Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 December 1874 — Politics and the grange. [ARTICLE]

Politics and the grange.

We are not a political organization. We do not propose to become such. In the declaration of principles as adopted at the last session of the National Grange, at St. Louis, and reaffirmed at the last session of the Ohio State Grange, we emphatically and squarely settle that question. so that there cannot possibly be any doubt on that point, when it says: “We emphatically and sincerely assert the oft-repeated truth, taught in our organic law, that theTSrange, National, State or subordinate, is not a political or party organization” No Grange, if true to its obligation, can discuss political or religious questions, nor nominate candidates, nor even discuss their merits in its meetings; yet the principles we teach underlie all politics, all statesmanship, and if properly carried out will tend to purify the whole political atmosphere of our country, for we seek “the greatest good to the greatest number.” But we must always bear in mind that no one, by becoming a Grange member, gives up that inalienable right and duty which belongs to every American citizen, to take a proper interest in the politics of his country. On the contrary, it is right for every member to do all in his power, legitimately, to influence for good the action of any political party to which lie belongs, Jt is bis duty to do all he can, in his own party, to put down bribery, corruption and trickery; to see that none but honest, competent and faithful men, who will unflinchingly stand by our industrial interests, are nominated for all positions of trust, and to have carried out the principles which always characterize every Grange member, that the office should* “seek the man and not the man the office.” We acknowledge the broad principle that difference of opinion is no crime, and hold that progress toward truth is made by differences of opinion, while the fault lies in the bitterness of .the controversy. We should be awake to the dangers that threaten us. Many designing men, desirous to grind some ax of their own, will take an immense interest in the Patrons and their welfare just before an annual election, to secure their suffrages. Those secured, and they are done with you until another one comes around, and then they are at their old tricks again. We should scan, scrupulously, every step taken and every measure advocated by Such warm friends of the farmer; and more especially these latter ones. “As flies and bugs are attracted by a bright light at night, so are these hungry 'officeseekers swarming around and into the Grange.” 0 These politicians, should they succeed in getting in as members, will either frustrate the adoption ysf efficient measures within the Grange, or mislead to wrong and injurious steps. They will not hesitate to Commit the Grange to ridiculous notions and foolish tenets; and, by ihe thousand and one tricks known to their craft, attempt to hamper legislation in the interests of the farmer. — IS. J. West , in an Address before the Patrons of Husbandry M Blanchester, Ohio.