556 RURAL SOCIOLOGY 



We desire a proper equality, equity and fairness; protection 

 for the weak; restraint upon the strong; in short, justly dis- 

 tributed burdens and justly distributed power. These are 

 American ideas, the very essence of American independence, 

 and to advocate the contrary is unworthy of the sons and 

 daughters of an American republic. 



We cherish the belief that sectionalism is, and of right should 

 be, dead and buried with the past. Our work is for the 

 present and the future. In our agricultural brotherhood and 

 its purposes we shall recognize no North, no South, no East and 

 no West. 



It is reserved by every Patron, as the right of a freeman, to 

 affiliate with any party that will best carry out his principles. 



OUTSIDE COOPERATION 



6. Ours being peculiarly a farmers' institution, we can not ad- 

 mit all to our ranks. 



Many are excluded by the nature of our organization, not be- 

 cause they are professional men, or artisans, or laborers, but 

 because they have not a sufficiently direct interest in tilling the 

 soil, or may have some interest in conflict with our purposes. 

 But we appeal to all good citizens for their cordial cooperation 

 and assistance in our efforts toward reform, that we may event- 

 ually remove from our midst the last vestige of tyranny and 

 corruption. 



We hail the general desire for fraternal harmony, equitable 

 compromises and earnest cooperation, as an omen of our future 

 success. 



CONCLUSION 



7. It shall be an abiding principle with us to relieve any of 

 our oppressed and suffering brotherhood by any means at our 

 command. 



Last but not least, we proclaim it among our purposes to 

 inculcate a proper appreciation of the abilities and sphere of 

 woman as is indicated by admitting her to membership and 

 position in our Order. 



Imploring the continued assistance of our Divine Master to 

 guide us in our work, we here pledge ourselves to faithful and 



