Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 January 1875 — Material Work of the Granges. [ARTICLE]

Material Work of the Granges.

For a mutual industrial movement the Grange challenges universal wonder and admiration. It is the most perfect system of 00-operation ever devised—organized for the purpose of protection and advancement fef the social and material interests of agricultural producers, the Grange has long since assumed proportions that compel the respect of every other combination in the land. If it continues to follow the path which has been marked out, and which a wise sagacity and the best common sense indorses, it . cannot go amiss in anything that may be honorably proposed. The Order and the movement spring from the very foundation of the social fabric and has a basis as broad as society itself. The multipli cation of Granges in the different States is something really marvelous. The spirit of the organization is even more marvelous. As an elevating agent in society it is unmistakable. As a purifying agent in public aflairs nothing could possibly b* conceived more fitting or effectual. Though absolutely devoid of political character or organization, it has in the recent elections sent consternation and dismay into the ranks of unprincipled politicians in every State in the Union. As a body they are bent on ignoring parties and party dictation. They will vote for'none but honest men, no matter how they may be nominated. They go in for the purification of politics, not by party nominations, but by direct, conscientious, individual votipg at the polls. They go in for putting down the influence of corrupt men everywhere. They are opposed to corrupt rings, whether in pul ities or business, and favor a wholesome restraint upon grasping and overreach-

ing monopolies. This determination means that every legitimate business and enterprise in the country shall be open and free to every citizen who desires to engage in them, and that all, both individuals and corporations; shall be alike regulated and restrained by law when they attempt to obstruct the ordinary channels of business, or, by combination, seek to unduly oppress their weaker neighbors. It means that competition shall be encouraged and protected, or at least permitted to have its full influence on productions, trade and transportation.—zbnmam patron.