THE GRANGE 143 



down to them ample local powers. The ma 

 chinery is thus strongly centralized, and subor 

 dinate Granges are absolutely dependent units 

 of a great whole. Yet the principle of home rule 

 pervades the organization; and local associa 

 tions are responsible for their own methods 

 and the results of their work, though their offi 

 cers usually work in harmony with the State 

 and National Granges. 



Perhaps the clearest conception of what the 

 order originally meant to do can be gained from 

 a few quotations from the Declaration of Pur 

 poses of the National Grange, which was pro 

 mulgated over thirty years ago, and is still in 

 force: 



We shall endeavor to advance our cause by laboring 

 to accomplish the following objects: 



To develop a better and higher manhood and woman 

 hood among ourselves. To enhance the comfort and 

 attractions of our homes and to strengthen our attach 

 ments to our pursuits. To foster mutual understanding 

 and co-operation. To maintain inviolate our laws, 

 and to emulate each other in labor, to hasten the good 

 time coming. To reduce our expenses, both individual 

 and corporate. To buy less and produce more, in order 

 to make our farms self-sustaining. To diversify our 

 crops and crop no more than we can cultivate. To con 

 dense the weight of our exports, selling less in the bushel 



