CONSTITUTION. 169 



The soil is the source from whence we derive all that constitutes 

 wealth ; without it, we would have no agriculture, no manufactures, 

 no commerce. Of all the material gifts of the Creator, the various 

 productions of the vegetable world are of the first importance. The 

 art of agriculture is the parent and precursor of all arts, and its pro 

 ducts the foundation of all wealth. 



The productions of the earth are subject to the influence of natural 

 laws, invariable and indisputable; the amount produced will, conse 

 quently, be in proportion to the intelligence of the producer, and 

 success will depend upon his knowledge of the action of these laws, 

 and the proper application of their principles. 



Hence, knowledge is the foundation of happiness. 



The ultimate object of this organization is mutual instruction 

 and protection, to lighten labor by diffusing a knowledge of its aims 

 and purposes, to expand the mind by tracing the beautiful laws the 

 Great Creator has established in the universe, and to enlarge our 

 views of Creative wisdom and power. 



To those who read aright, history proves that in all ages society is 

 fragmentary, and successful results of general welfare can be secured 

 only by general effort. Unity of action can not be acquired without 

 discipline, and discipline can not be enforced without significant or 

 ganization ; hence, we have a ceremony of initiation, which binds us 

 in mutual fraternity as with a band of iron ; but although its influ 

 ence is so powerful, its application is as gentle as that of the silken 

 thread that binds a wreath of flowers. 



The Patrons of Husbandry consist of the following : 



CONSTITUTION. 



ARTICLE I. Officers. Section 1. The officers of a Grange, either 

 National, State, or Subordinate, consist of and rank as follows : Mas 

 ter, Overseer, Lecturer, Steward, Assistant Steward, Chaplain, Treas 

 urer, Secretary, Gate-Keeper, Ceres, Pomona, Flora, and Lady 

 Assistant Steward. It is their duty to see that the laws of the Order 

 are carried out. 



Sec. 2. How Chosen. In the Subordinate Granges they shall be 

 chosen annually ; in the State Granges once in two years, and in the 

 National Grange once in three years. All elections to be by ballot. 



Vacancies by death or resignation to be filled at a special election 

 at the next regular meeting thereof officers so chosen to serve until 

 the annual meeting. 



Sec. 3. The Master of the National Grange may appoint members 

 of the Order as Deputies to organize Granges where no State Grange 

 exists. 



Sec. 4. There shall be an Executive Committee of the National 

 Grange, consisting of three members, whose term of office shall be 

 three years, and one of whom shall be elected each year. 



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