3Cr3
811
ILLINOIS STATE GMN<
PROCEEDINGS
18 76
L IBURY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY
Of 1LLI NOIS
365
I
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
STATE GRANGE OF ILLINOIS
AT THK
FIFTH ANNUAL SESSION,
HELD IX THB
CITY OF DECATUR,
December 12, 13, 14jand 15, 1876'
OFFICERS
OF THE
rm\$t of $jllinai$.
Master— A. P. FORSYTH, Isabel, Edgar County.
Overseer— JOHN DOWNEN, Industry, McDouough Co.
Lecturer— ALONZO QOLDER, Rock Falls, Whiteside Co.
Steward— JOHN ODEL, Champaign, Champaign County.
Assist. Steward — R. R. FIELD, Thompson, Carroll County.
Chaplain — L. F. FARNHAM, Warren, JoDavicss County.
Treasurer— J. 8. ARMSTRONG, Sheridan, LaSalle County.
Secretary— J. M. CHAMBERS, Freeport, Stephenson Co.
Gate-keeper— J. F. RANDOLPH, Canton, Fulton County.
Ceres— Mrs. L. D. EDWARDS, Franklin Crossing, Rock
Island County.
Pomona— Mrs. B. J. VAN COURT, OFallon, St. Clair Co.
Flora— Mrs. W. C. TROTT, Bloomington, McLean County.
L. A. Steward — Mrs.P. L. MYERS, Assumption, Christian co
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR 1877.
Chairman— R. E. Logan,
Morrison, Whiteside Co.
Secretary— D. N. Foster,
Sterling, Whiteside Co.
A. J. Alexander, Gilman,
Iroquois Co.
E.A. Gil ler, White Hall,
Green Co.
A. P. Forsyth, Ex Officio,
Isabel, Edgar Co.
3
v
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS.
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FIRST DAY.
MORNING SESSION.
Decatur, Illinois, \
Tuesday, December 12th. J"
The State Grange of Illinois met for its Fifth Annual ses-
sion, in Good Templars' Hall, in the city of Decatur, and
was opened in due form, in the fifth degree, at 10 o'clock
A. M. Worthy Master A. P. Forsyth in the chair.
cr^; OFFICERS PRESENT.
Master, A P. FORSYTH.
Overseer Pro Tem, E. A. GILLER.
Lecturer, ALONZO GOLDER.
Steward, JOHN ODELL.
Asslst. Steward Pro Tem, R. C. STERRITT.
Chaplain, L. F. FARNHAM.
Treasurer, J. S. ARMSTRONG.
Secretary, J. M. CHAMBERS.
Gate Keeper Pro Tem,.... JAMES McGREW.
Ceres, MRS. L. D. EDWARDS.
Pomona Pro Tem, MRS. L. SNOAD.
Flora Pro Tem, MRS. PARR.
L. Asst. Steward, MRS. P. L. MYERS.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
A. J. ALEXANDER, D. N ^CT^« G N AVDFRmiv
Worthy Master declared the Grange open in the fourth,
degree, wjien a large number of fourth degree members
and visitors were admitted.
Bro. Porter, of Warren County, moved that a committee
of rive be appointed on Credentials, with instructions to
report at once.
The Worthy Master announced th«k following, as the.
Committee on Credentials':
Bro. Porter, of Warren County.
Bro. Laws, of Clark County.
Bro. Tunnel!, of Macoupin County.
Bro. MeConnell, of Sangamon County.
Bro. McLaughlin, of Scott County.
Master declared recess of w-n minutes, to enable Com-
mittee to work.
Upon the fall of the Worthy Master's gavel, Bro. Porter,
Chairman of Committee on Credentials, made the following'
partial report :
Worthy Master :
Your Committee have examined the credentials, and
find the following members entitled to vote in this body :
Adam* county — R. C. Sterritt.
Brown county — John Bui'gesser.
Coles county— L. W. Lanman.
Champaign county — W. F. Hardy.
Christian county — W. L. Cohenour.
Clark county — M mi) ford Laws.
Clay count y — Samuel Enyart.
Clinton county — H. M. Almy.
Dewitt county — John Nearing.
Efflnghajit county — Samuel Field.
Edwards county— W. A. Shelby.
Fayette county — William Bennett.
Fulton county — L. H. Deihl.
Fo&l eounty — Wales Barrett.
Grteiw roxmty—E,. A. Giller. .
»
Hancock county — L. L. Wilcox.
Iroquois county — 0. Leu therm an.
Jackson county — C. VV. Easterly.
Jasper county — J. Z. Winterowd.
Jo Daviess county — Charles Boone.
Johnson county — J. M. Ridenhower.
Kankakee county— A. Mellen.
Lake county — D. G. Smith .
LaSaJh county — E. Rowland.
Lawrence ccmnty—S. A. Fyfle.
Livingston county— K. W. Pearson.
Logan county— .). A. Critchfield.
Macon county — P. F. Lehman.
Madison county — Edward Bodge rs.
Marion county — R. W. Fullerton.
Menard wunty — G. VV. Quaintance.
Mason county — Thomas Hu^croft.
McLean county — J, D. Lewis.
Mercer county— S. J. Frew.
Moultrie county — G. W-. Vaughn.
Montgomery county — James Kerr.
Macoupin county — John Tunnell.
Ogle county — A. Maltby.
Peoria, county — Charles Mayo.
Pike county — Parvin Shinn.
Putnam county — Oliver Wilson.
-Richland comity — J. Lee Monroe.
Rock Inland county — L. D. Edward*.
Saline county — VV. L. Mitchell.
Sangamon county — E. F. McConnell.
Schuyler county — M. W. Greer.
Scott county — W. G . Mc La ugh 1 i n .
Shelby cmmty — C. W. March.
Stark county— E. P. Wright.
Stephenson county — Ira GJrippeh.
Vermillion county — J. Sharp.
6
Warren county — J. i). Porter.
Washington county — H. G. Whittenberg.
Wayne county — James McGrew.
White county — Francis M. Charles.
Whiteside county — R. E. Logan.
WiU county— Charles Snoad and Sister Snoad.
Williamson county — J. T. Hill.
Winnebago county — Webster Osborne.
Woodford county— Morris H. Wart.
Committee.
Motion made to adopt the report as read.
Bro. Logan moved to amend by striking out name o f
Sister Snoad from Will county. Amendment carried.
Report, as amended, adopted.
Worthy Master tnen delivered the following annual
address, which was referred to a special committee of
three:
Brothers and Sisters :
Time in its onward march brings us to the close of an-
other year. And in accordance with the provisions of law,
we have assembled in annual meeting to recount the labors
of the past, and devise plans for the future. For the bless-
ings which have crowned and enriched the year, let us be de-
voutly thankful to the Giver of all good. The past year has
"been a marked one in the history of our Order. Those who
from design, or otherwise, have mistaken the object for which
our Order was founded, conceiving it to be nothing more nor
less than a mere political organization, supported and carried
forward in the interest of designing men, prophesied its down-
fall with the close of the exciting political contest through
which the country has just passed. This, instead of resulting
m the overthrow of our Order, has giving additional strength
to it,
Because it has demonstrated to every candid and fair-
minded person that as an Order, we occupy a higher and no-
bler plane than a mere partisan one. That its mission is not
to degrade, but to elevate and enoble. Not to sink the indi-
▼idual to a mere partisan level, bat to elevate him to the
position of a trae patriot and citizen. From this time forth
it is to be hoped that our assemblies, instead of having at-
tached to them political * significance, will be recognized in
their proper light, indicating upon the part of the agricul-
turists of the country an enhanced appreciation of the ad-
vantages of a higher culture and an intelligent desire for
that perfection in their calling that will enable them to
successfully compete for that inestimable boon of earthly
existence — human happiness. The causes which necessitated
the Order of Patrons of Husbandry still exist and demand
its perpetuity. The good we have alieady accomplished
through organised effort is an earnest of the grand achiev-
ments of the future made possible by an intelligent will and
well directed effort.
The noise and excitement incident to and connected with
the first introduction of the Order among the people has
subsided. To the casual observer, this is indicative of de-
cline. But this does not necessarily follow as a result of thi3
teeming want of interest. It is true there is not so much en-
thusiasm apparent among our members as at first. This has
been succeeded by sober thought. Nor is the falling off in
membership which has occurred during the past two years
an evidence of a loss of strength. For the fact is evident to
my mind that we still retain all the real strength we ever
had. No true friend of his class or of the Order has gone
away from us. Every Brother and Sister who has a true
comprehension of the magnitude and importance ot the worK
before them are found in the ranks of our Order to-day, with
them there is no abatement of interest, no intention of giviag
up the strife or of quietly submitting to further encroach-
ments of the evils which have afBicted them for years.
Asking no exclusive privileges for themselves, but de-
manding equal and exact justice for all. With a firm reli-
ance in the justness of their cause, laboring in hope of and
in patience waiting for the good time coming when they
shall be freed from the tyranny 'and oppression of wrong.
The words of encouragement which, from year to year, has*
greeted them from this chair shall suffer *©■ abatement at my
bands. The future is full of promise, and no real cause for dis-
couragement is appareut. On the contrary, there is much t#
stimulate and encourage. Peace ami harmony prevail in the
Order throughout the State, and I see no good reason why we
may not enjoy a lime of general prosperity during the winter,
eo that with augmented numbers aud increased facilities, we
may attain to still greater achievements.
The Executive committee believing that the best interests
of the Order demanded that some one should visit through-
out the State and lecture upon the work, objects and aims of
the Grange, to the end that greater uniformity of work might
fee secured, and a more thorough and perfect organization
Drought about, the Master of the State Grange was requested
by the committee to undertake this work, believing that the
demand was imperative, that something must be. done to
counteract the influences that were operating against the Or-
der and affecting its power and usefulness, I consented to per-
form this extra service — a work which was neither contem-
plated or provided for by the State Grange. In pursuance of
this plan, I have visited sixty three of the one hundred and
two counties in the State, with an outlay to the State Grange
of but fSO 00, the necessary travelling expenses being fully
met by the counties visited — less the amount above stated. I
was received by the Patrons of the several counties visited
with marked respect and fraternal cordiality. In a majority
of the counties two meetings were held — one in public and
one inside the gates.
These visits have afforded an opportunity for gaining an
insight into the workings of the Order, unattainable by any
other means. Irregularities have been corrected, defects dis-
covered and pointed out, the advantages ot organization more
fully explained and demonstrated, business facilities devel-
oped, the bonds of fraternity which bind us together in one
grand brotherhood strengthened, and our meiubers encour-
aged to put forth still greater efforts to resist the arrogant
demands of organized mono plies, and the ungodly exactions
q! ■ ] vtpnn labor. Provision should.be made to have lie
entire State visited: not only the County Granges but the
Subordinate Granges also; and an appropriation should he
made to defray at least one-half of the expense. I am per-
suaded that it a part of the money paid by Subordinate
Granges to the State Grange was expended for this purpose,
that the order would not only be benefited thereby, but the
resources of the State Grange would be increased. The details
for carrying out these suggestions, if adopted, are left with
you to provide.
The agency established by the Executive committee at
Chicago, pursuant to instruction of this body at its last ses-
sion, and, notwithstanding the embarrassments under which
it has labored, growing out of the lateness of the season when
established, and a want of proper facilities for advertising
it, together with the exceeding great stringency of the finan-
ces of the country, it has attained a degree of success that to
me is truly encouraging. This success indicates what may
be accomplished if a wise and liberal policy prevail toward
it. A full account of the business of the agency, together
with the expense connected therewith, will be presented by
the committee and the agent in their report. There is no
subject of greater importance or of more vital interest to our
members at large than that which relates to our business
plans and operations. The prominent question, and one upon
the correct solution of which depends our future success as
an organization, as to how we can most successfully, and at
the least expense, procure the necessaries and conveniences
of home, and dispose of the surplus products of our farni9.
Doubtless there are many who regard the social and intellec-
tual features as paramount to the business; who deplore the
fact that the Grange has ever been made a medium of pecun-
iary gain, and who would adhere to, cherish and continue
the Grange organization to a limited extent were the entire
business features abolished, yet the vast majority of our
members demano the pecuniary advantages, and unless they
can have them, they will lose all interest in the Grange. To
meet this demand a considerable number of co operative
'Btoves unon the Joint stock plan have been established, a ma-
10
jority of these, in a pecuniary point of view, have attained a
fair measure of success. To make them what they should
be, and to insure the greatest measure of success in providing
for the pecuniary wants of members, they should be conducJ-
ed upon a strictly co-operative plan I would therefore rec-
ommend the appointment of a committee on co-operation to
report a uniform plan of business to be adopted by our mem-
bers so far as practicable, under the laws of our State. The
question of pecuniary advantage is upon us ; we cannot afford
to stop now; good common sense and business experience
alone can carry us through; we have this in the Grange; we
are able to cope with this question and accomplish grand re-
sults if we but determine to do so. If tens of thousands of
dollars have already been saved through an imperfect
and incomplete business system, who can estimate the
savings through a perfected one, and which the
experience of the past demonstrates to be attainable. The
question of co-operation in business is no new one. It has
been prominently before the National Grange, more particu-
larly at its last three sessions, and such care and thought
has been given it in that body as its importance and intimate
connection with the success of the order demanded. Your
earnest and careful attention is invited to its action upon the
subject, and to the rules and regulations adopted for the es-
tablishment and government of co-operative stores.
I am informed that measures have been taken towards
establishing a co-operative wholesale and commission house
in the city of Chicago. Such official recognition of the fact
should be taken by this body as its importance to the order
in the State demands. Since the law providing for the organ-
ization of district and county granges has been in force, dis-
pensations have been issued for eighty-three such Granges in
the State. While there is no doubt of the utility of county
Granges as a connecting link between the subordinate and
State Grange, they have been greatly crippled in their
usefulness for the want of proper legislation. No provisions
having been made for support, they have become, in most in-
stances, a burden and tax upon the members composing
II
them. Additional regulations were adopted by the National"
Grange looking toward making them more efficient. Wheth-
er this will have the desired effect time and experience alone
will determine. Provision should be made to replace the
dispensations issued to these Granges with charters under
proper regulations. The Secretary placed in my hands a list
containing quite a large number ot Subordinate Granges
which have neither reported or paid dues to the State Grange
for more than a year. A part of these I have already sus-
pended, and have given them notice that unless all arrearage*
are promptly paid their charters will be revoked. The re-
mainder will be suspended as soon as notice ean be sent them.
