worthy Master.

Bro. Baylor, W. Va., from the Committee on Good of the Order, presented the following report:

Your Committee on Good of the Order, to whom was referred the resolution offered by Bro. Lipscomb, S. C., on the subject of exempting private property from taxation for local purposes, have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to report that the system of exempting private property from taxation is unjust, thereby imposing upon land and labor greater and more onerous burdens than they can bear. We, therefore, respectfully urge our Representatives in Federal and State Legislature to use their influence in preventing all such exemptions.

The report was received, and, on motion, was concurred in.

Bro. Darden, Miss., offered the following:
WHEREAS, The protective tariff question is one of great importance, and should be understood by the masses of our people,

Resolved, That our Lecturers and speakers be requested to explain to the people the protective tariff laws, with a view to an intelligent understanding of their operations.

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Pending discussion, and by request of Bro. Armstrong, the Committee on Good of the Order was granted leave to present some reports, owing to a sudden call requiring the Chairman to leave the city, and, on motion of Bro. Nicholson, the pending resolution was temporarily laid on the table.

Bro. Brigham, Ohio, from the Committee on Good of the Order, presented the following reports:
Your Committee on Good of the Order, to whom was referred the resolution offered by Bro. Luce, of Mich., asking to have the name of Canandaigua Grange, No. 277, Michigan, changed to Medina Grange, No. 277, respectfully return the same and recommend its adoption.

The report was received, and, on motion, the recommendation was concurred in. Bro. Brigham, Ohio, also presented the following report from the same committee:

Worthy Master and Patrons:

The organization of "Patrons of Husbandry" has undertaken an important work for the agriculturists of America; and, therefore, whatever is for the good of the Order, is also for the good of all those who are directly interested in agricultural pursuits. This is the Sixteenth Annual Session of this body, and as we look back over these years, we may well ask ourselves the question, are we satisfied with the results of our labors? And, if not, it may be wise to search for the cause of the failure to realize our hopes and expectations. We believe that our labors have not been in vain, and we have reason to be very thankful to the founders of our Order for this strong fraternal organization, which has already done so much to re-unite our once divided people, and heal and soothe the animosities engendered in the years of civil war. And as we assemble in these annual re-unions, we realize that we are indeed one people, and if true to ourselves and the right, destined to become the grandest nation of the earth.

We believe also that our efforts in an organized capacity to advance and protect the financial interests of our class, have not been wasted. And the social and educational influence of our Order, has done much to increase our enjoyment and also our power and usefulness as citizens. Yet we are not satisfied with the present condition or future prospects of our class. The men, whose labor and success in the field saved our country from hopeless bankruptcy and restored prosperity,

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do not receive a fair share of the profits resulting from their labors. Corporate greed and ambition have not yet been checked, nor their grasp upon the sources and fountains of power "been broken." Our demand upon legislative bodies in State and Nation for relief and protection, have not been heeded; nor have the burdens we unjustly bear, been removed. And notwithstanding the efforts of the members of our organization to arouse the farmers, they do not yet seem to fully realize the importance of intelligent organized co-operation for the protection of their interests.

What can your Committee on Good of the Order suggest at this meeting to advance the interests of agriculture, and protect farmers from the combinations formed to rob them of the profits of their labor? It seems to us, that the principles which underlie our organization are sound, and that our laws are suited to the purpose for which they were made, and we have no recommendations to make that would, if adopted, effect changes in our declaration of purposes, or in the fundamental law of the Order. The subjects of Transportation, Co-operation, Finance, Education, Dormant Granges, and Agriculture, have been thoroughly discussed in the reports of committees and the addresses of officers at previous sessions of this body, and will again receive the attention of the able committees appointed for that purpose at this session, and we are sure that there is no occasion for us to enter upon the discussion of these subjects. After careful consideration, your committee have arrived at the conclusion that, what the Good of the Order requires from us, if anything, is a few practical suggestions for the benefit of the members of Subordinate Granges. Here is the foundation of our structure, and to these, brothers and sisters, we must look for the accomplishment of the great purposes of our organization. If they fail to do their work thoroughly and well, our efforts will be of no avail. We cannot do their work. We can only advise and suggest. They must perform the labor and carry out our plans, or failure is the inevitable result. Some of our members, we fear, have expected too much of the National and State Granges, too much from the organization. These agencies can only help those who help themselves. We must not wait for something to be done for us, we must rather strive to do something for ourselves and others, and if we will only do this, co-operating intelligently together, success is assured.

