THE AGRICULTURAL WHEEL. 209 



Therefore, we have formed the National Agricultural Wheel of the 

 United States of America for the purpose of organizing and directing 

 the powers of the industrial masses, but not as a political party. In 

 this organization are sentiments and measures for the benefit of the 

 whole people, yet it should be borne in mind, when exercising the right 

 of suffrage, that many of the objects herein set forth can only be obtained 

 through legislation. 



ARTICLE I. 



NAMES AND POWERS. 



SECTION i. This organization shall be known as the National Agricul- 

 tural Wheel of the United States of America. 



SEC. 2. It shall be the body to which all appeals shall be made, ema- 

 nating from the State Agricultural Wheels. 



ARTICLE II. 



OBJECTS OF THE ORDER. 



SECTION i. The objects of the order shall be to unite fraternally all 

 acceptable citizens, male and female, over the age of eighteen years, 

 who are actually engaged in the occupation of farming ; also all mechan- 

 ics who are engaged in the pursuit of their respective trades ; provided 

 that no lawyer, merchant, banker, nor the proprietor of any manufactur- 

 ing establishment who employs more than three hands, shall be eligible 

 to membership : and provided further, that there shall be separate organ- 

 izations for white and colored. 



SEC. 2. To give all possible moral and material aid in its power to its 

 members, and those depending on its members, by holding instructive 

 lectures, by encouraging each other in business, and by assisting each 

 other to obtain employment. 



SEC. 3. The improvement of its members in the theory and practice 

 of agriculture, and the dissemination of knowledge relating to rural and 

 farming affairs. 



SEC. 4. To ameliorate the condition of farmers, in every possible 

 manner. 



ARTICLE III. 



TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING. 



SECTION i. Its meetings shall be held annually, on the second Wednes- 

 day of October, and at such place as shall be determined by a majority 

 of all of the representatives present in the National Agricultural Wheel. 