These Granges, in the aggregate, contain many good and
true Patrons who are powerless to do anything. They being
numerically in the minority aie unable to keep up the organ-
ization. I would recommend that a plain, simple rule be
adopted by which these members can affiliate with live,
working Granges, thereby saving them to the Order. I have
earnestly recommended, as did my worthy predecessor, that
the weak Granges consolidate together, thus forming good
and efficient organizations. I am sorry to say that this rec-
ommendation has not been generally tollowed, as but com-
paratively few consolidations have taken place during the
year. If the County Granges would take more interest in
looking after the weak and delinquent Granges within their
jurisdiction, much could be accomplished, and in a short
time no delinquents would be found upon our records. Your
attention is called to the necessity of a careful and thorough
revision of our By-Laws. In several important parts they
are in direct conflict with the Constitution of the National
Grange. This has been a proline source of annoyance, as
well as of confusion and trouble, in the Subordinate Granges.
Quite a considerable sum of money has been annually ex-
pended in printing and distributing our By-Laws. Economy
demands that this expenditure be stopped by the adoption of
a code of By-Laws that will need no material revision ojt
alteration for years. A special committee on revision of By-
Laws should be appointed. I was greatly in hopes that a
plan of lite insurance would have been instigated and pre-
15
senied at this meeting to be adopted by our members. But in
this I am disappointed. Wherever a plan ot life insurance
has been adopted by State Granges, as has been done by those
of New York, Wisconsin and others, it has proven very satis-
factory. Other orders similar to ours have their aid societies,
winch has proven highly beneficent to their members patron-
izing them. Why may we not profit by their example aud
give our members something to take the place of the costly
life insurance companies patronized by them at an outlay
greatly in excess of what is necessary to insure the same ben-
efits from an equitable plan such as have been adopted by
other organizations. Also the advantages of home fire insur-
ance companies for farm property cannot l>e too highjy rec-
ommended. The general adoption of this plan would save
thousands of dollars annually to the farmers of the State. A
number of these home companies have been organized in the
Htate, which have given the best satisfaction. These compa-
nies can be made just as safe and reliable as the companies
conducted upon the old plan, aud with less than one-half the
outlay of money. Self-interest demands reform in the man-
ner of insuring our property.
There has been along-felt want among our members of a
mere direct medium of communication between the execu-
tive officers of the State Grange and the Subordinate Granges
than any heretofore made. Efforts have been repeatedly
made to supply this want. These efforts have only been par-
tially successful, and not by any means satisfactory. With-
out being committed to any particular plan, it appears to my
mind that the most feasible and practicable one is that of
issuing a monthly bulletin, as successfully practiced by num-
bers of State Granges. This plan is attended with but little
trouble and expense. In tact, these bulletins have been gen-
erally self-supporting after the first two or three months. The
demand of our members for information is imperative, and
must be complied with, or great injury will result to the Or-
der throughout the State. Our people need information.
They have a right to expect it at our hands, and it is to be
hoped that tlfe action of this State Grange in this matter
willtbe such as will no longer disappoint them. As an addi
13
tioual means of strength and support,' I do most earnestly
recommend that the Subordinate Granges? where they hare
not already done so take immediate action toward pro-
curing themselves a hall. It adds greatly to the stability and
influence of a Grange to ewn a hall, to have a home. A num-
ber of Granges have acted wisely in procuring comfortable
and convenient halls. This example is worthy of being fol-
lowed bv others who have no suitable place to hold their
meetings. Also entirely too little importance has heretofore
been given to the need of well selected Grange Libraries.
One of the first moves a Grange should make should be to
found a library. A portion of the funds should be sacredly set
apart for this purpose. A large outlay of money is not nec-
essary to begin with. A few well selected books at first to
which others can br added as occasion requires. In this way
a valuable collection of books may soon be made suited to
the tastes and wants of all the members of the Grange. The
present demand is not so much for learned men and women
but educated ones. Without speaking disparagingly of our
Agricultural schools and colleges, I am impressed with the
belief that a well conducted Grange possessing a select li-
brary of good books possesses advantages superior to them
for obtaining a practical education adapted to the wants of
every day life upon the farm. More brain work is needed to
insure greater success in our calling. The farmer should be
a student of books as well as of nature, should think, and
observe the clouds less. He should depend more upon au
intelligent application than of planting in the new or old of
the moon. He should be obedient to the laws governing ani-
mal and vegetable growth and production instead of the signs
of the Zodiac. The American Agriculturists should not on-
ly be the equals of members of other trades and professions
in intelligence, but superior. The class whose pursuit forms
the basis of the nation's prosperity should rank highest in in-
telligence and in the possession of those attributes that con-
stitute true manhood. I would further recommend that rules
be adopted by the State Grange as follows : 1st to determine
and fix the limit of demits ; 2nd to adopt a rule providing
for the admission of demited members into subordinate
14
Granges ; 3rd to determine and fix the status of ancient Pa*
trons, (that of those Patrons whose demit has expired by
•limitation of law) and to provide for their admission into
subordinate Granges ; 4th to provide a rule by which mem.
bers of extinct Granges may affiliate with live ones. The
{National Grange closed its tenth annual session the 28th of
last month. While its action may not have been in accord
ance with the wishes of some, much was done that will
meet the approbation of the friends of the order whose de-
sire is to accomplish the greatest good for the greatest num-
ber, and not to foster and build up the plans of scheming
and selfish individuals. Propositions in the form of amend-
ments to the constitution were adopted providing for the
opening of the higher degrees to all worthy members of the
order, and making all fourth degree members eligible to all
offices and position in either County, State, or National
Grange.
Also reducing the number of members of the Executive
Committee of the National Grange from five to three mem-
bers and providing for biennial sessions of that body. These
amendments will severally come before you for your ratifica-
tion or rejection. Whether these amendments will success-
fully accomplish that for which they are designed is not for
me to determine. And now brothers and sisters, in conclud-
ing this my first address to you, I would counsel a strict ad-
herence to the excellent precepts taught by our Order. Let
ua not tor one moment lose sight of the "mark for the prize
of our high calling." — the development of a better and high-
er manhood and womanhood among ourselves. In our pro-
gress towards this we may expect to encounter difficulties
and obstructions in the way. If so, let us overcome them in
the true spirit of our calling, remembering in the mean-
while that great achievments are not the result of chance,
but of patient labor.
Bro. R. E. Logan, Bro. J. D. Lewis, and Bro. Edward
Rodgers were duly elected by the Grange a committee on
Appeals and Grievances.
On motion of Bro. Logan, the Rules of Order of Busi-
15
ness used at the last session of the State Grange,, in Cham-
paign, were adopted for this session, as follows:
1st. Opening of Grange.
2d. Reading Minutes of previous day's session.
3d. Report of Officers.
4th. Petitions from suh-bodies.
5th. Resolutions.
6th. Report of Standing Committees.
7th. Report of Special Committees.
8th. Unfinished business.
9th. New business.
On motion, recess until 1:30 p. m, was taken.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Grange called to order at 2 o'clock P. M. by Worthy
Master.
On motion of Bro. Losjan, the Secretary was authorized
to employ two assistants at his desk during the session.
The Master announced the appointment of the following
Committees:
Auditing Committee — Snoad, Will county; March, Shelby
county; Easterly, Jackson county.
On Finance — R. E. Logan, Whiteside county; Wilcox,
jj Hancock county; Howland, LaSalle county; Bowdel, Piatt
county; McGrew, Wayne county.
On Master's Address — Frew, Mercer county; Enyart, Clay
county; Smith, Lake county.
Bro. Cohenour moved that a Committee of five be
t appointed on Rivision of By-Laws. Motion carried.
And the Master appointed as such Committee: Giller,
Greene county; Sterritt, Adams county; Kerr, Montgomery
county; Cohenour, Christian county; Edwards, Rock
I ' Island county.
Bro. Chambers called for the regular order of business.
Committee on Credentials asked for the suspension of
the rules, to make supplimentary report.
w
Rules suspended, and the following report made f **
Your Committee beg leave to report, that we find I
following named members entitled to seats in this body
Boone county — T.I. Hall.
GarroU count}/ — B. Gillogly.
Owm county — J. T. Black.
Douglas county — Andrew Maun.
Edgar county — K. Laufman.
Kendall coutity — W. H. Shufelt.
Piatt county — F. A. Bowdel.
Ta&eweU county — T. E. Ripper.
Wabash county — Will Shadle.
Perry county — S. I. Davis.
St. Clair county — J. C. Schaumleffie.
In the contested case of Lee county, a majority of y<
Committee report in favor of C. J. Roosbrock, and !
minority make a dissenting report.
CoMMm'KE
Motion made to adopt.
Bro. Frew moved to amend, by striking out that p
relating to Lee county, and that part be referred to I
Committee on Appeals and Grievances. Amendrm
carried.
Report, as amended, adopted.
Reports of officers called.
Worthy Lecturer, Treasurer and Executive Commitl
asked for further time. Request granted.
The Secretary then presented and read his annual repc
as follows:
Worthy Master and Patron* :
In presenting you my annual report for the year 1S7C
do so feeling that some apologies are necessary. You a
all aware that I was elected and installed at your last a
nual meeting; but you are not all aware, perhaps, that
was one month after my installation before the bool
papers, etc., in the Secretary's office were in shape to
turned over to mo by the committee appointed to set!
17
with the Past Secretary. During this time many reports
and letters came to me, causing much annoyance and de-
lay in sending proper receipts and answers. Another
great source of trouble and delay was caused by the fact
that more than half the Secretaries of Subordinate Granges
continued to send their reports and dues to Bro. Fanning
after my installation, thus causing considerable complaint
about receipts, etc.
Bro. F. seeing proper, and the fact that the post-
office orders were made payable to him, making it
necessary to open these communications, thus many
notices of elections of Masters and Secretaries for
1S76 were lost or separated from the report they
came with, thereby making them of no use to
one not personally acquainted with the names they
contained. These notes, in connection with their reports,
were good, but separated they were of no use to me. and
on this account, together with the fact that many Secreta-
ries neglected to report who their Master and Secretary
for 1876 were, or their proper post-office, it was impossi-
ble to make up a correct mailing list, either for my own
use or for the Worthy Master to send the Annual Pas3,
it being necessary that the dues should be paid up to the
quarter ending Dec. 31, 1S75, and that the Master's name
and post-office for 1876 be reported by the Secretary before
I could make up a correct list for mailing purposes; and
no doubt some thought they were ignored or slighted, but,
so far as I was able to learn who were Masters for 1876,
copies of both National and State Grange proceedings
were sent to them by mail; and, to try and reach all,
packages were sent to County Grange Secretaries by ex-
press for distribution to such Masters as had failed to
receive any by mail. Nearly 3.000 copies were sent oat
from my office in these two ways— to Masters and Secre-
taries— my instructions being to furnish one cony to each
Master; but many Secretaries, writing for them, were sup-
plied while they lasted.
•»
IS
BY-LAWS.
An great source of trouble and annoyance w
causi last session of the State Grarfge adopth
and ordering printed a set of by-laws based on a lot of pr
p >$< d amendments to the National Constitution, many
which wen not ratified by enough States to make the
the law, and noire of them vera] months aft< r
last meeting. But many - - n the statem
delegates lo the last session, and ipparently ignoring t3
fact that the proposed ne not in force, a]
n t be used un til ratified by tl a-fourths of the States, fa
< :"'.' ! noti .1 i i :h Se< r . ty, commenced world]
;. . Ian with what they supposed to Lie the laws, tin
c -i..i>hig tno necessity for considerable extra i .. \ n
ence during the first half of the year, many Granges a
naitting members at reduced rates, and only paying du
to the State Grange at the same rate. I desire to ce
your attention to this subject, as a good many Grang
have continued to forward only half the lawful initiatk
' s, while a sense of justice to all seems to require that
should charge to their accounts the amount retained 1
them.
.. account of the illegality of our By-Laws, I did n<
s< ..d them out until the call for them became so great
was necessary to do so; but notices were sent to ever Se
: clary, also published in the Farm Journal, stating wh;
parts were null and void. It is due to many Secretarii
to state that they willingly complied with the law upc
notice from my office. Still it is also true that sever
have continued to act under what they claimed was tl
action of the State Grange officers, and by them accept*
in good faith: and, as thev had admitted members*
reduced rates, the}' would only pay to the State Grang
the same proportion, thus imposing on those willing t
abide by the Constitution and By-Laws as they previous!
cxi.-ted (and were the only laws we could work undt
19
kgally until the amendments were ratified) the burden of
ntributing an undue proportion of the funds of our Stn
treasury.
NEW ORGANIZATIONS.
There have been 'organized during the vear twenty-seven
new Granges, as follows: Jefferson and Ferry counties;
three each; Jersey, Scott, and Hamilton, two each; Jas-
j -. Clay, Peoria, Franklin, Massac, Vermillion, Jackso
Pulaski. V [ford, Pope, Greene, Shelby, Washington, S •
line, and Cumberland, one each. Part of these Granges
' ve made no report to my office yet. Some of them
have been rapidly increasing in membership, and bid lair
t le some of our best and most active Granges.
One of these — Craig, No, 1,606, of Perry county — has ini-
tialed during the past two quarters 66 new members
Many other Granges have taken in new members during
the year, the total number of which I have not attempt-
ed to enumerate. The total number of charters issued to
our State is 1,619. Of this number fully one-half have
ceased to be live, working Granges, and are classed as dor
mant. From the best information I can get, the counties
which have good, working County Granges are in the best
condition. In October a list of over 600 Granges whose
dues had not been paid since Sept. 30, 187-3, was presented
to the Worthy Master for suspension. Some over 200
Granges have paid no dues since Dec. 31,, 1875, and will
be reported to flie Master for suspension as soon as possi-
ble after this meeting, unless the dues are paid up. Some
time in the spring I received -notice thaf reports had not
been made to National Grange for half of the year 1875,
also calls for large amounts of back dues to that body. It
being evident to your Secretary that the National Grange
was charging us with too many members, I suggested to
the Master, by letter, that we had better pay no more
dues until this matter was settled up. When the Execu-
tive Committee met in September, this matter was
20
brought up, and your Secretary and Treasurer ordered to
pay no dues until a Special Committee could investigate
the claims. For the result of this Special Committee's
work, I refer you to the Executive Committee's report.
My account of the receipts and expenditures during
the fiscal year has been submitted to, and approved by,
the Executive Committee quarterly; and I refer you tc-
my cash accounts, as audited by them each quarter, for
all information regarding the receipts and disbursements
of my office, as well as for complete information concern-
ing the standing of every Grange in the State, condensed
exhibits of which are herewith submitted.