Your committee are aware of the fact, that there are many Subordinate Granges in the country, where our suggestions

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are not needed. Their members understand well the secret of making their Grange meetings interesting, and know how to co-operate for mutual advantage, but unfortunately, many of our Granges are not in a nourishing condition, and the members do not succeed in making their meetings either interesting or profitable, and it is in the hope that we may help those who have not yet learned to help themselves, that we make a few suggestions:

First — Use judgment in selecting the officers of your Grange. Put the right man in the right place. Select for the Master a good presiding officer, one who will be punctual in attendance and prudent and faithful in service. Select a faithful, accurate Secretary (brother or sister). Select the very best material you have for Lecturer, as this is the most important office in the Subordinate Grange.

Second — After the officers are elected and installed, they should meet immediately and arrange a programme for the entire year, selecting subjects for discussion which are appropriate to the locality and season of the year, and naming some brother or sister to open the discussion. Appoint some of the members to write essays, declaim or read selected pieces. Give each member some specific work and allow no drones in the Grange hive. The programme should be neatly printed and placed in the hands of each member, so that all may understand what is expected of them and be prepared to respond.

Third — Organize a choir of singers and furnish such instruction as can be afforded, and as soon as possible a good organ.

Fourth — Appoint several special committees and define their duties. Some of the committees may be for the following purposes:

1. Committee on markets, to keep posted and report at each meeting of the Grange.

2. Committee to arrange for co-operating in buying and selling.

3. Committee to arrange social entertainments.

4. Committee to examine the tax duplicate to see if personal property is properly returned for taxation.

5. Committee on home and Grange hall adornment.

6. Committee on schools and educational interests.

7. Committee to extend the circulation of Grange Press.

Committees for other special purposes will be suggested to the minds of members when their services are needed.

Fifth — When there are two or more Subordinate Granges

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in a county, a Pomona Grange, if properly organized and sustained, will do much to strengthen the Subordinate Granges by bringing the live, active members of the Order in the county together frequently, and thus enable them to become better acquainted and to co-operate together for the mutual good of all. Wherever there is a good Pomona Grange, the Subordinate Granges are generally in a thriving condition. The best results usually follow when the Pomona Grange meets around at the halls of the Subordinate Granges.

Sixth — Open meetings may be held occasionally with good results. At such meetings, invite the attendance of those whom you would like to see members of our organization. Bring in the children and young people, and do all in your power to make the meetings interesting.

Seventh — The Grange Press is one of the most powerful agencies for good that we have, and no Master should feel that he has discharged his duty until, at least, one copy of some of the excellent papers, published in the interest of the Order, is taken in every family where there is a member of the Order. This is important and we hope it will receive the attention of every Master. There is no valid excuse for failure to do this, as "where there is a will, there is a way," and good substantial reading matter is one of the greatest needs among the members of our fraternity.

Eighth — Encourage the missionary spirit among the members. Seeking to interest others in the work, our own zeal will be increased, and a refreshing revival will follow to cheer our hearts and strengthen our hands.

Ninth — We would especially urge the importance of Woman's Mission in the Grange. No social, educational, or moral work can prosper without her sympathy and active support. The founders of our Order very wisely "opened wide the doors and bade her welcome to the Grange," welcome to all its privileges, welcome to share in the social enjoyment and its mental culture, and to be the center of its moral influence. It is her mission to help to a higher life, all who are permitted to associate with her in the social circle of the home. Let that influence be felt with equal power in the Grange, and its existence is assured. Her presence will always secure good order and add to the enjoyment of our meetings, and her strong faith, patient endurance in adversity, and her intuitive perception of the right, will prove to be the sheet anchor of our fraternal organization, whenever it is threatened with danger of any kind. A grand opportunity is here offered to woman to extend her influence for good.

