70 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Sauuders on the agricultural grounds at Washington, D. C. Mr. Saun- 

 ders was chief of the grounds and experimental work. The new organiza- 

 tion thus formed' on so broad a basis of territory as well as objects, 

 might well have been classed with other experiments then in process at 

 the department of agriculture. The plan contemplated the organization 

 of local or subordinate granges throughout the states in country neigh- 

 borhoods by virtue of charters issued by the national body. The growth 

 of the gTauge was very slow for the first few years. From 1873 to 1876 

 it experienced its remarkable wild-tire sweep over the country. I can 

 only give this mere reference in an historical way. The organization had 

 its boom and its dark hours, but it lives today and is a most powerful 

 answer in the affirmative as to the possibility of organization among 

 farmers. This organization being the pioneer on so broad a basis it was 

 obliged to go through a natural course of development, and as a result 

 it was nearly seven years after the organization of the national body 

 before its declaration of principles was formulated and given to the 

 world. Previous to this its specific objects in brief were : 



1. The ennoblement of labor and the fraternity of the producing 

 classes. 



2. Mutual instruction and the lightening of labor by diffusing a better 

 knowledge of its aims. 



3. Social culture, as also mental and moral development. 



4. Mutual relief in sickness and adversity. 



5. Prevention of cruelty to animals. 



6. Bringing more nearly together the producers and consumers, the 

 manufacturer and the user. 



7. The prevention of litigation through arbitration. 



8. The overthrow of the credit system. 



9. Building up and fostering home industries. 



These declarations were especially fitted to the times when they were 

 promulgated. Time and experience have changed and developed the work 

 of the order until we have it today as jow all know it. Its record, its 

 successes and its popular existence add force to the response. Yes, farmers 

 can organize. 



During these experimental years other farmers' organizations known as 

 alliances and councils were organized. In more recent years the Farm- 

 ers' National Congress has come into existence. This last is a national 

 body made up of delegates from the states who are appointed by the 

 respective governors. One meeting is held each year. This organization can- 

 not lay claim to being wholly by, or for farmers. xVnotherfarmers' organi- 

 zation which has done much to prove that organization among the farmers 

 is possible is the club. Farmers' clubs have been organized and suc- 

 cessfully conducted in several states of the union for many years back. 

 These are confined to neighborhoods principally, but in our State these 

 local organizations are brought together annually in State association 

 form. The club, being an open organization, is liberal in forms and 

 membership, and gives farmers who have objections to closer rules 

 an opportunity to place their influence in cooperation with their fellow 

 farmers for the advancement of their mutual interest. It speaks volumes 

 favorable to the abilitv of farmers to organize when we see the farmers' 