21
ft, EXHIBIT A.
Skowing'the amount of fees and dues received from
each county during the year 187G up to December 4th.
OOUKTIES.
Adams,...
Bond, .. ..
Boone,...
Brown, ..
Bureau,..
Calhoun,.
Cook,
Carroll,...
Cass,
No.
Or?
First
quarter
Champaign, .
Christian,
Clay,
Clinton,
Clark,..
Coles,
Crawford, ,
Cumberland,
DeKalb, ,
Dewitt,
Douglas, ,
Edgar,
Edward,
Effingham,....
Fayette,
Ford,..
Franklin,
Fulton,
Gallatin,
Greene,
Grundy,
Hancock.
Hamilton,....
Henderson,...
Henry,
Iroquois, ,
Jo Daviess,....
Jasper, ,
Jefferson.
Johnson,
o
O
8
4
6
18
1
G
o
9
o
O
4
12
5
4
1
2)
5 $14 10
8| 22 61
29 18
20 46
7 98
180
100
7 37
10 36
28 96
16 67
168
1 10
29 09
72 63
40 55
1192
17 52
51 56
44 83
45 41
23 08
17 18
22 23
°\
5
2
l!
i|
4;
5'
9
9
1
1
10
20
9
3
8
5
12
12
7 08
16 94
46 53
132
2146
2 64
29 33
1 38
7 38
8 29
38 84
10 45
17 96
8 00
444
No.
Second
No.
Third
No.
Grs
quarter
Grs
~5
quarter
Grs
4
6
$12 42
$13 16
5
1128
5
14 85
9
4
2112
0
34 28
4
10
5192
6
33 77
3
4
1190
0
3 IS
1
1
160
1
170
1
9
—
4 50
1
100
1
7
27 09
5
19 06
1
4
10 06
0
0
6 24
0
16
64 44
9
47 58
8
11
22 99
4
6 26
0
0
3
13 02
0
9 55
1
3
8 96
1
180
1
10
27 55
9
2164
6
14
45 58
13
46 91
14
9
64 93
7
42-43
6
7
34 49
9
6 02
1
3
8 22
3
7 20
0
0
6
30 67
4
8 70
0
0
10
36 70
7
2164
4
19
70 34
13
3158
8
8
23 76
4
13 73
4
6
24 16
3
14 18
0
10
2195
4144
3
4
13 18
0
0
6 24
1
7
29 84
O
17 00
Q
O
15
36 02
14
55 35
1
1
8 10
1
140
1
9
67 86
8
64 47
8
2
8 45
1
14
35 44
9
19 14
9
0
Am
1
4 89
1 86
1
9
15 83
3
10 32
2
3 60
11
44 20
12
28 47
8
6
15 34
6
17 35
4
4
14 12
3
19 72
*
1
5 80
4
20 06
1
5
18 02
5
13 60
2
Fourth
quarter.
4$ 0 11
5 43
13 03
13 30
1 62
1 68
100
11 26
3 94
25 24
4 33
2 82
170
6! 23 98
48 63
25 84
2 16
6 81
8 58
12 90
29 46
7 02
24 79
1100
2 46
13 76
15 42
135
30 06
4 56
32 09
o «rt
14 43
7 18
1 56
6 01
oo
_ -
Continued.
COUNTIES-
Jers ey, ....
Jackson, .
Knox,
ndall, ..
>To. : First
i . i - quarter
!U'
Kankakee, ...
Lee,
Lake,
Logan,
Livingston,...
Lawrence, ...
LaSaTle,
jIcDonough,.
Morgan,
4
3
2
1
12
5
IS:
Montgomery, .
Marion,
Marshall,
Mercer,
McLean,
Moultrie,
Menard,
Macoupin,
Massac,
McHenry.
Madison,
Macon,
Mason,
Ogle,
Peoria,
Lope,
Putnam,
Like
Piatt,
Lorry, ,
Randolph,
Rock Island,....
Richland, ,
Stephenson, ....
Stark,
St. Clair, ^
Schuyler,
Shelby,
No.
Grs
4j$ .9 15
4 1190
4 9 20
3] 8 40
14 801
3 30|
25 68
G30
oo ou
12 05
47 87:
Q
o
•i 52
0
15 75
20
70 45
2
3 35
3
9 oo
9
23 02;
23
80 42
<
22 67
4
12 01
25
61 50,
o
2 95
2
4 62
5
23 02;
12
o r o -
OO GO
.iii ill i
7 16 40
9 27 50
2 6 44
2 9 02
8 27 50
9 20 72
4
5
4
16
■>
o
11
15
0 80,
8 57:
10 86
39 12
14 24:
oo 60
57 73
L
j .Second j
quarter ]
$10 80
30 19
21 00
•>
o
XI ou
7 62
7
15 60!
.>
16 56
1
23 91
10
14 65
4
-1-
6 51
No.
Third ;
Grs
quarter >
3
$12 651
9
43 05-
4
8 60
4
18 72
0
i; on
No.i Po '
GrE qua I
21
6
5
13
o '
o
• >
6\
10
22
11
26
o'
O,
.)
8
•j
8
10
12
1
8 26 78
9
9
14
* »
15
8
8
50 09
12 96
10 90
48 52
7 86
12 23
26 86
58 911
50 42
7 62'
75 3!'
6 85
3 74
36 58
14 47
24 14
22 87
06 82.
1 8S;
2 16
O C ||Ol
oo 9o
57 32
8 24
9 07
25 00
34 28
32 17
s' " 1
O o-x
43 64
61 10
o
2
1
6
d
5
5
9
—
5
21
10
4
19
3
2
I
5
6
12
o
8
13
o
1 1
o
4.
34
25
81
13 53
18 06
185
14 24
3 05
32 52
15 14
16 5! I
26 21
o fro
O t 6
6 78
8 04
54 47
30 08
14 81
oS 78
24 22
9 46
1142
30 98
16 15
13 17
oo 83
410
9 46
26 76
45
18 47 17
2 S33
10 36 10
9 35 58
19 3,9 5 10 54
L'-J /6 Z
2
_l
/
1
2
1
4
o
o
2
10
. >
o
2
6
2
4
IS
7
3
. >
o
o
8
9
10
1
• '
I
Q
2
* 6 32
46 •
2 10
5 60
5 00
6 70
10
7 25
11 02
2 95
24 83
7 49
4 79
23 59
11
5 35
5018
28 19
140
45 29
818
1 - 42
14 25
5 59
22 94
18 88
• ' - TO
1 40
12 32
22 62
24 18
46 12
7 45
9 85
6 :
24 49
2 70
101
1
6 10 29
6 45 !
4 9
23
Continued.
COUNTIES.
INo. First
Gra quarter
No. [Second
Grs quarter;
N . l'nird [No.
■ . - raarter Grs
Sangamon, 10 83-5 04
Scott, 6] 19 91
Saline, 51 9 60
Tazewell, 7 10 46
Union, 5 18 93
Vermillion 14 65 37
Winnebago, 10 25 34
Wi Ilia m son 8 4 10
White, ' 4 8 37
Warren, 9 1-3 26
Washington 2 3 82
Wayne 8 26 24
Woodford, 8 16 17
Wabash 10 24 64
Whiteside 5 12 91
Will 5 29 18
7 slS c
6
3
5
17 78
9 46
18 21
3 72
45 16
3-3 89
14 22
1 10 24
16 83
20 20
55 90 :
5 10 03
8 4147
11
1
10$31 2^
7 23 13
41 IS
22 11
5 94
14
8
4
5
18
11
7
- >
12
11
4
o
33 22
1 .30
Q
J
1
62 46
3147
11 20
10 50
-3 11 01
4 19 0S
13 -35 02
4 10 2-3
30 .< 6
4 26
1 3-3
—
6
quarter
% 4 26
16 86
n : >
-
29 06
1
1 54
6
17 16
/
18 20
3
9 43
2
5 46
o
15 ~>2
6
16 90
6
6
5
DO
21 61
11 12
RECAPITULATION
it' •
SECRETARY'S CASK ACCOUNT.
I
a:« nf nn.vt.i.- ^°- of Counties No. of Granges . . . ,
i\o. ol tyuarteis. ivT-ir-.r «aT7in« Amount r<
First Quarter,
Second Quarter,...
Third Quarter,
Fourth Quarter, ...
94
95
94
89
631
689
39S
81003 95
2367 31
1923 04
1291 83
Total amount received for fees and dues. $7549 03
Amount received from past Secretary,
72 65
Total amount received. $8121 08
Cr.
By amounts turned over to J. S. Armstrong. Treas., $7334 68
By amount still due from Farming on reports, 242 72
By balance in Viands of Secretary, .344 28
88121 OS
24
EXHIBIT B.
secretary's contingent account. Dr.
February 9, 187G, to appropriation by Executive
Committee, #500 00
February 9, 1876, to amount received from Secre-
tary of National Grange, 47 84
March 10, 1876, to appropriation by Executive
Committee, 300 00
June 7, 1876, to appropriation by Executive Com-
mittee, 200 00
December 4, 1876, dispensations County Granges, 11 00
" 4, " blank account during the year, 3166
Total amount of contingent fund, $1000 00
Cr.
By amount, printing proceedings of last session... $354 33
By amount, printing By-Laws of last session, 120 00
By expenses of Secretary's office during the year,
per itemized account, examined by Executive
Committee, 576 73
By balance in hands of Secretary, 38 94
S1090 00
EXHIBIT C.
SHOWING SECRETARY'S ACCOUNT WITH PAST SECRETARY O. E.
TANNING.
Dr.
January 12, to amount in his hands, as shown by
settlement of Executive Committee, $1168 21
By amount due on Subordinate Grange reports,
turned over to this office up to date, 1337 89
December 11, to error in Committee allowing
salary for, 1874, 800 00
December 11, to office stove, left by Committee, 20 00
Total $3326 10
25
Or.
By amount turned over to this office up to date,.. $1792 39
By balance due from ex-Secretary Fanning, 1583 71
$3320 10
EXHIBIT D.
SHOWING THE RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS OF THE STATE
GRANGE SINCE THE LAST SESSION, AND THE
PRESENT RESOURCES.
Amount in the treasury, per settle-
ment with the Treasurer at last
session, $7,G07 01
Amount in the hands of Secretary, per
settlement, 1,108 21
Amount in the hands of Secretary,
error in settlement, 800 00
Amount, pro rata donations, received
from National Grange, 2,897 90
Amount received from Subordinate
Granges, 7,549 03
Amount received from interest on
bonds, 148 50
Amount received in adjustment of
dues from National Grange for
1874, 839 52
Amount received for sale of blanks. etc 90 00
$21,100 17
Cr.
Amount paid for mileage and per diem
last session, $3,210 96
Salary of Master, $400 00
of Secretary, 500 00
" of Treasurer, 300 00
§1,200 00
26
PEB DIEM AND EXPENSES OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
A. J. Alexander, 1189 55
D.N. Foster, 368 o<>
11. M. Guy, 147 80
C N. Anderson, 127 55
*:-No 40
Contingent expenses in Secretary's
office, $1,051 06
Contingent expenses in Master's office. 284 7o
Contingent expenses in Treasurer-
office,.... 26 90
Amount paid ex-Secretary for extra
work, 25 00
Amount paid present Secretary for
extra work, 4-"> 00
Amount of dues paid to the National
Grange, 1,368 1)4
Amount of orders due at last session,
but pai d during th is y ear, 2,1 07 J 5
LEAVING TOTAL PRESENT RESOURCES TO BE
ACCOUNTED FOR AS FOLLOWS:
Amount placed in the hands of the
Executive Committee as business
funds, |2,897S0
Amount now in Treasury, 5,891 93
Amount yet due from past Secretary,.. 1,533 71
Amount in hands of present Secretary. o44 12S
Contingent fund in hands of Secretary, i 3 04
Contingent fund in hands of Master,... 44 25
$21,100 17
The following cases of appeals and charges have be
ordered on the records by the Worthy Master, and notice
sent the parties interested. All papers I have received in
reference to each case are herewith submitted for your
action:
No. 1. — Appeal of J. W. Murdaugh vs. Damascus
Grange No. 39.
No. 2. — Charges of J. W. Murdaugh, of Grange No. 39,
vs. Edmund Hathaway, Master Grange No. 30.
27
No. 3. — Appeal of T. J. Anderson vs. Grange No. 1,412.
No. 4. — Charges of Bro. Edwin, Grange No. '375. vs.
Samuel day. Past Master Grange No. 646.
No. 5. — Appeal of Bro. C. A. Saltzraan vs. Grange No.
1,559.
No. 6-. — Appeal of Geo. W. Meddler vs. Grange No. 896.
In conclusion, I beg leave to suggest that some change
be made in our By-Laws, either changing the time of our
annual meeting, or the close of the fiscal year, it being
impossible to make clear and correct reports under our
present system of keeping the accounts open up to the
time of our meetings.
I also urge this body to strongly impress on the minds
of Subordinate Secretaries the necessity of reporting to
this office their Master and Secretary, with correct post-
office address, as soon after they are elected as pos-ible,
whether re-elected or new men, so we can make up cor-
rect mailing lists early in the year.
The present system of sending in dues whenever it suits
the Secretaries, also is the source of much extra work in
my office. Dues should be sent in promptly at the close
of each quarter, so that my accounts can be made up for
the Examining Committee at their quarterly meeting.
My correspondence and work in the office has generally
been pleasant; but, on account of the failure of
supposed changes in the National Constitution, the
labor has been more than double what your body at its
last session supposed it would be, requiring the constant
work of one clerk and fully half of my own lime: and I
%, as
desire onlv to call your attention to this fad, leaving it to
vou to snv whether the present salaiy is sufficient for the
amount of work done.
Respectfully submitted,
J. M. Chambki:s,
Secretary.
Referred to Committee on Finance.
2S
Bro. Logan asked to be excused from serving on both
committee on Finance and Appeals and Grievances.
Bequest granted, and Bro. Boone substituted in Bro.
Logan's place on committee of Appeals and Gri3vances
Bro. Howland moved that a committee of Three on
Good of the Order be appointed. Adopted.
Bro. Davis moved a committee of Five on Resolutions.
Adopted.
Bro. Edwards moved a recess of ten minutes. Adopted.