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We hope it will be improved, and in thus helping others to successfully fight the battle of life, her better nature will be strengthened, and she will come nearer to our ideas of the "perfect woman nobly planned."

And finally, sisters and brothers, let us renew our pledge of fidelity to our Order, and increase our efforts to advance and protect the great interest of agriculture. Let us "persevere," and soon we shall see the farmers of our country occupying the position, and wielding the influence and power which their numbers and the importance of the industry they represent would seem to justify.

All of which is respectfully submitted,

J. H. BRIGHAM,
ROBERT W. BAYLOR,
E. M. NICHOLSON,
M. E. FLINT,
W. H. CHEEK.

Which was adopted.

On motion of Bro. Nicholson, N. J., the resolution of Bro. Darden, Miss., in relation to instructing the people about the tariff laws, was taken from the table, and, after further discussion, was NOT ADOPTED.

On motion of Bro. Lipscomb, S. C., it was
Resolved, That the Executive Committee have published six thousand copies of the Proceedings of the Sixteenth Session of the National Grange, and that the Worthy Secretary distribute the same as speedily as possible, through the secretaries of the State Granges, in proportion to the number of active working Oranges reported by the respective State Grange secretaries.

On motion of Bro. Lipscomb, S. C., it was also
Resolved, That the Worthy Secretary be instructed to print the general reports of Standing Committees and send them to Masters of State Granges meeting before the Secretary has the fall proceedings ready for distribution.

The Executive Committee presented the following report, which was adopted:

Worthy Master:

The Executive Committee, to whom was recommitted their report upon the subject of the propriety of changing our investments, beg leave to report, that they have had the same under

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consideration, and respectfully ask that they be granted until the next annual session of the National Orange to submit their report.

HENLEY JAMES,
D. WYATT AIKEN,
J. M. BLANTON,
Committee

On motion of Bro. Nicholson, N. J., it was
Resolved, That the Grange do now proceed to the election of a member of the Executive Committee in place of Bro. Henley James, whose term expires with this session.

The Grange proceeded to the election, and on the fifth ballot Bro. J. H. Brigham, of Ohio, having received a majority of all the votes cast, was declared elected a member of the Executive Committee of the National Grange.

On motion of Bro. Armstrong, N. Y., the labors of the day were closed until 9 o'clock A. M., Thursday.

Eighth Day.

NOVEMBER 23, 1882.

The Grange assembled in pursuance of the order of Wednesday, and was opened at 9 o'clock A.M., in the Fourth Degree, by the Worthy Master.

On roll call a quorum responded.

The journal of Wednesday was read and approved.

The Worthy Master appointed the following Special Committees:

On the preparation of a design for an Emblem:
Sisters Rhone, Pa.; Nicholson, N. J.; Devries, Md.; and Bros. Robie, Me., Lipscomb, S. C.

To attend the meeting of Agriculturists at Washington, January 23d prox.
Bros. Devries Md., and Aiken, S. C.

At the request of Bro. Lipscomb, S. C., he was, by unanimous

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consent, excused from service on the Special Committee on Emblem, and Bro. Cheek, N. C., was substituted in his stead.

On motion of Bro. Armstrong, N. Y., the general order of business was suspended.

Bro. Robie, Me., offered the following:
Resolved, That all discussions relating to the tariff, as a question of political economy, are legitimate questions, and we recommend that such an investigation and discussion of these matters be made as will furnish our members with a more intelligent consideration of a subject which involves the vital interests of the agriculturist, and that all such discussions must be without partizan political ties.

Pending discussion, Bro. and Sister Robie, Bro. and Sister Franklin, Bro. and Sister Boise, and Bro. and Sister Draper asked for and were granted leave of absence during the remainder of the session.

After discussion upon the question of adopting the resolution, the yeas and nays were demanded, and the roll being called resulted
Yeas, 29
Nays, 9

And the resolution was adopted.

