THE GRANGE 153 



members. In his Division and Reunion, Presi- 

 dent Woodrow Wilson speaks of it under the 

 sub-title of "New Parties." Professor Alex- 

 ander Johnston, in his American Politics was 

 more discriminating, for he said of it: "In its 

 nature it is not political. " But he also said: 

 "Its object is co-operation among farmers, in 

 purchasing and in other business interests.' ' 

 The first conception of the character of the order 

 is wholly misleading; the second is inadequate. 

 The Grange is not a party. It never was a 

 party. During the "Granger legislation" pe- 

 riod, many members doubtless misconceived 

 the true function of the Grange, and abused the 

 power organization gave them, while the popular 

 mind credited the association with many notions 

 for which it was not responsible. It has never 

 organized itself as a farmers' party. The Na- 

 tional Grange has endeavored to keep strictly 

 aloof from partisan politics. It is possible that 

 in some states the influence of the organization 

 was, in the early days, used for partisan pur- 

 poses; but the penalty was fully paid in the 

 disruption of the order in those states. The 

 Grange today regards partisanship as poison- 

 ous to its life, and does not allow it on its 

 shelves. 