Grange called to order, and the following committees
announced by the Worthy Master:
Mileage and Per Diem — Bros. Vaughn, of Moultrie county;
Laufman, of Edgar county; Hardy, of Champaign county;
Burgesser, of Brown county; Schaumlerrle, of St. Clair.
Good of the Order — Bros. Osborne, of Winnebago county;
Shufelt, of Kendall county; Quaintance, of Menard
county.
On Resolutions — Bros. Davis, of Perry county; Fields, of
Effingham county: Wart, of Woodford county; Dusch,
of Pope county; Ridenhower, of Johnson county.
Bro. Mayo moved a committee of Five on Co-operation.
Adopted.
Bro. Porter moved a committee of Five on Fire Insur-
ance. Adopted.
Bro. Giller moved that no member be allowed to speak
more than once on a subject, and that time be limited to
five minutes.
Bro. Davis moved to amend by striking out "five," and
inserting "ten," minutes.
On vote, the motion to amend was lost, and Bro. Giller's
motion adopted.
Bro. Osborne moved that all motions and resolutions be
put in writing, signed, and read from the Secretary's desk,
and referred to appropriate committees without debate.
Bro. Snoad moved to amend by striking out "motions
and." Carried.
Motion, as amended, adopted.
29
Bro. Edwards moved that Bros. Foster and Chambers
be appointed a committee to prepare a synopsis of the
proceedings for the press. Adopted.
Bro. Greer moved that an appropriation be made by
the State Grange to defray the expenses of certain lady
members attending this meeting under the impression
that they would be admitted as delegates to the same.
Referred to committee on Finance.
Bro. Porter moved the suspension of the rule? for the
purpose of introducing resolutions. Adopted.
Bro. Porter then offered the following:
Resolved, That the Master of the State Grange be
instructed to appoint a Lecturer in each Congressional
District, and, when practical, in each county, whose duty
it shall be to visit each Grange that has been suspended,
or that is six months in arrears for dues to the State
Grange, and endeavor to get the Granges revived or con-
solidated with others.
Rc-solced, That the Master be requested to consult with
the County and District Granges in the appointment of
such officers; and the}' shall report to the Master of the
State Grange, and to the Master of the county in which
they labor. They shall receive one dollar, per day and
necessary traveling expenses, but their bills shall in no
case exceed one-half the amount paid io the State Grange
in dues, and must be endorsed by the Master of both
Cuuntv and State Grange.
(Signed), J. D. Poutkr.
Referred to committee on Good of the Order
Bro. Ripper offered the following:
Whp:reas, The farmers and land-owners are the parties
who pay most of the taxes, while capital goes untaxed;
therefore,
Resolved, That we, the County Grange of Tazewell assem-
bled, petition our State Grange to use all fair means to
have our State Legislature so change the law as to make
taxation equal, and upon actual capital, no matter how
invested.
Referred to committee on Good of the Order.
Bro. Diehl. as follows:
30
Own to the immense loss of hog3 in this State from
cholera and other diseases, which materially affect the
commercial interest of the country; therefore, be it
Resolved, Thai Fulton County Grange instruct her dele-
ite to the State Grange, which convenes at Decatur, to
I etition thai h >dy to lay a memorial before the next. Gen-
* al \ — ■•!; ' !\ of Illinois, asking that honor-able body to
make an appropriation for the purpos< of investigating
the causes, and, if possible, di - ering a cause for thi
diseases of hogs.
Referred to committee on Good of the Order.
Bro. Almy, as follows:
Resolved, by Pioneer Grange No. 1,554, Clinl m county,
111., Thai ! be for the good of the Order to have a
Lecture appointed in each county to work up the inter-
est of the Order.
Referred to committee on Ooo<i of the Order.
Bro. Vaughn, as follows:
Whereas, The law in regard to farmers' tire insurance
Is defective,
Resolved, That we request our Legislature to amend the
same, so that the farmers may organize fire insurance
companies with, safety.
Referred to committee on Good of the Order.
Bro. Edwards, resolution of County Grange:
At the regular meeting of Rock Island County Grange
No. 57, held in the city of Rook Island Dec. 5, 1S70, the
following resolution was unanimously adopted, viz.:
Resolved, That it is the desire of Rock Island County
Grange No. o7, P. of H., that the Constitution and By-
Lavs of the State and National Granges be so amended
as to make any fourth degree member, in good standing,
eligible to any office in the Grange, State or National.
Referred to committee on By-Laws.
Bro. Almy, from Pioneer Grange No. 1,554, of Clinton
county, 111.:
Whktrka^, We believe it would be of great benefit finan-
cially to the farming community to have a mo-re reliable
crop report than we get throng)) the general Government;
therefore, be it
31
■ . That an amendment be made to the State
ange By-Laws, making it the duty of the Lecturei
each Subordinate Grange to make a quarterly report to
the Lecturer of the State Grange of the amount arid con-
dition of all crops in their respective districts, and the
:~ ite Lecturers arrange or have published in the leading
agricultural papers, or printed in a circular form and sent
to each Subordinate Grange, such arranged andcond< n
reports.
Referred to committee on By-Laws.
Suggestions for good of the Order taken up, and short
h esses delivered by Bros. Logan, Golder, Porter. Lewis,
Edwards, and Armstrong.
Bro. Edwards moved that the Grange listen to an ad-
dress from Bro. Boone this evenincr.
Bro. Davis moved to amend by substituting "to-morrow
evening" for "this evening.' Amendment carried.
Motion, as amended, adopted.
Grange adjourned to to-morrow morning at 8 o'clock.
Closed in due form.
SECOND DAY.
MtJJiMXG SESSIOX.
Grange opened in fourth degree, at S o'clock. Worthy
Master in the chair. -*
Minutes of yesterday's session were read, corrected
and approved.
Master announced the appointment of the following
committees:
On Fire Insurance— Porter, of Warren county; Monroe,
of Richland county; Crippen, of Stephenson county; Hus-
croft, of Mason county; Nearing, of Dewitt county.
On Cb-operation—M&yo, of Peoria county; Wilson, of
Putnam county; Greer, of Schuyler county; Maltby, of*
Ogle county; Pearson, of Livingston county.
Regular order taken up.
It
32
Officers reports called for.
Treasurer submitted the following report:
Decatur, December 13, 1876.
I, as Treasurer of the State Grange of Illinois, would
beg leave to submit the following report to your honorable
l>odv:
There was in my hands at the settlement at the city of
Champaign, December 14, 1875, seven thousand six hundred
and seven dollars and one cent, and I have received in
interest on U. B. bonds one hundred forty-eight dollars and
fifty cents, and from all other sources eight thousand one
hundred and seventy-four dollars and twenty cents,
making a total of moneys for the year of fifteen thousand
nine hundred and twenty-nine dollars and seventy-one
cents. And have paid, out, as follows: At Champaign city,
to delegates, for attending State Grange, on pay-roll, three
thousand two hundred and ten dollars and ninety-six cents.
To the National Grange for state dues, for quarter ending-
March 31, 1876, $264.71; for quarter ending June 31, 1876,
$264.71. And for dues for quarter ending Sept. 30, 1875,
and December 30, 1875, $839.52, by settlement of back
-dues for 1874. Paid for government bonds 5 20 6 per cent,
gold, issue of 1865, $4,180.35, as directed by the Grange.
and upon orders of Worthy Master and Secretary, $5,457.88,
making a total of expenditures, as per vouchers, of
$14,218.13, leaving in my hands a balance of currency
of $1,711.58, and U. S. bonds 5-20 6 per cent, gold, issue
of 1865, representing $4,180.35. Leaving total amount,
subject to the order of the State Grange, of $5,891.03.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
J. S. Armstrong.
Secretary reported charges of John Sonbarger vs. Oliver
Hale.
Referred to Committee on Appeals and Grievances.
Grange took up the order of petitions from sub bodies.
33
Bro. Almy offered the following resolution from Pioneer
Grange No. 1554, Clinton county:
Resolved, That this Grange knows no reason why clogs
should not be considered personal property, and taxed as
such, and respectfully ask the State Grange to take such
action as shall bring the subject before our State Legisla-
ture.
Referred to Committee on Resolutions.
Bro. Almy offered the following from Pioneer Grange
No. 1,554, Clinton county, 111.:
Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Grange, the sur-
plus money belonging to the State Grange would be of
more benefit to the Order if applied in establishing and
maintaining a Grange supply house located centrally in
tho State.
Referred to committee on Co-operation.
Bro. Mellen offered the following:
Resolved, That co-operation is the life and strength of
our Order, and for this end we should endeavor to estab-
lish one or more co-operative stores in every county.
Referred to committee on Co-operation.
Bro. Greer offered the following:
Resolved, That the By-Laws of the State Grange be so
amended as to provide for an Executive Committee of
three members instead of five.
Referred to committee on By-Laws.
Bro. Crippen offered the following:
Whereas, Our laws, as they now exist, prevent our offi-
cers from making correct reports of the condition of our
State Grange for each fiscal year,
Resolved, That our By-Laws be so changed as to give
more time between the election of delegates and our an-
nual meeting.
Resolved, That our fiscal year should commence on the
1st day of October and close on the 30th day of Septem-
ber, or the annual meeting be held after close of the pre-
sent fiscal year.
Referred to committee on By-Laws.
Bro. Maltby offered the following:
Inasmuch as the committee on By-Laws call for sug-
34
gestions to aid them, I would respectfully offer the follow-
ing alterations:
Amend Article 2, Section 1, of By-Laws of State
Orange by substituting the word ''may" in place of "shall"
in the third line, and also by adding "or other fourth de-
gree members" after the word '•matrons" in the fourth
line; the officers of which shall consist of Master, Overseer,
Lecturer, Steward, Assistant Steward, Chaplain, Treasurer,
Secretary, Gate-keeper, Ceres, Flora, Pomona, and Lady As-
sistant Steward, who shall be elected and installed at the
annual meeting in December, and hold their respective
offices for two years following their election. Also Article
8, Section 5, by striking out the word "four" in second line,
and inserting "three;" also by striking out the word "two"
after the word "four," in third line, and inserting "three;"
also by striking out the word "two" after the word "four"
and inserting "one."
Referred to committee on By-Laws.
Bro. Vaughn offered the following:
Whereas, A great monopoly now exists in the school
book system of our common schools; and
Whereas, It is desirous that the people of Illinois
should be relieved from such monopoly if possible; there-
fore,
Resolved, That we, the members of the State Grange of
Illinois, in session assembled, demand that our Legisla-
ture be and is hereby instructed to devise some means to
relieve the people of the State from such monopoly by
having published by the State of Illinois such books as
may be decided upon by the Superintendent of Public
Instruction and such other competent person as they may
select.
Referred to committee on Resolutions.
Bro. Kerr:
Whereas, Many of our Granges have had business
transactions with the firm of Dolton Bros., of St. Louis;
and
Whereas, They have always sold us better goods for less
35
money than the present business agent of St. Lou:.-:;
therefore,
Resolved, That we earnestly request the State Grange i )
appoint the aforesaid firm of Dolton Bros, our State
agents for the southern portion of this State.
Referred to committee on Resolutions.
Bro. Davis offered the following:
Resolved, That we consider the Grange the most instruct-
ive and beneficial organization now in existence, and that
we. as well-wishers of the Order, should do everything in
our power, in a kind, generous spirit, to correct its abuses,
though unintentional, wherever found.
2. That we believe the patriarchal system of govern-
ment, though of high authority, incompatible with our
civilization, and therefore are in favor of the representa,
tive plan.
8. Tha,t any worthy member of the Order should be
eligible to all the degrees.
4. That the National Grange should aold but one ses-
sion in four years, not to exceed t^n days in length, and .
meet at the most central and convenient point in the
United States.
5. That each Sta+ti should pay the expenses of its own,
delegates.
6 Tnat ro more revenue should be collected by the
National Grange than is necessary to defray contingent
expenses. , v
7. That our numbei of delegates to the State and na-
tional Grange be reduced at least one-half.
8. That we believe co-operative action practicable, and
recommend its general adoption.
9. That we are in favor of popularizing the Order, and;
rendering it what it was intended to be— the great nu!-.
wark of agricultural industry— and believe that a reduc-
tion of admittance fees to $2.50 would tend to accomplish
this much-needed and greatly-desired object
Referred to committee on Resolutions,
Bro. Vaughn offered the following :
Whereas, The law of the State of Illittois in regard to
fanners7 pie and lightning insurance companies confines
an oi-ganization to not exceed six townships; and
Whereas, It is desirous on the part of the farmers of
many counties in the State to organize such companies-
therefore, ' 5
**
36
Resolved, That we, as representatives of the farming
community, in Grange assembled, demand that the law
be so amended as that one or more counties may be
organized into such companies by the farmers thereof.
Referred to committee on Insurance.
Bro. Mell en offered the following:
Resolved, That the use of tobacco is a useless, filthy
habit, injurious to health and the development of our
intellectual faculties, and that we, as Brother Patrons, will
join our Sisters in condemning its use.
Referred to committee on Good of the Order.
Bro. Hamilton offered the following:
Whereas, there is a great multiplicity of common
school books, causing an outlay of a vast amount of money
in this State, and that amount being forced from those
who are least able to bear it. Therefore,
Resolved, That we urge it upon our Representatives in
our State Legislature, to enact a State law, establishing a
uniform series of text books for common schools, having
them selected by a competent Committee, revised, stereo-
typed and established during a term of years, and let by
contract to the lowest responsible publishing house.
Referred to Committee on Good of the Order.
Bro. Giller asked the suspension of the rules, and moved
the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas. The question, as to whether the people of the
State of Illinois have the right by law to control the rail-
roads and other monopolies of the State, is yet in obeyance.
no decision having been rendered by the Supreme Court
of the United States on the questions brought before them
by the Railroad and Warehouse Commissioners. There-
fore, be it
Resolved by the members of the State Grange of Illinois.
at their annual meeting, held at Decatur, that we earnestly
request and instruct our Senators and Representatives at
Springfield assembled, to uphold and support the Railroad
and Warehouse Commissioners in their efforts to defend
the rights and privileges of the people of this great State.
Resolved, That our Representatives be also requested, to
perfect such legislation aswili compel the railroads of the
v State to pay promptly their taxes due the different counties
\SvOf the State, so long unjustly withheld.
-~-"E. A. Giller, of Greene county.
Rule suspended and resolution adopted.
37
Committee on Credentials made the following supple-
mentary report: Eeporting Bro. James Manly, of McDon-
ough county, entitled to a seat in this body.
Report adopted.