Those voting in the affirmative were:
Bros. Harrison, Ala.; Scott, Ark.; Flint, Cal.; Sister Flint, Cal.; Bros. Rosa, Del.; Giller, Ills.; Sister Giller, Ills.; Bro. Neal, Ky.; Sister Neal, Ky.; Bro. Devries, Md., Sister Devries, Md., Bros. Smith, Minn.; Darden, Miss.; Sister Darden, Miss.; Bro. Eshbaugh, Mo.; Sister Eshbaugh, Mo.; Bros. Armstrong, N. Y.; Rhone, Pa.; Sister Rhone, Pa.; Bros. Lipscomb, S. C.; Harwell, Tenn.; Rose, Tex.; Sister Rose, Tex.; Bro. Blanton, Va.; Sister Blanton, Va.; Bro. Baylor, W. Va.; Sister Baylor, W. Va.; Bro. Carr, Wis.; Sister Carr, Wis. — Twenty-nine (29).

Those voting in the negative were:
Bros. Jones, Ind.; Jones, Iowa; Sims, Kan.: Sister Sims, Kan.; Bro. Luce, Mich.; Bro. Wason, N. H.: Sister Wason, N. H.; Bro. Nicholson, N. J.; Sister Nicholson, N. J. — Nine (9).

On motion of Bro. Harrison, Ala., and by a rising vote, it was unanimously
Resolved, That the Sixteenth Annual Session of the National Grange, now drawn near its close, has had its tasks lightened, its labors encouraged, and its usefulness augmented by the spirit of kindness, by which its deliberations have been ruled.

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Resolved, That the arduous duties of the Worthy Master accepted and discharged with manifest desire to serve the great interest of our Order, entitle him to our sincere thanks, to which we here give expression with the pleasurable emotions that attend recognition of honest work and good purpose.

Resolved, That inasmuch as this Grange has been cheered and gladdened by the spirit of song sweetly pervading these pursuits at suitable hours of the daily session, and that the pleasing influences thus exerted have increased the usefulness and efficiency of our work, because thereby harmony and good will, the essential requisites of useful achievement in all organized bodies, have been promoted; therefore our cordial thanks are due, and are hereby expressed, to the sisters and brothers who have thus generously contributed to the pleasures, enjoyments and usefulness of the present session.

Bros. Harrison, Ala., and Devries, Md., offered resolutions acknowledging the courtesies received while in the city.

On motion of Bro. Baylor, the whole subject was referred to a special committee of three.

The Worthy Master appointed Bros. Harrison, Ala., Devries, Md., and Armstrong, N. Y., as the Committee.

On motion of Bro. Lipscomb, it was
Resolved, That the Executive Committee of the National Grange have placed before the Commission to revise the Tariff, a full report of the true interest of the Agriculturists of the United States as to federal taxation.

Bro. Baylor, from the Committee on Good of the Order, made the following reports:

Worthy Master:

Your Committee on Good of the Order, to whom was referred certain parts of our Worthy Master's Address, have duly considered the same, and endorse and approve each and all of the valuable suggestions contained therein, and so referred. Your Committee earnestly entreat the State and Subordinate Granges to give greater heed to these recommendations, and would urge upon them the necessity of better organized and more concentrated effort in working out these important remits.

The report was received, and on motion adopted.

Also,
Worthy Master:

Your Committee on Good of the Order, to whom was referred the able report of our Worthy Lecturer, have had the

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same under consideration, and beg leave to report that they approve of the recommendations contained therein, and that the quarterly documents issued by the Worthy Lecturer be continued in such form or manner as to him may seem bust, and that the Worthy Lecturer be kept actively at work, us essential to our success, and even to our very existence. We cannot afford without great jeopardy to our Order, to do without his services. Your Committee, while especially endorsing such portions of the address as has been referred to, would commend the entire address to favorable consideration.

The report was received, and on motion concurred in.

Also,
Worthy Master:

Your Committee on Good of the Order, to whom was referred back the preamble and resolutions of Bro. Eshbaugh, Mo., granting to State Granges the power to re-number their Subordinate Granges, have again had the same under consideration, and recommend that the prayer of the petitioner be granted.

Which is as follows:
Whereas, Many of the Subordinate Granges, organized in the different States, have been consolidated, some have disbanded and surrendered their charters, others have suspended labor, and are laying dormant, with but little hope of resuming their standing in the Order, in consequence of which the roll-book in some of the States shows a much larger number of Subordinate Granges than really exist; therefore

Resolved, By the National Grange, that State Granges be hereby authorized to re-number the Subordinate Granges in their respective States, commencing with the oldest living Grange in the State, as Grange No. 1, and so continue in regular order, until all are re-numbered in the State.

