176 SECOND ANNUAL MEETING. 



sought for, and then, but not until then, can we sit under our own 

 vines and fig-trees without molestation, and enjoy the fruits of our 

 labors. 



The death of Sister Stephens, one of the charter members 

 of the Stockton Grange, having occurred during this session, 

 the State Grange adjourned for the purpose of attending her 

 funeral, and with the solemn and impressive service of the Or 

 der, the remains of the deceased bister were committed, to the 

 grave. 



On the evening of the third day, the hall having been duly 

 prepared, the Fifth Degree was conferred upon one hundred and 

 four Masters and thirty-six Matrons; when the festival of Po 

 mona was celebrated by two hundred of her votaries. The 

 creed of the Patron requires that the social features of the 

 Order be ever held as of the highest importance. 



A great number of resolutions were presented and discussed 

 during the session, which illustrated the benefits of the Grange 

 in calling attention to defects in legislation, and the bearings 

 of other pursuits and interests upon agriculture. Among the 

 more important resolutions adopted were the following: 



Whereas, The State Grange of California believes that conference 

 and consultation with transportation companies is preferable to leg 

 islation, when it can accomplish the same. Therefore, 



Resolved, That our Executive Committee be requested to confer 

 with the Directors of the Central Pacific Railroad Company, and 

 see if they cannot secure from them such reductions on freights and 

 fares as may seem desirable and just; also, that they confer with 

 other transportation companies of our coast for similar reductions. 



Resolved, That in view of the great scarcity of domestic help in 

 this State, it shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to take 

 immediate steps to perfect such arrangements with the Order in the 

 Atlantic States, as will enable us to import female help under the 

 auspices of the Order. 



Resolved, That the attention of the farmers of this State should 

 be directed to the culture of cotton as one of the staples, thereby 

 producing that diversity of products so necessary to develop our 

 agricultural wealth. 



Resolved, That as soon as the Secretary of the State Grange is 

 notified of the ratification of the amendments to the Constitution of 

 the National Grange by the proper authority, the Executive Com 

 mittee of the State Grange are hereby authorized to establish regu 

 lations for the organization of County or District Granges. 



Resolved, That the Executive Committee are hereby authorized to 

 immediately mature a plan for the incorporation of the State Grange 

 as a corporate body, for the purpose of carrying out the demands 

 of our Order. 



