

Editorial Notes. 



^ Wofil Ahout the I'titrons of Hushnndi'V' 



We at first looked ■with suspicion upon the formation of this species of Agri- 

 cultural Society, feeling that it might in time develop some purpose or personal 

 motive in the minds of the leaders which would debase the objects of the membership. 

 Thus far we have seen nothing particularly to criticise, and much to commend. 

 The leaders in chief have been singularly quiet; we have not yet seen any manifesta- 

 tion of intention to use the Granges for any wire-working, for private interest, or 

 public jobs ; and viewing the order from an independent stand-point, we admit th;it 

 it is capable of doing great benefit, and has already done a vast amount of good. 

 Being confined exclusively to farmers and their families, there is a unity of purpose 

 and interest, there is no diversity arising from the presence of the interests of other 

 occupations. It is stated that one-third of all the grain elevators and grain ware- 

 houses in Iowa are owned or controlled by the Granges; and no less than 5,000,000 

 bushels of grain were shipped to Chicago on Grange account prior to December last. 

 The number of cattle and hogs shipped in the same manner is enormous, and the 

 reports received from all these shipments show an increased profit to the farmers of 

 from ten to forty per cent., as compared with the usage received at the hands of the 

 average "middleman " in times previous. In the matter of purchasing agricultural 

 implements direct from the manufacturers, the Grange purchases of the State have 

 saved the farmers, by actual computation and comparison of the price at the imple- 

 ment stores $365,000. For instance, one class of reapers rating at No. 1, retailing 

 at $240, was sold to the Grange, in fours or more, at $140, a clear " save " of $100 

 on each machine. 



The Western farmer has been plundered so much by all the various middle 

 agencies, between him and the Eastern market, that it is'no wonder they have arisen 

 and placed themselves in defence. They are right, and we can now witness from 

 their number the influence they can exert, if necessary. Reliable estimates now 

 state the number to be over 2,000,000 members, which will be increased to 3,000,000 

 before next January. 



We warn the Granges against all political tendencies, nor to permit wire-pulling 

 or log-rolling among them, or their influence will decline. 



Preserve their organization solely for the purpose of society, to correct existing 

 abusen ; to provide clearer and more judicious systems of agriculture ; to help the 

 farmer procure a better market ; to save him from exorbitant profits in the purchase 

 of his implements, and the organization will always be a grand power for good. It 

 is perfectly proper that the Granges may use their influence to turn scamps out of 

 oflSce, and secure the election of honest citizens, but this must be incidental, not a 

 primary object. We shall watch the progress of the association with much interest. 

 As yet, it is unknown in the Eastern States. We think it would not be appreciated 

 here, in fact of but little use. j 