Resolved, Second, that whenever a dormant Grange is reorganized, or a charter is restored to a disorganized Grange, the number of such reorganized Grange shall be the next succeeding number to the last Grange upon the roll of said State.

Resolved, Third, that as soon as a State Grange has re-numbered its Subordinate Granges in accordance with the first resolution, it shall furnish the Secretary of the National Grange a certified copy of such re-numbering, or additional number added by organization, under seal signed by the Worthy Master and Worthy Secretary of such State Grange.

The report was received, and, on motion, was adopted by a vote of
Yeas, 14
Nays, 13

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Also,
Worthy Master:

The Committee on Good of the Order, to whom was referred the resolution of Pomona Grange No. 2, of Vermont, had the same under consideration, and recommend that it be referred to the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws, as it would require an amendment to the Constitution, provided this body should press the same. The same paper has again been referred back to your Committee on Good of the Order, and upon consideration of the same, think such change would be beneficial to the Order, but at this late period of the session, deem it inadvisable to take any action in relation thereto.

The report was received, and on motion was concurred in.

On motion of Bro. Devries, Md., it was

Resolved, That the Executive Committee is hereby requested to at once, furnish State Granges with the blank form of reports, provided for at the last session of this body, to the end, that State Masters may be the better able to furnish the information sought to be obtained, for publication, as provided for by the report of Committee on Good of the Order at the present session.

The Special Committee, to which were referred certain resolutions of courtesy, made the following report, through Bro. Harrison:

Resolved, That this National Grange has warm appreciation of kindness displayed by the citizens of Indianapolis, who have contributed to the enjoyments of this session, and to visiting brothers and sisters; the Grange desires also to return cordial greeting, and record the earnest, wish, that ties thus formed may remain the sweet reminders of pleasures brought to its Sixteenth Annual Session.

Resolved, That in an especial manner, the thanks of this Grange are due to Gov. Porter and his estimable wife, for courtesies beginning with the first day of the session, and continued to the present, for the rare hospitality that has taken to the Executive Mansion all of our members who could be relieved of assigned tasks for the pleasure thus provided, and for many expressions of good will betokening the kindness, friendly regard, and warm-hearted hospitality of an Executive, whose administration honors a great State by the endearments fastened upon its people.

Resolved, That, because of the kind consideration and courtesies extended to the National Grange. P. of H., at this, its Sixteenth Annual Session, by the Municipal Authorities, the Board of Agriculture, and the Managers of the Belt Line R. R., as well, we, the members of the National Grange, do hereby acknowledge our high appreciation of the marks of kindness shown, and we hereby return the authorities named, our most

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sincere thanks, and that we will carry with us to our distant homes, and cherish through life, pleasant recollections of the courtesies bestowed.

Resolved, That copies of the above be forwarded by our Secretary under seal of this body, to the authorities recited, and especially the Judges of the Criminal Court, who kindly yielded their judicial quarters for our meetings, and the County Commissioner of Marion county, who advised and recommended such action.

Resolved, That the thanks of this body are hereby extended Bro. Robert Mitchel, for his untiring devotion to the enjoyment and comfort of members, during the present session of this National Grange.

The report was received, and on motion the resolutions were unanimously adopted.

On motion, the following report of the Committee on Good of the Order, on the preamble and resolution introduced at the session, of Friday last, on the subject of changing the name of Subordinate Granges, was taken from the order of unfinished business and considered, and upon motion it was concurred in:

"Whereas, There are many Subordinate Granges that desire a change of name, having good and satisfactory reasons therefore; and

"Whereas, These requests, in default of specific provision for such changes, must necessarily be addressed to this body, thus encumbering its work; and

"Whereas, A general rule under which changes of name can be effected is desirable; therefore

"Resolved, That the name of any Subordinate Grange may be changed as follows:

