154 CHAPTERS IN RURAL PROGRESS 



This is not to say that the Grange makes no 

 appeal to legislation. It is possible that in some 

 cases it places too much faith in law as a means 

 of emancipation from economic bondage; but, 

 in the main, its legislative point of view is sane 

 and conservative. It believes that such ills as 

 are due to bad or imperfect legislation can be, 

 at least partly, relieved by good or more perfect 

 legislation. Nor does it limit its interest to 

 measures that concern the farmer alone. It is 

 unalterably opposed to class legislation, and 

 aims to keep its own skirts clear to avoid even 

 the suspicion of offence in this particular. 



It may be asked, How does the order manage 

 to advocate public measures without becoming 

 involved in partisan squabbles? Simply by 

 ceasing to discuss a question the moment it 

 becomes a party football. For instance: the 

 monetary policy of the government was warmly 

 discussed until the conventions of 1896 made it 

 clear that it was to be a party issue. Again: 

 the Grange has consistently urged the construc 

 tion and ownership of the Interoceanic Canal 

 by the United States government; but it was 

 silent on the larger question of " imperialism," 

 not because the question was not of importance, 

 but because it became a subject of party con- 



