ORGANIZING THE NATIONAL GRANGE. 133 



counteract the influences that had long been at work, in 

 various directions, to divert the legitimate profits from the 

 hands of the farmer. 



After a free and most earnest discussion of the means best 

 adapted to forward the project, it was resolved to organize 

 the National Grange. A ballot for officers resulted in the 

 election of the following : William Saunders, of the District 

 of Columbia, Master; J. R. Thompson, of Vermont, Lec 

 turer; Anson Bartlett, of Ohio, Overseer; Wm. Muir, of 

 Missouri, Steward; A. S. Moss, of New York, Assistant 

 Steward ; Rev. A. B. Grosh, of Pennsylvania, Chaplain ; Wm. 

 M. Ireland, of Pennsylvania, Treasurer ; 0. H. Kelley, of 

 Minnesota, Secretary; and Edward P. Paris, of Illinois, 

 Gate-Keeper. 



The persons thus elected were not all present, but they 

 were all well known, and were selected because of their inter 

 est in the Order, and the constancy which they had shown 

 in supporting the new movement. The majority of them had 

 been earnest and untiring in the establishment of the Order ; 

 they had matured their plan of operation so far as possible ; 

 and it was necessary that sufficient time be given to carry 

 out this plan, according to the pre-conceived idea. In the 

 discussion of ways and means, it was decided, therefore, 

 that this election should be for five years. 