"Any Subordinate Grange desiring a change of name shall proceed: 1st, By the selection of a name, which shall be proposed at a regular meeting, and be approved by a two-thirds vote at two subsequent meetings. 2d. After such proposition and approval, the name so chosen shall be reported to the Worthy Master of the State Grange, together with transcripts of record relating to action thereon, and when the name so chosen is approved, the Worthy Master of the State Grange shall report the same, together with the former name and number of the said Subordinate Grange, to the Worthy Secretary of the National Grange, who shall then enter the name chosen as the name of the Subordinate Grange; and such report shall also be made to the Worthy Secretary of the State Grange, and like action shall be taken by him; whereupon said change of name shall be effected, and the Subordinate Grange shall thenceforth be known by its new name."

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No further business appearing, the Journal of the day's session was read and approved, and the Grange was closed in ample form, and the Sixteenth Annual Session was adjourned sine die.

WM. M. IRELAND, Secretary.

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In Memoriam.

In Memoriam.

MRS. JULIA A. LUCE,
WIFE OF CYRUS C. LUCE,
Worthy Master State Grange
OF
MICHIGAN.

Died August 13th, 1882.

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In Memoriam.

MRS. M. A. LIPSCOMB,
WIFE OF
HON. JAMES N. LIPSCOMB,
Master of State Grange
OF
SOUTH CAROLINA,
AND
Secretary of State.

Died, December 25th, 1882.

A DEVOTED WIFE AND MOTHER, HER LIFE WAS SPENT IN
THE SERVICE OF GOD AND HUMANITY.

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Officers of State Granges, 1883.

1883.

OFFICERS OF STATE GRANGES.

ALABAMA.
State Grange meets Tuesday after Second Monday in December.

Master — B. C. Harrison, Selma, Dallas co.
Lecturer —
Treasurer — M. A. Chisholm, Montgomery.
Secretary — W. Jas. Johnson, Choctaw Corner, Clarke co.

ARKANSAS.
State Grange meets in October — date and place fixed by Ex,. Com.

Master — J. V. Scott, Texarkana, Miller co.
Lecturer — B. F. Coffman, Smithville.
Treasurer — W. P. Ferguson, Pott's Station, Pope co.
Secretary — R. Higginbotham, Texarkana, Miller co.

CALIFORNIA — including ARIZONA and NEVADA.
State Grange meets first Tuesday in October.

Master — Daniel Flint, Sacramento.
Lecturer — E. W. Davies, Santa Rosa.
Treasurer — I. C. Steele, 40 California st., San Francisco.
Secretary — J. V. Webster, 40 California st., San Francisco.

COLORADO.
State Grange meets Second Tuesday in January.

Master — Levi Booth, Box 2251, Denver, Arrapahoe co.
Lecturer — J. E. Washbury, Loveland.
Treasurer — J. S. Dudley, Arvada, Jefferson co.
Secretary — B. F. Wadsworth, Arvada, Jefferson co.

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CONNECTICUT.
State Grange meets —.

Master —
Lecturer —
Treasurer —
Secretary —

DAKOTA.
Annexed to Minnesota.

DELAWARE.
State Grange meets Second Tuesday in December.

Master — Henry Thompson, Pleasant Hill.
Lecturer —
Treasurer — James M. Bracken, Wilmington, New Castle co.
Secretary — W. B. Records, Laurel, Sussex co.

FLORIDA.
State Grange meets Third Tuesday in December.

Master — Wm. H. Wilson, Wilson, Suwanee co.
Lecturer —
Treasurer — J. H. Lee, White Springs, Hamilton co.
Secretary — R. F. Rogers, Little River, Suwanee co.

GEORGIA.
State Grange meets Second Tuesday in December.

Master — H. R. Deadwyler, Dove's Creek.
Lecturer — D. Gillis, Jamestown
Treasurer — A. Moffet, Walden, Bibb co.
Secretary — E. Taylor, Bolingbroke, Monroe co.

ILLINOIS.
State Grange meets Third Wednesday in January.

Master — E. A. Giller, White Hall, Greene co.
Lecturer — A. T. Strange, Walshville.
Treasurer — George Ball, Girard, Macoupin co.
Secretary — J. M. Chambers, Chicago, Cook co.

