122 THE GHOUNDSWELL. 



m 



social organization has known since the advent of man upon 

 the earth. 



WHAT A GRANGE IS NOT. 



The Grange is not a political organization, and, notwith 

 standing the efforts of politicians to sway its destinies, so far 

 they have signally failed. Therefore, any person, of what 

 soever political creed, eligible to the rites of the Order, may 

 become a member. 



It is not a religious Order. Its record on that score is as 

 broad as the Constitution of the United States. Hence, all 

 persons may meet here provided, simply, that they recog 

 nize a Supreme Being on terms of perfect equality. 



It is not an Order composed solely of the male sex. It 

 includes both men and women, and herein is one great mani 

 festation of sagacity in its founders. Herein, again, lies its 

 pre-eminent strength ; as the best bow-anchor it will hold 

 the ship secure at its moorings, where, when not under sail 

 fighting for the rights of the brotherhood, in its harbor of 

 safety, no groundswells rising in the sea of discord can 

 injure it. 



It is not partisan in its nature, favoring one class at the 

 expense of another; asking no more than simple justice at 

 the hands of its enemies, nor desiring that which it is not 

 willing to concede. The Grange teaches that &quot; Human hap 

 piness is the acme of earthly ambition.&quot; 



It is not sectional in its aims. For, while all are properly 

 excluded from the Order, who have not a direct interest in 

 Agriculture, it is not in antagonism with any industry, but 

 rather seeks to foster and build up industries of every kind; 

 holding that &quot;Individual happiness depends upon the gen 

 eral prosperity. * 