Committee on Appeals and Grievances made the follow-
ing report:
In the case of the Lee County Grange No. 53, referred
to your Committee, your Committee report, that the
credentials of Bro. C. J. Roosbrook appear to be correct,
and recommend that he be received as delegate. Your
Committee would report, that Bro. M. L. Arnold contests
the validity of the election of Bro. C. J. Roosbrock, and
would suggest that he be given an opportunity to make a
statement of the case to the State Grange. We also suggest
that inasmuch as Bro. M. L. Arnold is here in the interests
of harmony and the good of the order in Lee county, that
the State Grange take action to allow Bro. Arnold's
traveling expenses. We would further recommend that
the By-Laws be so amended as to establish, beyond doubt,
the proper mode of electing delegates to the State Grange.
Chas. Boone,
Ed. Rodgees,
J. D. Lewis.
Bro. Mellen moved to divide the report and act on it
bj' sections. Adopted.
Section 1 read.
Motion made to adopt.
Bro. Logan offered the following substitute:
Resolved, That the delegates from Lee county be allowed
pay the same as one delegate, to be equally divided
between them, and the}' be allowed seats as honorable
members.
And called the previous question.
Call not sustained.
Bro. Logan moved to recommit. Motion lost.
Bro. Greer moved to lay on the table. Motion lost.
Vote taken on the substitute, and lost.
38
Bro. Frew moved to amend by recognizing Bro. M. L.
Arnold as the duly elected delegate, and that the traveling
expenses of Bro. Itoosbrock be paid.
Bro. Logan moved to amend by giving both delegates
seats, with one-half vote to each, and one have pay one
way and the other the other way. Amendment to the
amendment lost.
Amendment lost.
Section, as read, adopted.
Motion made to adopt Section 2.
Bro. Foster moved to amend by referring to Committee
en Finance.
Motion, as amended, adopted.
Section 3 referred to Committee on By-Laws.
Bro. Osborne moved that a Committee of Five on
Education be appointed.
Recess until 2 o'clock P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Grange called to order at 1:30 o'clock P. M. Worthy
Master in the chair.
Rule suspended for the introduction of new business.
Master announced the appointment of the following
committee:
ON EDUCATION.
Bro. Hall, Boone county.
" Gillogly, Carroll county.
" Mellon, Kankakee county.
" Bennett, Fayette county.
Sister Edwards, Rock Island county.
Note.— The Worthy Assistant Steward, Bro. E. R. Field, and the
orthy Gate-Keeper, Bro. Randolph, arrived near the close of the first
Ow mid tilled their respective positions during the session.— Sect.
39
Bro. Wilcox offered the following:
Whereas, Bro. S. J. Frew will be in attendance at the
meeting of the Nebraska State Grange, on December 19,
1876.
Resolved, That this Grange authorize him to bear our
fraternal greetings to our fellow patrons of that State.
Resolution adopted.
Bro. Smith offered the following:
Whereas, justice and right are yet perverted in the
practice of the courts of lav,7 in this State, by the separa-
tion of statute law from equity. Therefore,
Resolved, That the State Grange urge the Legislature to
prompt and earnest action in so constructing the law of
our courts, that they shall be courts in equity and law.
Referred to Committee on Resolutions.
Regular order resumed.
Committee on Appeals and Grievances reported as
follows :
In the case of Union Grange No. 1559 vs. Bro. C. A.
Saltzman, your Committee report, that there is no evidence
before the Committee that a quorum was present at the
meeting which expelled him, or that a majority of the
members wrere in favor of his expulsion. Your Commit-
tee recommend, that the matter be referred back to Union
Grange No. 1559, and that they grant Bro. C. A. Saltzman
a new trial. Adopted.
Committee on Good of the Order reported, asking to have
a resolution on school books, in their hands, referred to
Committee on Education. So referred.
Also the following:
Your Committee on Good of the Order, to whom was
referred the resolution in regard to Hog cholera, recom-
mend, that a certified copy of the following be sent to the
Speaker of the House of Representatives at Springfield,
as soon as the first day of the coming session : ^\
RESOLUTION \\
To the House of Representatives and the Senate of the State of
Illinois :
The State Grange of the State of Illinois, convened at
Decatur, do most respectfully and earnestly request your
fc
40
honorable body to appoint a scientific commission, at as
early a day as practicable, to investigate the disease called
Hog Cholera, to the end that the cause of said disease
may be known, and if possible, a remedy be suggested.
And further request you to make an appropriation from
the State treasury to pay said commission, and to publish
nnd disseminate said report.
Adopted.
Worth}- Lecturer made a verbal report, and presented
a claim for his salary, which was referred to Auditing Com-
mittee.
Sister Green offered the following:
Knowing, there are to be a good many fourth degree
members here, that are not entitled to the fifth degree,
Resolved, That the special order for this afternoon be
made the special order for to-morrow morning, and that
suggestions for the Good of the Order be substituted this
afternoon.
Adopted.
Bro. Vaughn offered the following:
Whereas, by the present system of making reports to the
State Grange of Illinois, in regard to dues from Subordinate
Granges, they seem to be rather loosely made,
Resolved, That the By-Laws of this Grange be so amended
in such a manner, as that the Secretaries of such Granges
be required to send duplicate reports of such Grange to the
Treasurer of this Grange, at the same time returns are
made to the Secretary of the State Grange.
Referred to Committee on By-Laws.
Bro. Charles offered the following:
Whereas, by existing laws and decisions, the powers
and duties of County Granges have become so abridged,
as to render them almost an incumbrance to the Order.
Therefore,
Resolved, That the State Grange take such action as will
place said County Granges in a condition to be of some
benefit to the Order.
Referred to Committee on By-Laws.
Bro. Snoad offered the following resolutions from Will
County Grange:
Resolved, That we believe, that a large amount of the
41
expenses of the annual meeting of the State and National
Granges should be cut off, and applied to bring about more
profitable results. That we urge our Representative to
use all honorable means in his power to restrict represen-
tation in the State Grange to the lowest possible number
deemed expedient for the welfare of the organization.
Resolved, That we believe, that there is real necessity for
economy and retrenchment in expenditures, both in our
State and National Granges, and while we deprecate and
oppose these annual appropriations, we favor fair and
liberal salaries for the officers of these Granges, looking-
for and demanding greater efficiency on their part, that
the Local or Subordinate Granges may be benefited there-
by.
Resolved, That we believe the Grange to be the only
medium through which the agricultural classes can expect
relief from the oppressions of monopolists and unjust and
unlawful effects of aggregated capital, and therefore urge
the necessity for correct business principles and efficiency
in every department.
Resolved, That in our opinion the disintegration and
failure of a large number of Subordinate Granges is at-
tributable to a want of information in a reliable form, in
reference to the workings and business transactions of the
higher organizations. And that we urge the dissemination
of knowledge, and distribution of such papers and docu-
ments to Subordinate Granges as will tend to give an
intelligent idea of the entire workings of these bodies.
Resolved, That we pledge our united support, and will do
all that lies in our power for the advancement of our noble
order, and will endeavor to inculcate and follow correct
principles, favoring the improvement and development of
our resources financially, socially and intellectually. And
we urge ujon our State Grange the necessity of a work of
this character.
Resolved, That we are in favor of an Equitable Grange
-Life Insurance Company.
Referred to Committee on Good of the Order.
Bro. Vaughn, Chairman, offered the following:
Your Committee on Mileage and Per Diem recom-
mend that the State Grange pay mileage to Sister Farnham.
Referred to Committee on Finance.
Bro. Schaumleffle offered the following:
42
Inasmuch as sheep raising in Illinois has been greatly
retarded by the ravages of useless dogs. Therefore,
Resolved, That we, the members of the State Grange of
Illinois, request of our Senators and Legislators, that they
enact a law prohibiting dogs from running at large, under
penalty of fine and imprisonment. And giving any person
the right to kill any dog, unless said dog be under the
immediate care of the owner.
Referred to Committee on Resolutions.
Bro. Colley offered the following:
Whereas, class legislation is very objectionable and
injurious to the wealth producers. Therefore,
Resolved, That we ask the repeal of the law that com-
pels a citizen to pay a tax on property in his possession,
but not paid for, and exempts the money lender from being
taxed upon the same principle.
Motion made to adopt.
Bro. March moved to lay the motion on the table.
Motion adopted.
Bro. Porter moved a Committee on Taxation.
Adopted.
Bro. Colley offered the following:
Resolved, That the rate of interest on money be so re-
duced, as to compare with profits on industry.
Referred to Committee on Good of the Order.
Bro. Davis moved that when we do adjourn, it be until
to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock. Adopted.
Rule suspended, and Committee on Master's Address
made the following report, which was adopted:
To the Worthy Master and Members of the Stole Gimige of
Illinois :
Your Committee, to whom was referred the Worthy
Master's address, would respectfully report, that we have
carefully reviewed the address, and offer the following
recommendations, viz. :
1st. That so much of the address, as relates to the
creation of a fund for the support of County Granges, be
referred to the Committee on Finance.
43
o
2d. That so much as relates to charters for County
Granges, be referred to the Committee on By-La ws.
3d. That so much as relates to fixing the limit of demits,
be referred to the Committee on By-Laws.
4th. That so much as relates to visiting County and
Subordinate Granges, be referred to the Committee on
Good of the Order.
5th. That so much as relates to Life Insurance, be re-
ferred to the Committee on Fire Insurance.
Gth. That so much as relates to the status of Ancient
Patrons, be referred to the Committee on By-Law?.
7th. That so much as relates to admission of demitted
members into Subordinate Granges, be referred to the
Committee on By-Laws.
8th. That so much as relates to admission of members
of extinct Granges into live ones, be referred to Committee
on Good of the Order.
9th. That so much as relates to the establishing of a
Co-operative Wholesale and Commission House in Chicago,
be referred to the Committee on Good of the Order.
10th. That so much as relates to the publication of a
Monthly Bulletin as a means of official communication,
be referred to the Committee on Good of the Order.
11th. That the address be adopted as read.
All of which is fraternally submitted.
S. J. Frew, Chairman of Committee.
Master gave notice that he would present the amend-
ments to the National Constitution for consideration at
close of special order in the morning.
Bro. Frew asked permission for Bro, Davis to read a
paper on Good of the Order.
Made special order for this evening at 8 o'clock.
Grange took a recess until 7 o'clock P. M.
44
EVENING SESSION.
Grange called to order. Master in the chair.
Special order called.
Bro. Boone delivered an address on Usury and
Finance; Bro. Davis, on The Grange: Its Past, Present
and Future.
On motion of Bro. Osborne, a vote of thanks was tend-
ered Bros. Boone and Davis.
Bro. Osborne moved a reconsideration of the vote,
fixing the time of adjournment.
Vote reconsidered.
Bro. Porter moved to amend, by making it 8 instead of
10 o'clock A. M. Adopted.
Grange closed in due form.
THIRD DAY.
MORNING SESSION.
Thursday, Dec. 14, 1870.
Grange opened in due form at 8 a. m., Past Master
G older in the chair.
The Secretary found the following communication on
his desk, with the request, "Secretary, please read:"
Worthy Master :
We are happy to note the ushering in of this beautiful
Thursday morning with its bright prospects. We also
note our very pleasing prospects at the St. Nicholas
House. It is christened "Alonzo Golder, Jr."
The worthy Past Master was called on to rise and ex>
plain, which was done satisfactorily.
The rules were suspended, and the State Agent, Bro.
Hendricks, read his report," which was referred to com-
mittee on Co-operation.
*Note— The Agent's report, beingvery lenghty, was finally placed in
the hands ef the Executive Committee, with instructions to publish such
portions as they deem of special interest, and will appear in the Appen-
dix, not being ready for insertion here. — Secy.
45
Bro.Howland moved that no new business or claims shall
be acted upon during this session that are not presented
before the close of to-day's session. Adopted.
Bro. Logan offered the following:
Resolved, That we, the members of this State Grange,
recommend the Subordinate Granges of each county to
form County Granges in their respective counties where-
ever such do not now exist.
Adopted.
Bro. Ripper offered the following:
Inasmuch as the Worthy Secretary of the State Grange
of Illinois has had much trouble and spent a good deal of
his time as well as employing a clerk during the year;
therefore,
Resolved, That this Grange deem $500 not sufficient
remuneration for his services during the past year, and
that $200 be appropriated in addition to his salary; and,
further,
Resolved, That Bro. Foster be allowed 810 for services in
assisting the Secretary during this session.
Referred to committee on Finance.
Regular order resumed.
Bro. Porter moved to omit reading that portion of the
minutes which was referred to committees. .Motion
adopted.
Minutes read and approved.
Special order called for conferring of the fifth degree.
The obligation and instructions of the fifth degree were
conferred on all the delegates entitled to receive them by
the "Worthy Master.
Regular order resumed, and reports of officers called.
The Master made. the following:
To the State Grange of Illinois, P. of H. :
At your last session, in the matter of the appeal of Sam-
uel Taylor from the action of Paradise Grange 640, expell-
him from the Order, it was ordered that said Paradise
Grange grant the appellant a new trial within thirty days
after receiving notice thereof. Whereas said Paradise
Grange refused to obey the order of this State Grange, the
4*3
Master thereof suspended said Grange until the meeting
of the State Grange at this session. The sentence of sus-
pension having expired, the matter is referred to your
body for further action.
On motion, the Master was instructed to have the char-
ter of said Grange revoked.
Bro. Easterly offered the following:
Resolved, That intoxication is a crime, and the By-Laws
of the Subordinate Granges should be so amended as to
punish it accordingly.
Referred to committee on Good of the Order.
Bro. Ridenhower offered the following:
Resolved, That no person should be eligible to member-
ship in the Grange who refuses to pay his debts.
Referred to committee on Good of the Order.
Also —
Resolved, That Patrons of Husbandry should patronize
such papers and journals as are in sympathy with their
interests.
Referred to committee on Good of the Order.
Bro. Hamilton offered the following:
Whereas, Some of the grievances pertaining to the ag-
ricultural interest can be redressed only by enactments of
the Legislature; therefore,
Rf£olv€il, That we believe it will be for the good of the
Order, and* for the interests of the masses, for us to have
a committee of at least one, and that one be appointed
by the Worthy Master of die State Grange, to go fresh
from the people and demand, in behalf of the people-,
such legislation as we agree upon in the State Grange.
Referred to committee on Good of the Order.
Bro. Beadles offered the following:
Resolved, That the State Grange recommend that the
very able address of Bro. Boone be published and read in
each Subordinate Grange in the State.
