478 HISTORY OF THE GRANGE MOVEMENT ; OR, 



and untiring efforts the success that has so far crowned 

 this experiment is, in very great measure, due, thinks 

 this figure too high, though he has no data from which 

 to make an estimate. The Grange has not only bene- 

 fited its own members by its cooperative purchases, but 

 has caused a reduction in the prices of all kinds of 

 farming implements, sewing machines, etc., in the 

 stores and when sold by agents. A single example 

 will illustrate this fact. A year ago, when the agents 

 for the sale of a certain cultivator supposed that they 

 had the entire control of the market, they charged $35, 

 and threatened to raise the price. Since the Grange 

 has been purchasing similar cultivators for $26.25, the 

 agents have reduced their prices to $30. 



" The manner of conducting this cooperative buying 

 is very simple, although to insure success it is necessary 

 to place it in the hands of competent and honest men. 

 Mr. J. D. Whitman, the State agent, has his office at 

 Des Moines, and is the principal manager. He gives a 

 bond of $50,000 for the honest and faithful perform- 

 ance of his duties, and receives a small salary. In 

 each county of the State there is a County agent, who 

 may also be placed under bonds, if the Granges of the 

 county think it necessary. The State agent places 

 himself in communication with manufacturers and 

 wholesale merchants, learns the terms on which they 

 will sell their goods to the Granges, makes contracts 

 with them when it is desirable, and informs the Granges 

 by circular of the prices, etc. Orders may then be 

 given through either the State or County agents. All 

 orders must be accompanied by the cash to pay for the 

 article desired, and a certificate from the Master of the 

 Grange that the purchaser is a member of the Order. 



