24 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



as a general tliinsr manutacturers did not realize the patronage 

 in Illinois they had in other States that were working under 

 systematic purchasing. I attribute the rise in prices mainly to 

 this. 



Immediately after the meeting of the State Grange there was 

 an encouraging interest manifested among the Granges nearly 

 all over the State. I was glad to hear of the appointing of 

 County Agents in many places. In February there were but 

 32 agents who had reported to me, while about May 66 had 

 reported. About the middle of June I sent out a list of ques- 

 tions to these agents, asking if they had sample-rooms? If so, 

 what size? What amount of capital invested? How the money 

 was raised? What quantity of goods purchased during the 

 year? What amount saved? What are future prospects? I 

 received favorable answers from but 2'J:. 11 reported no rooms 

 or capital, and the balance made no report, or else that the 

 enterprise had been abandoned. In a few instances their busi- 

 ness was wholly in the hands of some of their home merchants. 



In summing up this state of affair^, I rejiorted to the Execu- 

 tive Committee that I could but regard the system of county 

 agencies a failure, working as they were.. By referring to my 

 report of last year, you will remember I was compelled to report 

 the work a failure in this department owing to discordant ele- 

 ments in the Executive Committee. I freely confess that when 

 you made me your almost unaniTnous choice for the present year, 

 I accepted the position with much pleasure, believing that with 

 the experience T had acquired, together with the co-operation of 

 the new Executive Committee the record of the past year could be 

 wiped out and a healthy trade inaugurated. that Avould impart a 

 new life to the Order. But. while such were ray anticipations, I 

 am sorry to say I am compelled to report my fond hopes blasted, 

 knowing well that the business stands in no better condition 

 than it did a year ago. It is true in some counties they have 

 their Grange stores, but they are every one working separately, 

 not two counties in the State co-operating. 



I will state some of the causes of failure, the first of which is: 

 that about three-fourths of the delegates to the last meeting of 

 the State Grange had so little interest in the work that they 

 left for home before plans were matured for this most important 

 department in the Order. Consequently there was no alterna- 

 tive other than for the work to fall back into the hands of the 

 Executive Committee with what results experience shows. Until 

 the Subordinate Granges are careful in sending representatives 

 that will remain to finish uj) their work, just so long will they have 

 to abide by the consequences. In view of these facts, therefore, 

 I urge every delegate to remain until the last click of the gavel 

 announces the closing of the Grange. 



