6 PKOCEEDINGS OF THE 



Tuesday, 2 o'clock, P. M. 



Grange met after recess. Called to order by Worthy Master 

 A. Golder. Opened in due form in the Fourth Degree. 



On motion, the following resolution, introduced by C. Musson, 

 of Union county, was adopted as amended: 



Whereas, One of the delegates elected from Rock Island county being 

 prevented from attendance on this body, by sickness, therefore, 



Resolved, That L. D. Edwards, of said county, be allowed to act as the 

 proxy of said delegate, and allowed all the privileges of a regular delegate 

 in this State Grange. 



Amended: 



That, should the regular representative appear, the seat be occupied I)}' 

 the duly elected delegate. 



The State Master then delivered the following opening 

 address : 



Brother's and Sisters of the State Grange: — By the favor of kind Providence 

 we are again gathered around the altar of our beloved Order. The 

 measure of toil and blessings of another year is full. If the toil has 

 been w^earisome and, at times, perhaps, unpromising and discouraging, 

 the blessings have been large and bountiful. I have great pleasure in 

 reporting to you a healthful and prosperous state of the Order, both in this 

 State and throughout the country. The period of novelty in its history 

 has passed. 



It has settled into its place in the family of forces which are working 

 out the results of advancing civilization. 



No considerate person who has witnessed the wonderful awakening 

 among the industrial class which we represent, eftected chiefly through 

 the efficient agency of our Order, can but recognize its power for useful- 

 ness, and, as I verilj^ believe, its tendency for good. We do not deny for 

 it the imperfections which pertain to all human agencies, and we claim 

 for it the virtues which spring from high resolves and philanthropic 

 purposes. In this we would exhibit that modesty which is ever becoming, 

 even to the greatest and best, and that self-assertion which is the S3''mbol 

 of real strength and the condition of success. The Order is not declining, 

 as some have affected to believe, and as some have studioush' reported. 

 A column on the march may be less demonstrative than when forming 

 and organizing. 



The reports of the Secretary, Treasurer, and other executive officers will 

 disclose to you, in full, the condition, numerical strength, and resources 

 of the Order. Quite a number of contiguous Granges, which are small 

 alone, have, upon application, been consolidated — a proceedure which I 



