THE STATE GRANGE. 



WORTHY MASTER'S ADDRESS. 



The annual meeting of the Slate Grange was held in the Capitol at 

 Lansing, beginning December 14, 18!)7, at !» o'clock a. m. One bundled 

 and thirty delegates were in attendance. At the forenoon session the 

 various < ommittees were appointed. 



At the afternoon session Master Geo. 15. Eortou delivered his annual 

 address as follows: 



To the voting members of the Michigan Slate Grange again I extend 

 greeting. 



From the fertile and undulated farms of a stale thai hears so ap- 

 propriately the poetic title. "The beautiful peninsula of the inland seas," 

 you have come to form a legislative body for the purpose of deliberating 

 upon such questions as will assist in promoting the welfare of the order 

 Patrons of Husbandry. An order which has existence but little past a 

 quarter of a century, yet: has done much for the farmer and his family 

 by furnishing a medium through which they may work for almost in- 

 numerable benefits to themselves, their families and the business of farm- 

 ing. An order which has withstood the turbulent sea of experiment 

 and is now strong in experience, rich in achievements, and offers a haven 

 secure wherein the farmers of our country may prepare themselves to 

 meet the demands of the present and of years to come. 



You have left your homes for a time to meet in social intercourse, and 

 thus, by seeing, knowing and hearing each other, your oneness of interest 

 will be revealed, and co -opera t ive lines of action developed to the end that 

 you will be heller farmers and home makers, will dignify labor, and in- 

 crease its rewards, will understand the better your rights and duties as 

 citizens, and how to act in their execution and maintenance. No worthier 

 objects can call you together. I need not tell you that this medium of 

 which I speak is the Grange, and that the local or subordinate organiza- 

 lions over all the slate are now looking expectantly toward this place 

 where von are assembled for the preparation of nutritious and digestible 

 food for their sustenance during the coining year, ft will not be wise to 

 disappoint them. That they be not given a crust when much better ami 

 more is needed, cells for much earnest thought and wise council on your 

 nail. 