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INDIANA.
State Grange meets Second Tuesday in December.

Master — Aaron Jones, South Bend, St. Joseph co.
Lecturer — Sallie J. Back, Warren.
Treasurer — J. T. Oliphant, Harrodsburg,Monroe co.
Secretary — J. Henry Walker, Adams, Decatur co.

IOWA.
State Grange meets Second Tuesday in December.

Master — D. W. Jones, Manchester, Delaware co.
Lecturer — J. W. Murphy, Newtown.
Treasurer — M. L. Devin, Des Moines, Polk co.
Secretary — W. L. Carpenter, Des Moines, Polk co.

KANSAS.
State Grange meets Third Tuesday in December.

Master — William Sims, Topeka, Shawnee co.
Lecturer —
Treasurer — Thomas White, Topeka, Shawnee co.
Secretary — George Black, Olathe, Johnson co.

KENTUCKY.
State Grange meets Second Tuesday in December.

Master — Jas. L. Neal, Harrodsburgh.
Lecturer — Owen B. Utz, Union.
Treasurer — J. M. Clark, Hopkinsville, Christian co.
Secretary — W. Shelby Wilson, Shelbyville.

LOUISANA.

Master — Daniel Morgan, Magnolia.
Lecturer — Dr. J. J. Alford, Sunny Hill.
Treasurer — J. J. David, Baton Rouge.
Secretary — H. W. L. Lewis, Osyka, Miss.

MAINE.
State Grange meets Third Tuesday in December.

Master — Frederick Robie, Gorham.
Lecturer — C. M. Freeman, Veagie.
Treasurer — S. S. Smith, Norway.
Secretary — D. M. Hall, 11 Central st., Bangor.

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MARYLAND.
State Grange meets Second Tuesday in December.

Master — H. O. Devries, Marriottsville, Howard co.
Lecturer — A. E. Sudler, Sudlerville.
Treasurer — J. N. Chiswell, Buckeystown, Frederick co.
Secretary — Wm. B. Sands, 128 W. Baltimore st., Baltimore.

MASSACHUSETTS.
State Grange meets Third Tuesday in December.

Master — James Draper, Worcester, Worcester co.
Lecturer — W. H. Earl, Worcester.
Treasurer — Charles Jones, Deerfield, Franklin co.
Secretary — Henry A. Barton, Pittsfield, Berkshire co.

MICHIGAN.
State Grange meets Second Tuesday in December.

Master — Cyrus G. Luce, Gilead, Branch co.
Lecturer — John Holbrook, Lansing.
Treasurer — S. F. Brown, Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo co.
Secretary — J. T. Cobb, Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo co.

MINNESOTA.
State Grange meets Third Wednesday in December.

Master — Thomas Tunis Smith, St. Paul, Ramsey co.
Lecturer —
Treasurer — Lorenzo Hoyt, St. Paul, Ramsey co.
Secretary — W. H. H. Taylor, St. Paul, Ramsey co.

MISSISSIPPI.
State Grange meets Second Tuesday in December.

Master — Put. Darden, Fayette, Jefferson co.
Lecturer — Dr. J. J. Bailey, Conchatta.
Treasurer — H. O. Dixon, Jackson, Hinds co.
Secretary — Mrs. Helen A. Aby, Hermanville, Claiborne co.

MISSOURI.
State Grange meets Third Tuesday in October.

Master — H. Eshbaugh, Hanover, Jefferson co.
Lecturer — Jasper Needham, Macon City.
Treasurer — J. M. Sneed, Sedalia, Pettis co.
Secretary — A. M. Coffey, Knob Noster, Johnson co.

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MONTANA.

Master —
Lecturer —
Treasurer —
Secretary —

NEBRASKA.

C. P. Miller, Mission Creek, General Deputy, in Charge.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
State Grange meets Third Tuesday in December.

Master — Geo. A. Wason, New Boston, Hillsborough co.
Lecturer — J. D. Lyman, Exeter.
Treasurer — Edward Osgood, Canterbury, Merrimack co.
Secretary — Wm. H. Stinson, Dunbarton, Merrimack co.

NEW JERSEY.
State Grange meets Second Tuesday in December.