Referred to committee on Good of the Order.
Bro. Maltby offered the following:
Inasmuch as there is considerable dissatisfaction among
the Subordinate Granges throughout the State in relation
47
to the form of initiation as laid down in our manual;
therefore,
Resolved, That measures be taken at this session of the
State Grange that may result in the exclusion of all un-
necessary forms and ceremonies in initiating candidates,
both in the Subordinate, State, and National Granges.
Referred to committee on Good of the Order.
Bro. Lehman offered the following:
Whereas, The business arm of the Order needs
strengthening during the present crisis; therefore, be it
Resolved, That we recommend that a part or the whole
of the money now invested in bonds in the hands of the
State Treasurer be loaned to the several joint stock asso-
ciations that have been organized by the Patrons of Hus-
bandry in the State, said loans drawing 4 per cent, per an-
num, and being protected by approved security.
Referred to committee on Finance.
Bro. March moved to take the resolution on taxes from
the table and refer to committee on Taxation. Motion
adopted.
Rule suspended, and commitee on Credentials reported
Bro. J. L. Hart, of Randolph county, entitled to a seat.
Report adopted.
Reports of officers called.
The Executive Committee presented the following
report:
REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE — 1870.
Worthy Master and Patrons :
Your Executive Committee would beg leave to make
the following report of their acts during the year just
closed. The By-Laws of this Grange, adopted at the last
session, make it the duty of this committee to hold quar-
terly sessions at the Secretary's office; to examine the
books and vouchers of the Secretary and Treasurer; also
to have a general supervision of the affairs of the Order
during the recess of this Grange; to advise the Secretary
in relation to printing; also to place at his disposal a con-
tingent fund sufficient to pay the necessary expenses of
his office. It will be seen that no provision ia made for
48
special meetings; but the duties imposed upon this Com-
mittee are of such a nature as to require special meet-
ings, and, believing-this Grange intended to confer power-
sufficient to enable them to discharge the duties of their
office promptly and efficiently, they called a special meet-
ing, to be held in the city of Chicago on the 27th day of
January. This was necessary from the fact that the
principal amount of printing had to be done about this
time, and if they were to advise the Secretary in the mat-
ter, it must be done at this time, and provision made for
the payment of the same. Again, the address of S. M.
Smith, delivered at the last session of this Grange, was
submitted to this Committee to select such portions for
publication as they might deem best. This duty the Com-
mittee intrusted to its Secretary. The result of his work
is found in the printed proceedings.
Remembering that the Committee were required to
cause to be printed in the form of a bulletin, or some-
other form, such portions of their proceedings as were
proper for publication, and send a copy to each Grange,
the Committee gave this subject very careful considera-
tion. They received propositions from the Prairie Farmer
Company and the proprietors of the Western Farm Jour-
rial to print such matter as might be famished them for
the good of the Order. That of the Western Farm Jour-
nal, being regarded as the more desirable, was accepted
for the term of six months. In this arrangement, the
publishers were to send one copy to such officer in each
Grange as should be designated by the Committee. The
only expense of this arrangement to the State Grange, or
Patrons, was simply the postage on the papers sent.
Something over fifteen hundred copies have been sent to
officers of Subordinate Granges under this arrangement.
By the adoption of the report of the committee on Co-
operation at the last session of this Grange, the Commit-
tee were instructed to establish an agency in the city of
Chicago. After obtaining all the information possible
4D
from similar agencies in other States, we resolved to
employ an agent upon a salary, and open an office. Bro.
W. A. Hendricks, coming very highly recommended, was
employed upon a salary of $1,500 per year. At thia
meeting we received a proposition from certain parties
claiming to represent a large number of manufacturers
who were dealing directly with Patrons to open a supply
depot in the city of Chicago, and furnish our agent with
a suitable office room free of expense to the State Grange,
only requiring that he should fill his orders from said
supply depot, where it could be done on as favorable
terms as they could be filled elsewhere. This proposition
was accepted, with a proviso for its termination. It soon
became apparent that this arrangement was not working
to the interest of the Order, and that our agent was not
furnished with suitable office room in which to transact his
business, and the arrangement was terminated. An office
was rented, and our agent moved into it. The report of
the agent, which has been submitted to you, will show the
amount of business done and the cost of doing the same;
when it will be in the province of this body to determine
whether this agency shall be continued as at present con-
ducted, changed, or abolished entirely. We are quite
confident that for the coming year it may be made self-
sustaining if properly conducted. If it should need a
small outlay of funds, we think it would be as profitable
an investment as will be likely to be made of the funds of
this Grange.
At this meeting we received an invitation from the Ex-
ecutive Committee of the Missouri State Grange, inviting
this Committee to send representatives to a meeting of
the Executive Committees of the States of the Mississippi
Valley, to be held in the city of St. Louis on the i2d day
of February. This invitation was accepted, and the Com-
mittee attended said meeting/which was called to consider
the business interests of the Order. Arrangements were
made at that meeting for a mutual use of agencies in th*
4
\
50
veral commerci Litres, and to prevent the appoint-
ment of rival agents in I me places. This subject was
further considered at a sul ent meeting, held in the
ty of Chii luring the s< 31 ion of the National Grange,
at which this Committee was represented by its Chairman.
At thi meeting a memorial, embodying this principle
with othei drawn and pre* I to the National
Grange for its adoption. Whai action that Grange took
wehav yet been able to learn.
Ana; 500 was made to the contingent
funds in the h of the £ ary. and $200 to apply
upon expense account of Master's 1
The Committee decided to h first quarterly meet-
ing at the Secretary's office on the 8th of March; and as
there appeared to be only clerical work to be clone at this
meeting, a sub-committee, consisting of Bros. ] h and
►ster, was appointed to meet at the Secretary's
md examine the hooks and voucher in that office for
the Committee. This was done in order to save the 1
ole Committee meeting, when it was
thought a smaller number could do the necessary
business quite as expeditiously. The reports received
from Subordinate Granges were examined and compared
with the books, when it was found that the Secretary had
received the sum of $2,115.95, and had turned over to the
Treasurer, as per vouchers exhibited, the sum of
$1,173.08, leaving a balance in his hand of $942.87.
The Secretary's account, with contingent fund, was also
examined, and a balance of $10.94 was found to be unex-
pended, and an additional appropriation of £300 was
made to said fund. The second quarterly session was
held at the office of the Secretary, in Preeport, on June
6th, and the accounts of the Secretary examined. The
amount of receipts during this quarter was $2,367.21
from Subordinate Granges; from Fast Secretary Fanning,
$191.25; $1,608.53 had been paid to Treasurer, leaving a
balance in hands of the Secretary of $1,660.50. An addi-
K
1
fcional appropriation of $200 was made to the contingent
fund.
A resolution was passed requesting the Master and Sec-
retary to enforce the law in relation to delinquent
Granges. Your Committee are of the opinion that if this
law had been strictly enforced from its passage, it would
have resulted beneficially not only to this Grange, but to
the Subordinate Granges and the Order generally. We
would advise an expression of the Grange upon this im-
portant subject. At the last session of this Grange thii
Committee were instructed to have that part of the Ex
utive Committee's report relating to Life Insurance print-
ed in pamphlet form, and a copy sent to each Grange in
the State This the Committee caused to be done, with a
request to consider the subject and report to Secretary
Chambers their approval or disapproval of the project.
We were informed that about fifty Granges had reported,
favoring the movement. The Committee resolved to
take measures to effect an incorporation embracing this
principle, and appointed Bro. R. M. Guy a committee of
one to draw up the necessary papers and attend to their
execution. He has failed to make any report of his ac-
tion to this committee. We would most earnestly recom-
mend a careful consideration of this subject, believil
this to be a very safe and economical plan for effecting a
limited amount of life insurance, and thus add another
bond of union to our Fraternity. We would advise that
the subject be assigned to a Special Committee, with
instructions to report at as early an hour in the session as
practicable what action it is advisable for this Grange to
take in the matter.
The Worthy Master was requested to visit as many
counties or County Granges in the interest of the Order as
possible during the year, and his traveling expenses were
guaranteed him. We are pleased to be able to say that
this work has been very faithfully done at an expense of
only thirty dollars to the State Grange.
\
52
The bonds of Messrs. Hall, Jevne & Slack have been
canceled and returned, and the Subordinate Granges noti-
fied of the fact. In accordance with the instructions of
this Grange, a Commission Agent has been appointed in
the city of Peoria and bonded in the sum of ten thousand
dollars for the faithful discharge of his duties. The only
agents we now have are: W. A. Hendricks and Hall,
Patterson & Co., in Chicago; C. N. Walker, in Peoria;
A. Houston & Co., in the city of St. Louis.
In accordance with a ruling of the National Executive
Committee, the State Grange had been charged dues upon
all its delinquent members since the year 1873; lience
quite a large claim had accrued against this Grange. That
for the year 1874 had been deducted from the amount of
our donation: that for the year 187o and one-half the
year 1876 was still unsettled; and, as its adjustment was
necessary before this Grange could be represented in the
National Grange, your Committee appointed Bro. Foster
a committee of one, with instructions to act in connec-
tion with the SecretanT, and to make a thorough examin-
ation of our books to ascertain the amount of dues the
National Grange were justly entitled to, and adjust and
settle the same with the authorities of the National
Grange. This committee reported as follows:
To th-e Executive GommiUeeof 'State Grange:
Your Committee, to whom was assigned the duty of
ascertaining the amount of dues from the State Grange to
the National Grange, and the adjustment of accounts be-
tween said Granges, would beg leave to report they have
carefully examined the books in the Secretary's office,
also the reports made by Past Secretary Fanning for the
years 1874-75.
It became evident to your Committee, that the National
Grange was justly entitled to dues from a membership
somewhat in excess of the number that had been reported;
but not to the amount claimed by the officers of said
Grange. We presented our ease to the Executive Com-
mittee of the National Grange, who informed us, that they
were ready to consider any claims we might have for ex-
cessive dues paid for the year 1874, but for those of 1875
and 1876 we must settle with the Secretary and Treasurer.
We were requested to separate our claims, and present
that only for the yen r 1874, taking the reports as a basis
of computation. This we very willingly complied with,
and presented a claim of eight hundred and thirty-nine
dollars and fifty-two cents, which was very generously
allowed, and the same placed to our credit on the books
of the Treasurer. We had not anticipated the allowance
of this claim, as it had been partially acknowledged and
previously paid from the amount of our loan, which was
subsequently made a donation. In the settlement of our
dues for the years 1875 and 76 a difference of opinion
arose between your Committee and the Secretary and
Treasurer of the National Grange in relation to the con-
struction of the law relating to making reports and the
payment of dues, passed at the last previous session,
which could not be reconciled, and we wjre obliged to
defer the settlement, and ask the National Grange to con-
strue the law. In due course of time this was done, and
the views of your Committee sustained. The Grange
subsequently reconsidered its action and added a provisos
that this construction shoud not take effect until the com-
mencement of the present fiscal year (October 1, 1876).
This we claimed the Grange had no right to do. That we
were not responsible for the errors of others, and that we
were entitled to all the benefits of a proper construction
of the law. That the law could not mean one thing one
year and another the next year, and refused to settle under
the old construction of the law, Unless they would accept
an estimated report, which was finally done. We believe
this basis was just and equitablo. The amount deducted
from the claim of the National Grange for the year 1875
and half of 1870 was$1 ,584.78, making a total deduction of
54
$2,424.30 allowed, the Sta'e Grange leaving a small balance
in our favor September 30, 1876.
Respectfully submitted,
Signed. D.N.Foster, } ^
J.M. Ch ^Committee.
The receipts in the Seer tary's office during the third
quarter were $1,904 65. Balance on hand at last settlement
$1,727.63. Amount turned over to Treasurer since last
settlement, $1,932.18, lea1 bis hands the sum of
$1,681.65 to be accounted for.
The chairman, Bro. A. J. Alexander, submitted the
following report of moneys placed in his hands by a former
Committee:
To flu : \tive Committee:
I beg leave to submit the following report in relation to
funds placed at the disposal of this Committee by the
State Grange, at its last session, to be used for business
pur] :
Dr.
To amount of draft received. ,897 0
Cr.
bruary 4, 1876, by amount remitted
J. S. Armstrong, urer, as per
receipt...... $1,000 00
February 21, 1876, by amount remit1
W. A. Hendricks, as per his receipt 100 00
March 21, 1876, by amount remitted
him , as per receipt, 200 00
March 24, 1876, by amount remitted
him, as per receipt, 00 00
$1,700 00
Leaving a balance of eleven hundred and ninetv-seven
dollars and ninety cents ($1,197.90), exclusive of interest,
which I cannot now accurately state, having left my
memorandum book, from which to compute the same, in
the hurry of leaving home in time to reach the train.
Respectfully submitted ,
A. J. Alexander, Chairman.
00
Your Committee have exercised the duties of an Audit-
ing Committee, in relation to the contingent fund and
their own expenses. This we presumed was the intenti
of this Grange, as expressed in its By-Laws. It would :
well if the law was more explicit on this as well as many
other points.
Invitations from the Brothers in Champaign, Stephen-
eon and Macon counties were received, very cordially in-
viting 'Ids Grange to hold its annual session s
pective county seats. The central location of the ci
Decatur, togethei the very generon positions of
Brothers in that county, determined your Committee in
the selection of tl y. The very con ;le quarters
in which thi ly now finds itself, will induce the Grange
L>rove our action in this matter.
The books and accounts of the Secretary have been
examined for the fourth quarter. We find he has received
from Subordinate Granges since last s= tent, the sum
of 81,201.83; from 3 cretary Fanning $164.27. Bal-
ance on hand at last settlement $3 3. Making a
total of $3,187.75. Thrst he has paid to Treasurer, as per
vouchers examined, - .47. Leaving a balance in i
hands of $544.23 December 11, 2-; .
Your Committee desire to make the following exhibi
the business and expenses of the business agency in the
city of Chicago. Bro. W. A. Hendricks arrived in the
city on the 14th day of February, 1876, and entered upon
the discharge of his duties. Thi exhibit, made April
4th, showed the amount of
Sales, $2,156.1
Cost of same, 2,118.
Expenses, 31-
Bebates, 42.4-
Second exhibit. May 1.
Sales, "....'. o,G7S.2:;
Costs 5,526.94
Rebates, 151.29
Expenses. 426.15
56
Third exhibit, made June 1,
Hales, 8,074.08
Costs, 7,820.19
Rebates, 253.89
Expenses, 536.14
Fourth and final exhibit, made December 1, embracing
the transaction since February 14th :
Sales.
