266 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Jan. 



thousand oro-anized farmers of New England, we demanded 

 the passage of that bill. That meant something. If we had 

 sent it in the name of A, B, C and D, it would have passed 

 away ; but when we spoke of forty thousand organized farm- 

 ers of New England, they thought it was time to listen. I 

 might speak further of the work of this organization in shap- 

 ing national legislation as well as State, but I will not take 

 up your time. I do, however, wish to say to you, Mr. 

 Secretary, that we appreciate this innovation in your work 

 in giving us an opportunity to be heard, and assure you that 

 the State Grange of Massachusetts will ever be ready to co- 

 operate with you in every measure that shall help to purify 

 the politics of our State, that shall help to establish temper- 

 ance in our homes, and that shall help to build up and foster 

 Massachusetts agriculture. [Applause.] 



The Chairman. Our essayist will be glad to answer any 

 questions which you may wish to put to her on the subject- 

 matter of the essay. 



Mr. Myrick. I should like to ask how she solves the 

 hired-help question in the house ? 



Mrs. Chase. I have never had any. 



Mr. Mtrick. Well, Mr. Secretary and Mr. Chairman, let 

 me say that if every farmer was fixed the way Brother Chase 

 is, we should hear no complaint about farmir^ not paying. 



The Chairman then invited any of the ladies present to 

 make remarks upon the topic before the meeting ; but, none 

 responding, he called upon Mr. H. A. Barton, Jr., of 

 Dalton, Master of the Massachusetts State Grange, to ad- 

 dress the meeting. 



REMARKS OF H. A. BARTON, Jr. 

 Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, — It is a pleasure 

 to me to say a word or two here this morning, in connection 

 with the subject which has been so ably and so practically 

 placed before us in the address to which we have listened 

 with so much interest. As has been stated to you by the 

 Chairman of the meeting, within the past few days I have 

 pursued the duties of Master of the State Grange of Massa- 

 chusetts, and I hardly saw how I could spare the time to 