Master — Issac W. Nicholson, Camden, Camden co.
Lecturer — Mrs. A. C. Bristol, Vineland.
Treasurer — C. A. Rulon, Sweedesborough, Gloucester co.
Secretary — John W. Dickinson, Woodstown, Salem co.

NEW YORK.
State Grange meets Fourth Tuesday in January.

Master — W. A. Armstrong, Elmira, Chemung co.
Lecturer — J. B. Whiting, Farmers Village.
Treasurer — George Abbott, Hamburg, Erie co.
Secretary — H. H. Goff, Spencerport, Monroe co.

NORTH CAROLINA.
State Grange meets First Wednesday in February.

Master — W. H. Cheek, Warrenton, Warren co.
Lecturer — Dr. J. E. Newsome, Hertford.
Treasurer — D. W. C. Benbow, Greensboro, Guilford co.
Secretary — R. I. Beale, Potecasi, Northampton co.

OHIO.
State Grange meets Second Tuesday in December.

Master — J. H. Brigham, Delta, Fulton co.
Lecturer — R. S. Thompson, Springfield.
Treasurer — Henry Talcott, Jefferson.
Secretary — T. R. Smith, Owen's Station, Marion co.

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OREGON — including WASHINGTON and IDAHO TERRITORIES.
State Grange meets Fourth Tuesday in May.

Master — R. P. Boise, Salem, Marion co.
Lecturer —
Treasurer — David Smith, Lebanon, Linn co.
Secretary — N. W. Randall, Oregon, Clackamas co.

PENNSYLVANIA.
State Grange meets Second Tuesday in December.

Master — Leonard Rhone, Centre Hall, Centre co.
Lecturer — Dr. J. P. Calder.
Treasurer — Wm. Yocum, Douglasville, Berks co.
Secretary — R. H. Thomas, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland co.

SOUTH CAROLINA.
State Grange meets Second Wednesday in December.

Master — Jas. N. Lipscomb, Chappells, Newberry co.
Lecturer — D. P. Sojourner, Grahams.
Treasurer — A. M. Aiken, Cokesbury.
Secretary — T. W. Holloway, Pomaria, Newberry.

TENNESSEE.
State Grange meets Third Wednesday in August.

Master — T. B. Harwell, Aspen Hill, Giles co.
Lecturer — B. M. K. Jones, Clay Brook.
Treasurer — H. H. Lovelace, Como.
Secretary — S. M. Wilson, Tennessee Ridge.

TEXAS — including INDIAN TERRITORY.
State Grange meets Second Tuesday in August.

Master — A. J. Rose, Salado, Bell co.
Lecturer — A. N. Edwards, Sulphur Springs.
Treasurer — J. R. Henry, Mexia, Limestone co.
Secretary — R. T. Kennedy, Mexia, Limestone co.

VERMONT.
State Grange meets Second Tuesday in December.

Master — A. B. Franklin, Townshend, Windham co.
Lecturer — C. T. Josselyn, Bridgewater.
Treasurer — C. J. Bell, East Hardwick, Caledonia co.
Secretary — George Crane, Brookfleld.

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VIRGINIA.
State Grange Meets Tuesday following 2d Monday in December.

Master — J. M. Blanton, Farmville, Prince Edward co.
Lecturer — A. J. Wedderburn, Baltimore, Md.
Treasurer — P. F. Cogbill, Petersburg, Dinwiddie co.
Secretary — M. W. Hazlewood, Richmond, Henrico co.

WEST VIRGINIA.
State Grange meets Third Wednesday, in October.

Master — R. W. Baylor, Summit Point, Jefferson, co.
Lecturer —
Treasurer — John C. Faris, Clinton, Ohio co.
Secretary — James E. Hall, Philippi, Barbour co.

WISCONSIN.
State Grange meets Second Tuesday in December.

Master — S. C. Carr, Milton Junction.
Lecturer — H. C. Sherwin, Ladago.
Treasurer — John Cochran, Waupun, Fond du Lac co.
Secretary — H. E. Huxley, Neenah, Winnebago co.

nts

Notes.

1. For Resolution, see proceedings, afternoon session, Monday, 20th instant, page 86.