Groceries, $39,527.45
Dry Goods, 20,063.72
Lumber, 13,971.87
Boots and shoes, 5,985.93
Oils, paints, etc., 5,929.11
Sundries, 9,822.35
Grain, merchandise, etc., 51,242.06
$170,858.69
Increase since June 1st, $153,950.09
Expense account, $1,421.61
Salary for ten months, 1,250.00
$ 2,671.61
Rebate and commission, $ 1,045.59
Cash received from Executive
Committee, 1,200.00
$2,245.59
Leaving a balance of $ 426.00
Rebate and commission since rend-
ering above, about, 250.00
Balance, $176.00
And the rebates will, without doubt, ere the end of the
year, more that pay off this balance.
"We think this exhibit will be highly gratifying to all who
have an interest in the business feature of our Order. The
agency is now an assured success, being on a paying basis.
We sincerely trust it will be so managed by those to whom
57
it mav be entrusted, as to merit and receive increased
confidence and support from the Brotherhood.
Herewith we submit the report of the Worthy Master,
in relation to the use of the appropriations made for the
contingent expenses of his office. As the expenses of this
Committee have been reported to you by the Secretary
they are omitted from this report. We have thus reported
to you the more important subjects that have claimed our
attention, and our action thereon. While it is not prac-
ticable to report all the details connected with these sub-
jects, yet their consideration requires careful and deliber-
ate consideration, requiring a very considerable portion of
the time of your committee, which cannot be presented
in a report of this nature. Hence, our report should be
regarded as only a very brief synopsis of the work of the
Committee.
Signed, A. J. Alexander,
C. N. Anderson.
A. P. Forsyth,
D. N. Foster.
Bro. Porter moved to refer the parts of their report,
referring to the business fund and the State agency to the
Committee on Finance. Adopted.
Bro. Porter moved to adopt the rest of the report.
Motion earned.
By request the rules were suspended, to allow Committee
on Mileage and Per Diem to call their roll, to ascertain the
number of days of attendance of members, so as to com-
plete their report.
After which Grange took recess until 1:30 P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Grange called to order. Worthy Master in the chair.
Committee on Resolutions presented the following re-
port, which, after being read, was on motion of Bro. I
Porter, laid on the table.
58
We, the undersigned Committee on Resolutions,
pectfully ask leave to report the following resolutions, ai
recommend their adoption:
Resolved, That we consider the Grange the most instruct-
ive and beneficial organization now in existence, and that
we, as well-wishers of the Order, should do everything in
our power, in a kind, generous spirit, to correct its abuses.
though unintentional, wherever found.
Resolved, That we believe the patriarchal system of gos i
mentj though of high authority, incompatible with o
civilization, and thei efore are in favor of the representa-
tive plan.
Resolved, That any worthy member of the Order sho
be eligible to all the degrees.
Resolved, That the National Grange should hold but ■
session in four years, not to exceed ten days in length, ai
meet at the most central and convenient point in the
United States.
Resolved, That each State should pay the expenses of its
own delegates.
Resolved, That no more revenue should be collect; \i by
National Grange than is necessary to defray contingent
expenses.
Resolved, That we believe co-operative action practical
and recommend its general adoption.
Resolved, That we are in favor of popularizing the Order,
and rendering it what it was intended to be — the great !
wark of agricultural industry — and believe that a reduc-
tion of admittance fees to $3.00 would tend to accompli
this much-needed and greatty-desired object.
S. I. Davis, Chairman.
The Committee on Fire Insurance reported as folic
State Grange, December 14, 187
We, the Committee on Fire Insurance, would res}:;.- t-
fully submit the following report:
Whereas, the statistics of this State show that eighty
per cent, of the money paid by farmers to joint .-tuck and
the usual mutual fire insurance companies, is lost to the
people. And,
Whereas, after an experience of over twenty years, it
lias been demonstrated that by insuring in local farmers'
50
lire and lightning insurance companies, this money,
amounting annually to millions of dollars, can be saved.
And,
Whereas, the present law confining the territory of
these companies to six townships, makes their establish-
ment more difficult. Therefore, be it
Resolved, That we ask our Legislature to so amend the
law, that such companies may include at least whole^
counties.
Your Committee further earnestly recommend our
farmers to immediately organize Farmers' Fire and Light-
ning In urance Companies throughout the State, under
the present laws, and that they confine their risks exclu-
sively to farm property.
In regard to life insurance, to which our attention has
been called by the action of the Committee on Master's
Address we would report, that recent records show a still
greater waste of the people's money than that of the fire
insurance companies. We would advise our members
against making investments in the companies that have
shown themselves so ready to swindle the people out of
the money confided to their care.
Signed, J. D. Pouter, )
J. L. Monroe,
Ira Crippen, [ Committee.
John Bearing, |
T. HuscROFr, J
On motion the report was adopted,
Committee on Appeals and Grievances reported as
follows :
That in the case of appeal of J. P. Anderson from
Grange No. 1412, your Committee are of the opinion that
his expulsion was unconstitutional, and recommend that
his Grange be instructed to reinstate him as a member.
In the appeal of Mrs. McCann against Grange No. 1606,
your Committee recommend that the action of the Grange
be sustained.
In the case of Bros. Edwin and Gray from Eureka
60
Grange No. G75, your Committee find that the difficulty
lias been amicably settled, and report accordingly.
In the appeal of Bro. Geo. W. Meddler against Grange
No. 89G, your Committee have not enough information
and documents to warrant a consideration of the case.
In the case of John Sonbarger vs. Oliver Hale, that the
case does not come within the jurisdiction of your Com-
mittee; and we respectfully return to your body the pa-
pers for your action.
Signed, Charles Boone, }
Edward Rodgers, > Committee.
J. D. Lewis, }
Report as read adopted.
Committee on By-Laws made the following report:
Your Committee on By-Laws would beg leave to sub-
mit the following amendments to the By-Laws:
Amend Article 2, Section 2, by striking out said sec-
tion and inserting the following:
Sec. 2. Each county shall be entitled to one delegate,
who may be either a Brother or Sister. Any county hav-
ing a paid-up merab ership of one thousand shall be entit-
led to a second delegate; but in no instance shall mileage
and per diem be paid to more than one delegate from the
same county, unless entitled to the same by reason of
said membership.
Amend Article 2, Section 3, by striking out all before
the word "provided," in the fourth line of the printed
copy, and inserting the following:
Sec. 3. The first Tuesday in December of each year the
County Grange, together with the Masters, Past Masters,
and their wives who are Matrons, of Subordinate Granges
in the county, and not belonging to the County Grange,
shall assemble at the usual place of meeting of the
County Grange, and elect their delegates on the above
basis.
Amend Article 3 by striking out all down to the word
"at," in the second line, and inserting the following:
61
Art. 3. This Grange shall hold its next regular meeting
on the third Tuesday in January, 1878, and annually there-
after.
Amend Article 5, Section 6, by inserting after the word
•■Treasurer/' in the fifth line, the words "every thirty
days."
Amend Article 8, Section 5, by striking out the first two
sentences down to the word "the," in the fifth line, and
inserting the following:
Sec. 5. The Executive Committee shall consist of three
members, to be elected by ballot, and to hold their office
for three years, one of whom shall be elected at this ses-
sion, and two at the next annual session — one for one
year, and one for three years, and one at each annual
meeting thereafter. The Master shall be an ex-officio
member and Chairman of said Committee.
Amend Article 12 by inserting the following section, to
be designated Section 0:
Sec. 0. Any member in good standing, who is clear on
the books, shall be entitled to a demit, or withdrawal
card, upon application therefor, which demit shall be
good for one year. Granges admitting members on demits
shall charge regular monthly dues for all time in excess
of six months. Persons who have been members of ex-
tinct Granges, or those whose demits have expired by lim-
itation, may become members of Subordinate Granges by
the usual ballot, as on first application, and by the pay-
ment of one dollar for males and fifty cents for females.
Amend Article 12, Section 1, by inserting the word
"majority" before the word "vote," in the fourth line.
Amend Article 12, Section 4, by striking out the word
"'three," in the second line, and inserting the word "'five;"
and by striking out the words "fifty cents," in the third
line, and inserting the words "two dollars."
Amend Article 12, Section 5, by striking out all after
the word "each," in the second line, lo the word "mem-
ber," in the third line.
62
Amend Article 12, Section 6, by striking out all after
the words "State Grange," where they occur in the seventh
line, and substitute therefor the following:
One dollar for each male and fifty cent 3 for each female
initiated during the quarter. Also a quarterly due of six
cents for each member. Said report to be approved and
forwarded at tl I meeting of the Grange in each quar-
ter.
Amend Article 17, Sec. 2, by striking out all after the
word "determine," in the seventh line.
Amend Article 18, by striking out Sec. 1, and substitut-
ing the- following:
Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of eacb District or County
Grange to recommend io the Worthy Master of the State
Grange the name of some suitable member of the Order,
to be appointed Deputy for the district or county, whose
duty it shall be to visit, under the direction of the District
or County Grange, the Subordinate Granges of the disti .
or county, and to lecture them on the work, aims and
objects of the Order. Who shall receive one dollar per
day and traveling expenses, to be paid by the State
Treasurer out of the funds in his hands, on the presenta-
tion of an order for the same, certified to by the Execu-
tive Committee of and countersigned by the Secretary of
the District or County Grange in which the work has been
performed.; and signed by the Master and countersigned
by the Secretary of the State Grange. Provided, that said
amount does not exceed one-fourth of the membership
dues received b}^ the State Grange from the Subordinate
Granges in said districts or counties. District or County
Granges may increase such compensation out of their own
funds, if they think the same necessary.
E. A. Giller, CI i air man.
Bro. moved to act on the report by sections.
Adopted.
First amendment read and adopted.
63
cond amendment read, and on motion of Bro. Porter
the words "Past Masters" were stricken out.
Bro. Rodgers moved to amend as follows:
It shall be the duty of the Masters and their wives to
meet at their respective county seats, and elect their dele-
gates.
Bro. Logan moved to suspend action on this section and
pass to the next. Carried.
Amendment No. 8 read and adopted.
Amendment No. 4 read and ad< i
Amendment No. 5 read and on motion was passed, and
,6 taken up and adopted.
Amendment No. 7 wa . ad and motion made to adopt.
>n last.
Amendment No. 8 read and adopted.
Amendment No. 9 read and adopted.
Amendment No. 10 read and adopted,
ndment No. 11 read and adopted.
Amendment No. 12 was read and motion made to adopt.
Bro. Porter moved to amend by striking out the words
ne-fourth," and inserting the words "one-half."
Bro. Mayo moved to amend by striking out all after the
words " one dollar.''
Amendment to the amendment lost.
Amendment lost, and section as read adopted by arising
te.
Bro. Logan moved bo recommit the report, with instruc-
tions bo perfect amendments passed over. Adopted.
Committee on Education reported back Bro. Hamilton's
resolution on school hooks with their report, as follows,
which was adopted:
Whereas, there is a great multiplicity of common
school books, causing an outlay of a vast amount of money
in this State, and that amount being forced from those
who are least able to bear it. Therefore,
Resolved, That we urge it upon our Representatives in
our State Legislature, to enact a State law, establishing a
uniform series of text hooks for common schools, having
64
them selected by a competent Committee, revised, stereo-
typed and established during a term of years, and let by
contract to the lowest responsible publishing house.
Submitted to Committee on Good of the Order.
W. D. Hamilton, Macon county.
To the Worthy Master and Members of the State Grange:
Your Committee would respectfully report that while we
distinctly recognize the magnitude of the evils referred to
in the resolution, still they cannot concur in it since the
solution of this problem has baffled the wisdom of our
State Superintendents for a generation, and we do not feel
capable of devising a remedy with so little time for prepa-
ration. We would therefore recommend that this subject
be thoroughly discussed in our Subordinate Granges, that
we may be prepared to act upon this question at the next
meeting of the State Grange with the wisdom its import-
ance demands. Let us educate ourselves before we un-
dertake to instinct our Legislature.
F. I. Hall, Chairman.
The Treasurer and Secretary asked leave to refer bills
to the Auditing Committee. Request granted.
Bro. Wilson moved that the members of Paradise
Grange be granted demits in accordance with the rules of
the Order.
Bro. Foster moved to lay on the table. Motion carried.
Bro. Farnham offered the following:
State Grange, 111.
Whereas, It does appear, and is an assured fact, that
those of our Fraternity, as well as the farmers in general,
having sheep, are more or less preyed upon by dogs in
the killing of their sheep, increasing the loss to each and
nearly every farmer to the sum of from five to one hun-
dred dollars the past year to my own personal knowledge,
seldom a flock of sheep escaping the ravages of dogs; and
believing, as we do, therefore,
Resohed, That it is the opinion of this State Grange that
dogs in the State of Illinois ought to l>e tajted to pay
losses as expressed in the above preamble.
Referred to Committee on Resolution*, which resolu-
65
tion, if adopted, then to be referred by the Secretary
to a live business Brother of our Fraternity holding a po-
sition as State Senator in and for the State of Illinois,
requesting said member to prepare and present a bill to
our State Legislature with a view to its immediate pass-
age by said body.
Referred to Committee on Resolutions.
The Master submitted the following proposed amend-
ments to the Constitution of the National Grange, which
were considered separately and ratified:
NATIONAL GRANGE, P. OF H. — TENTH ANNUAL SESSION —
AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION.
No. 1. — To amend Article 1, Section 2, by inserting after
the word ''ballot" the following words: '"any fourth degree
member, in good standing, shall be eligible to office, or to
receive the degrees, in the County, District, State or Na-
tional Grange, within whose jurisdiction such member
may reside, but shall not be entitled to vote."
No. 2. — To amend Article 1, Section 4, so as to read as
follows:
Sec 4. There shall be an Executive Committee of the
National Grange consisting of three members, whose
term of office shall be two years. The Master of the Na-
tional Grange shall be, ex officii-, a member of the Execu-
tive Committee, but shall not be entitled to vote except in
case of a tie.
Xo. 3. — To amend Article 2, Section 3, by striking out
the word "annual lv," and inserting in place thereof the
won! "biennially," and by striking out the words "from
year to year," in said section; by striding out the word
"annual," in Article 3, and inserting the word 'biennial
iii place thereof; and by striking out the word "annual
in Article 13, and inserting the word "biennial" in place
thereof. This amendment shall take effect after the ;< n-
n ml session of the National Grange, to be hell in the*
vear 1S77.
