8 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



cultivating the soil, as well as the disposal of our products. The discus- 

 sion of these subjects should be frequent and thorough. The Grange is 

 the primar}^ school of the Order. The gradations expressed in County 

 Grange, State Grange, and National Grange are onl}^ the higher steps in the 

 plans and necessities of our work. We seek pecuniary advantages through 

 our organization, not as an end, but as a means for the accomplishing of 

 a higher and more important work, viz. : the elevation of our class in the 

 .social scale, the increase of intelligence with its corresponding benefits, 

 the dignifying of labor and the ennobling of all industrial pursuits. 



For the most part, we are both capitalists and laborers. We are inter- 

 ested in the efficient employment of capital', as we are in the just reward 

 of labor. In our plans of work we embody the principles of co-operation, 

 which have received approval of the highest intelligence of the age, it 

 remains for us to show that we possess the patience, the perseverance, the 

 skill, the intelligence, and the lionesty to conduct to a successful issue an 

 experiment which is receiving the benedictions of the best and the wisest 

 men. 



Pull together ! should be the banner word of the organization. The 

 Order has sometimes reminded me (pardon the home'y illustration) of a 

 half dozen pairs of green steers yoked to a breaking plow. They pull 

 forward, backward, sideways, everyway. One might at first despair of ever 

 having a serviceable team. Time and effect, however, overcome the ob- 

 stinac)'- even of green steers. Some may indeed prove incorrigible, and 

 they are turned out and delivered over to the butcher. So, if perchance 

 we discover the lack of skill and training of professional organizers, I 

 believe we have the strength and endurance of the ox, and we shall surely 

 break up the turf-bound soil which has so long typified our class. 



It is hard, very hard, very hard, for many to cast off old and established 

 notions and accept anything new. Some seem unwilling to investigate 

 even, for fear the}' may discover they have been advocating error. They 

 seem to forget that it is a sign of greatness, as it is of goodness, to follow 

 the truth wherever it leads. 



Again, selfishness, which is the essence of barbarism itself, seems to 

 hold the control over man3^ They cannot rise above self or look beyond 

 the present. The}- do not know the meaning of benevolence, nor can X\\Qy 

 make any sacrifice for posterity. It is easy to show the greatest blessings 

 we enjoy we owe to others, acquired througli their sacrifices, bought, 

 perhaps, by their blood. 



Does any one believe that the present good was adequate compensation 

 for the sacrifice of comfort, propert\^ and lives which were the price of 

 American liberty ? 



Others make the low state of public morals, the general corruption and 

 dishonesty, an excuse for their own inaction, or, perhaps, their active 

 opposition. I acknowledge, with shame for the human race and for the 

 high state of civilization claimed for this country, all the truth there is in 

 the charge. I know even the apostolic band had its Judas, but it would 



