STATE GRANGE OF ILLINOIS. 23 



Referred to Committee on Good of the Order. 



The report of Treasurer was read and referred to Committee 

 on Finance. 



Bro. Alexander asked to be excused from serving on Commit- 

 tee on Good of the Ol'der, and that Bro. B urges be substituted 

 in his place. 



Request granted. 



Bro. Frew, the State Purchasing Agent, made the following 

 report, which, on motion, was referred to Committee on Good 

 of the Order: 



Worthy Patrons: 



In presenting this, my second annual report, I will preface 

 my remarks by saying, that owing to severe family afflictions 

 for more than two months past, I have to omit considerable 

 statistical intormation 1 would like to have gathered, but as I 

 understood much of it would be embraced in other reports to be 

 made here, I gave the matter but little attention. 



As soon as possible after the last meeting of the State Grange, 

 I issued my Coufidential Circulars and Price List to the Granges 

 for 1875. Owing to the lateness of the meeting, it was impos- 

 sible to place this circular in the hands of Secretaries in time 

 for them to secure the best advantages in ordering implements 

 for Spring work. They were mailed by our Worthy Secretary, 

 with printed matter he was sending out, to economize in the 

 matter of postage, he too having the only complete mailing 

 list. 



None but those who have attempted to prepare such work for 

 the printer, can realize the many tedious and annoying deten- 

 tions that retard the work. Manufacturing companies have 

 their meetings at regular times as do the Granges, and when any 

 special understanding is wanted, it is not unfrequently the case 

 that it is necessary to wait until their regular meeting, or the 

 return from a journey of an important member of the com- 

 pany. It is very important that a fair understanding is obtained 

 before publishing terms all over the State, otherwise great diffi- 

 culties and dissatisfaction arise. 



The first part of the year my time was fully occupied in 

 answering correspondents in regard to inquiries for implements 

 and machinery. I congratulate myself upon the fact, that in 

 almost every instance seeming satisfaction was given, and I here 

 tender my thanks to the members of the Order for their kind 

 forbearance while awaiting my replies. 



It will be observed that some manufacturers slightly advanced 

 their prices above what they offered last year. It is evident that 



