SELECTING A NAME. 131 



It is a singular fact in connection with the Order, that, of 

 the original members, not one of them, it is believed, except 

 Mr. Kelley, ever organized a subordinate Grange. ISTo less 

 remarkable is the fact that, of those early correspondents 

 who gave substantial aid and encouragement in earnest 

 words of praise, not more than five or six have ever taken 

 an active part in the practical work of the Order. Thomas 

 B. Bryan, of Chicago, for instance, early in the organization, 

 felt deeply its necessity, urged strongly its merits, and gave 

 liberally of his means, while yet the Order was in its greatest 

 straits. At various times, the funds freely given by this 

 gentleman were urgently needed. These gifts, too, possessed 

 the added merit of having been earned in legitimate and 

 honorable business pursuits; and, unlike the large sums 

 occasionally donated, with so much ostentation, by the rail 

 road and other Wall Street jobbers to found religious and 

 other institutions, his donations were neither given to divert 

 public opinion, nor to cover up some nefarious scheme, by 

 which the ill-gotten wealth was obtained, nor yet to smother 

 by good deeds the cries of the struggling masses, by whose 

 blood and sweat it was gathered. 



SELECTING A NAME. 



In September, 1867, a circular was prepared by the lead 

 ers in the movement, and sent out to individuals prominent 

 in agriculture. This document stated what had been so far 

 done toward organizing the system for association and co 

 operation* Suggestions were asked for, and, among other 

 things, as to the proper name to be adopted, in case the 

 project met their approval. Responses came, which, as a 

 rule, were favorable to the work contemplated ; suggestions 



