SOME farmers' organizations. 289 



where rural interests are homogeneous, and where a compara- 

 tively dense population conduces to large and regular attend- 

 ance, with corresponding opportunities for discussion before 

 action. In the larger and newer states, in wliich rural 

 interests are more or less diverse, where there is less inter- 

 course between farmers, in or out of the Grange, and where a 

 prevalent speculative spirit has warped t])e judgment of the 

 people, there seems less ability to get the full grasp of all sides 

 of practical economic subjects, wliich is an essential i)rcrequi- 

 site to wise decision. In the nature of things this condition 

 will improve. 



The presence of woman in the Grange is of the utmost 

 value. Without woman it is quite safe to say there could be 

 no Grange. They bring to the order the social and recreative 

 element of which rural people stand in most need. They 

 have not always the training or the temperament suitable for 

 wise discussion of economic questions which directly involve 

 their domestic interests, but they seldom attempt to discuss 

 them, and usually vote with their husbands. But they keep 

 the Grange in existence, which men alone would never do. 

 The ritual of the Grange is well conceived and well written. 

 When well rendered it is very pleasing. It is not always well 

 rendered, but there is no doubt that the use of a ritual, and 

 the observance of the little ceremonies which are used in 

 friendly societies, is of great value in accustoming those whose 

 environment is sometimes rude, to the trifling courtesies which 

 make social intercourse agreeable. There are a few who object 

 to the Grange because of its "secrecy." I can not, myself, 

 however, understand how any one can object to a mere promise 

 not to tell a few things of no earthly consequence in them'- 

 selves, and which have been found essential to the permanence 

 of the society. There is no record of the survival of any 

 important society of farmers for promoting local and general 

 welfare, except upon the principle of "fraternity" as exempli- 

 fied in a friendly society. The friendly society, with its ritual, 

 has proved, by survival in many forms, that it is adapted to 

 the nature of mankind. When other societies of general 

 membership are formed, they die. Farmers must probably 

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