486 STATE BOAtlD OF AGRICULTURE 



niiiltipliod. It mny be borno in mind thai during the time this propor- 

 tionate ownership of tlie property of the country has so materially 

 shifted from' one class of people to others tha.t the number of those en- 

 gaged in agricultural pursuits has proportionately increased with the 

 growing poi)ulation of the country. AVhatever may be the causes that 

 contribute to these conditions and tendencies, it needs no philosopher 

 to see that the sure result will be to lower the social conditions and 

 standing of the American farmer and to make the lines of distinction 

 moi'c pi-ominent. 



Whik' the Orange is a non-partisan organization, and cannot as a body 

 take action on partisan questions, it can and should, because of the 

 identity of interests of all its members, educate and encourage toward 

 that uiiiison of thought and action on all questions of local, State and 

 National policy as will make the influence of the agricultural people 

 more ])otent for their general good. 



THE DEPARTED. 



Since last we met, death has removed from the labors of earth and 

 the companionship of our fraternity two active members. Bro. Thomas 

 F. Moore was from the inception of the Grange an able and earnest 

 advocate of its principles. His voice has been heard in many Grange 

 halls and from many public platforms througliout the State, championing 

 the cause of improvement, higher aims and ambitions in life. The State 

 Grange has at times honored him with official positions and he was 

 always efficient and faithful. Bro. H. H. Dresser, an ex-member of the 

 executive committee, was an ardent supporter of the order. For those 

 sturdy and telling blows that bade opposition retreat, for the upbuild- 

 ing of his cause, he had few equals. The present standing of the order in 

 Michigan ow^es much to these sturdy pioneers in Grange work. We may 

 well ask, who can till their places? 



CONCLUSION. 



And now. Patrons, let us strengthen and renew our fealty and devotion 

 to the order. It stands for grand principles. We can do no better than 

 to defend and perpetuate it. Years of experience are now of great bene- 

 fit. These, together with the devotion and ardent labors of that army of 

 noble men and women who have labored so long and* faithfully, must not 

 go for naught. The degree of prosperity the order is to enjoy during 

 the coming year, will very largely be measured by your work at this 

 session. This fact should place fairly before you the importance of your 

 coming. 



For the past four years I have tried to be faithful to the best interests 

 of the order. I have fully appreciated the honors bestowed upon me by 

 being selected to fill the position of master of the State Grange, and at 

 the same time have tried to keep in mind the important work of the 

 office. The Patrons of Michigan have my most sincere thanks for the 

 kindness they have at all times shown me and for their charitable con- 

 siderations of my short comings, and now as I hand over the gavel to 

 my successor, whom you will choose before the close of this session, I ask 

 for him the same support you have alwavs given me. 