66
aend the preamble under the head of Or-
ganizati Late Grange, Section 1, by inserting after the
,,. in the third line, the words, "provided
that when the Master of a Subordinate Grange cannot
tl :,. tl i meeting of the State Grange, the. Subordinate
. may elect ;■ substitute from those who are duly
qualified — and
Br . - toad offered the following:
Thai the business agents in all departments shall
.lie a full and itemized report of nil purchases and sales
made by them as far as practicable naming the persons
firms purchased ?r<^. and to whom sold, the pri
paid and the price received for the same, the amount of
eel tes, etc., and such other it< ms as will
of inter; - the members cf the Grange, at least once
during each quarter, and place the same on file in the
ice' of the S< cretary of the State Grange.
Referred to Committee on Good of the Order.
The following was sent to the Secretary's desk, read,
and referred to Committee on Good oftheOrder:
That the State Grange become the foster pa-
rent of a journal of agriculture, under some title to be
designated by the above body, to be in eight-]. age quarto
form: Provided, The same shall net cost to exceed live
cents per copy, a sample of which shall be presented to
the Co-operative Committee, the whole to be conducted
and paid for on the co-operative plan.
H. SCHHEBLY.
Bro. P< >rter moved a recess until 7 o'clock. Motion
lost.
On motion, the Grange adjourned to 8 a. m., Friday.
6
/7
FOURTH DAI?
T
MORNING SESSION.
Friday, Dec. 15, 1870.
Grange opened in clue form. Worthy Master in the
chair.
Members and visitors of previous days nearly all present,
Minutes of previous clay read and approved. When
the Worthy Master announced the following Committee
ON LIFE INSURANCE:
Bro. Tunnell, of Macoupin county.
" Ripper, of Tazewell county.
" Fyffe, of Lawrence countv.
Regular order taken up and passed to reports of special
Committee.
Committee on Finance reported as follows:
Decatub, December 15. 1870.
Worthy Master and Patrons of Husbandry of Illinois St
I irange:
Your Committee on Finance beg leave to submit
following report:
1st. We have careful]}' examined the report of the
Secretary and Treasurer, and compared the same with
their books and vouchers, and find the same correct as
audited by the Executive Committee, and would recom-
mend the adoption of their reports.
2d. Your Committee find, that in September, 1875,
Alonzo Golder paid A. J. Alexander, chairman of the
Executive Committee of the State Grange, funds donated
he State Grange, amount lug to $2,89790. Of that
amount we find $1,000 placed in the hands of our
Treasurer. $500 of which was loaned jointly to R. M. Guy
and H. L.Phillips, for which oiu Treasurer holds their
note for the same, payable June 16, 1877, drawing ten per
cent, interest, Also 1500 paid to the State purchasing
68
agent, W. A. Hendricks, October 21st, per order of the
Executive Committee. Further, that the Executive Com-
mittee paid State purchasing agent $700, leaving in hands
of A. J. Alexander, chairman of the Executive Committee,
$1,197.90. We would recommend the Executive Com-
mittee to deposit the above funds in the hands of our
Worthy Treasurer and take his receipt for the same.
3d. Your Committee further find, that at the last
meeting of the State Grange the Executive Committee
was instructed to make a final settlement with our Fast
Secretary, O. E. Fanning, which has not been as yet ad-
justed, there appearing to be as yet from twelve to six-
teen hundred dollars in his hands. We would recommend
that they proceed immediately to adjust the above
account and deposit the proceeds in the hands of our
Treasurer, and take his receipt for the same.
4th. The report of the Worthy Master we have also
examined, and respectfully recommend the same be re-
ferred to the Auditing Committee.
•5th. The resolution referred to your Committee, asking
for an appropriation of two hundred dollars in addition to
the present salary of the Worthy Secretary, does not meet
the approval of your Committee. That portion of the
resolution asking an allowance of ten dollars to Bro. Foster,
we would respectfully ask its adoption.
6th. The resolution asking the Grange to loan money
to the joint stock associations of the State, we would
report adversely thereon.
7th. Further, we would recommend that mileage and
per diem be allowed Bro. M. L. .Arnold, of Lee county, an
recommended by Committee on Appeals and Grievances.
8th. The resolutions submitted in the case of Sisters
Pari', Snoad and Farnham. On examination, we find that
they are not, by a strict construction of the law, entitled
to mileage and per diem, but would recommend their
petition to the favorable consideration of the Grange.
9th. Your Committee would further report that alter
69
due deliberation upon all the information and facts that
have come before them, we would urgently recommend
that additional safe-guards and security be thrown around
the finances of the Grange.
All of which your Committee would respectfully submit
for your consideration.
R. E. Logan, j
E. Howland,
F. A. Bowdel, |- Committee.
L. L. Wilcox, |
James McGrew, J
Motion made to adopt the report.
Bro. Crippen moved to amend by acting on each rec-
ommendation separately. Amendment lost.
Motion to adopt carried.
Motion made that Sisters Snoad, Farnham and Pan-
receive mileage and per diem. Adopted.
Motion made that Sister Armstrong be paid mileage
and per diem. Adopted.
Committee on Appeals and Grievances reported as fol-
lows, which was adopted:
Worth}/ Master and Patrons :
In the case of Bro. J. W. Murdaugh against Damascus
Grange Xo. 39, your Committee are of the opinion that
the action of the Grange in the suspension of Bro. Mur-
daugh was irregular, if not illegal, and recommend that
the Grange be instructed to revoke its action. With
respect to the charges preferred by Bro. Murdaugh against
Bro. Edmund Hathaway, Master of said Grange, and
which appear to have grown out of the above difficulty,
your Committee are of the opinion that they are not en-
t itled to further consideration by the State Grange.
Chas. Boone, i
Ed. Rogers, ^ Committee.
J. D. Lewis, )
The Auditing Committee reported back the bills in
their possession, as follows:
70
Worthy Master :
Your Committee have examined the following bills, and
recommend that they be allowed:
November 25, 1876.
State Grange, Dr.
In account with J. S. Armstrong for board at Chi-
cago from Nov. 18th to the 24th, inclusive.
eleven days, at two dollars per day 822 00
Railroad fare 4 70
Total 2G 70
J. S. Armstrong.
Rock Falls, III., December 12, 1870.
Illinois State Grange to A. Golder, Dr.
1876. For services as Lecturer.
February 22, Science Ridge Grange, one day, $ 2.50
February 26, John's Corner, one day, 2.50
June 16, Morrison, by request, one day, 2.50
Storm prevented my being called for, paid ex-
penses,.. 1.80
Visiting Dixon Grange, 2.50
August 2, McLean county, five days, 12.50
August 13, Macon county, four days, 10.00
August 25, Fulton county, four days, 10.CM '<
844.30
Illinois State Grange to Secretary, Dr.
December 14, 1874, to rent of office one year,... $60.00
December 14, to fuel and lights, 40.00
$100.00
No provision having been made for any office, and as
you must be aware it takes a good sized room in my house,
to contain desks, <fec, "also fuel and lights, I respectfully
submit this account, believing it reasonable and just.
Signed, J. M. Chambers:
71
Chicago, November 22, 1874.
^Received this day of John S. Armstrong, Treasurer of
State Grange, thirteen dollars for publishing notice to
Treasurers of County Granges to remit.
J. A, Noonan, for Lid. Age C
Your Committee further recommend an appropriation
of $100, as an addition to the present salary of the Worthy
Secretary.
Signed, Chas. Snoad, ;
C. W. Easterly. ■ Committee.
C. W. March, ;
Motion made to adopt the report.
Bro. Porter moved to amend bv acting on it bv - ons.
Carried.
Section 1, Bro. Armstrong's bill, read and adopted.
Section 2, " Goklers bill, read and adopted.
Section 3, " Chambers' bill, read and adopted.
Section 4, bill paid Industrial Age, read and approved.
Section 5, recommending appropriation to Secretary,
read.
Bro. Logan moved to lav on the table. Lost.
Bro. Kipper moved to amend by making it two hundred
dollars. Amendment supported by several Brothers' and
opposed by Bros. Boone and Porter. Amendment lost,
and the recommendation of the Committee adopted.
Bro. Dusch asked for and was granted leave of absence
after 11 o'clock A. M.
Committee on By-Laws made the following supplemen-
tary report:
Article 2, Section 8. — Amend as follows: Strike out
said section and insert the following: "On the first Tues-
day in December of each vear the County Grange, to-
gether with the Masters and their wives, who are Matrons,
of Subordinate Granges in thi county, and not belonging
to the County Grange, shall assemble at the usual place of
meeting of the County Grange and elect their delegates
*Not3.— This bill had been paid bythe Worthy Treasurer, bur no order
drawn for it.
72
on the above basis: Provided, That in counties where no
County Grange is organized the Masters and their wives,
who are Matron?, shall assemble on the first Tuesday in
December of each year at the county seat of their respec-
tive counties and elect their delegates to the State Grange
upon the above basis."
Article 8. — Section 5 strike out, and insert the follow-
ing: "The Executive Committee shall consist of four
members, to be elected by ballot, who shall hold their
office for two years, and until their successors are elected,
two of whom shall be elected at each annual meeting.
The Master shall be an ex-officio member of this commit-
tee. The duties of this committee shall be to hold quar-
terly meetings at the Secretary's office, at which they
shall examine and audit the books of the Secretary and
Treasurer; to exercise a general supervision of the affairs
of the Order during the recess of the State Grange; to
instruct the Secretary in regard to printing and disburse-
ments. They may adopt such rules and regulations as
may seem necessary and expedient for the good of the
Order. They shall draw all orders on the Treasurer to
meet the expenses of the Secretary's office, but shall in
no case otherwise appropriate the moneys of the State
Grange, unless by a unanimous vote of the Committee,
countersigned by the Secretary. They shall be allowed
two dollars per day for their services while in the actual
discharge of their duties, and their necessary expenses,
on presentation of their accounts, duly itemized, to the
Siate Grange at its annual session: Provided, The Finance
Committee report the same to be correct.
Article 18, Section 2.— Amend by striking out the words
"county or," in the eighth line.
Article 18. — Amend by striking out the whole of sec-
tion 3.
Article 19. — These By-Laws may be altered or amended
by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at any
regular meeting of the Grange.
73
Your Committee would further recommend that the
Secretary be instructed to have 5,000 copies of the fore-
going By-Laws printed and distributed as soon as practi-
cable, and that the same be considered in force from the
time the Grange adjourns. E. A. Giller,
Chairman Committee.
On motion, the report was taken up by sections.
Amendment No. 1 read and adopted.
Amendment No. 2 read.
Motion made to insert the words "two members" in
place of "four members." Motion lost.
Amendment adopted.
Amendment No. 3 read and adopted.
Amendment No. 4 read and adopted.
Kecommendation of Committee in regard to printing
adopted.
Bro. Logan moved the adoption of the By-Laws as
amended. Motion carried.
Worthy Secretary read the following:
Sister Armstrong is glad to see the good feeling existing,
but she does not accept the donation made by this
Grange.
Signed, Mks. J. S, Armstrong.
Committee on Co-operation presented the following
report:
Worthy Master and Members of the State Grange : \
Your Committee on Co-operation beg leave to offer the
following report:
We think the Grange m ovement has given us the great-
est opportunity to foster mutual understanding and co-op-
eration; to reduce our expenses, both individual and cor-
porate; to systematize our work; to discountenance the
credit system, buying together, selling together, and, in
general, acting together for our mutual protection; and,
again, to bring producers and consumers, farmers and
manufacturers, into the most friendly and direct relations
74
possible. We believe, whenever we have carried out
these principles, even in defective ways, we have pros-
pered and grown strong. Where we have neglected
them our cause is languishing. The more thoroughly w<
investigate and understand what is known as the Roch-
dale plan, the more thoroughly we are convinced that it
is the safest and best system of co-operation which, can I e
devised to secure in business matters the greatest good to
the greatest numbers. All the patrons want to know is
their own strength; we are so apt to forget the advantages
we have already attained. In any place where a success-
fid Grange store has been established, groceries, house-
hold necessaries, such as stoves, sewing machines, and
farm implements have been reduced from ten to forty per
cent. And vour Committee would respectfully recommend :
1st. The establishment of at least one co-operati ve
store in every county in the State, as near as practicable,
on the Rochdale plan. That is, after paying the running
expenses of the store and ten per cent, on the capital
stock, the net profits to be divided pro rata among the
purchasers who arc stockholders. The company to be in-
corporated under the State laws, and the stock held only
by Patrons of Husbandry. No Patron allowed more than
twenty shares of ten dollars each.
2d. And your Committee further recommend for the
purpose of helping the membership throughout the State
and further the efforts in the way of organizing County
Co-operative Associations, that a circular covering all the
points relative to organizing such establishments, be pre-
pared by some competent person and printed in sufficient
quantity for liberal distribution, and placed in the hands
of the Secretary of the State Grange, to be sent out when-
ever called for by members of the Order.
3d. Your Committee further recommend that a com-
mission and wholesale house, upon the same plan, be
established at some commercial center, so that all local
'<D
and district associations can bo supplied at wholesale rat'* ■-.
thus saving the large profits paid to wholesale stores.
4th. After examination of the agency system as .< w
in operation, your Committee recommend that a coin mis-
sion be added to the ordinary rebate, to make the agency
self-supporting. And we further recommend that the
report of the State Agent be printed with the proceedings
of the Stale Grange.
Respectfully submitted.
Chas. Mayo, ,
Oliver Wilson,
M . W. Gree i i . \ Com mittei
E. W. Pearson,
Amos Maltby, I
Bro. Shinn moved to adopt the report. Motion carried:.
Committee on Life Insurance presented the followingV
report, which was adopted:
Worthy Master and Members of the State Grange:
Your Committee on Life Insurance respectfully report
that they are satisfied that the interests of the Order re-
quire the establishment of a safe and efficient life insur-
ance institution, and we respectfully recommend that the
Worthy Master of our State Grange be instructed to ap-
point a Committee of Three, whose duty it shall be to
procure the organization of such an institution
Signed, John Tunnell, Chairman.
Committee on Taxation reported as follows:
Temperance Hall, Decatur, Dec. 15, 1876.
Your Committee on Taxes would recommend to your
honorable body, that we demand of our Legislators, of
whatever political persuation, to use their best efforts in
securing a revision of the law, that personal property not
paid for must stand exempt from taxes the some as debts
and credits.
Respectfully submitted.
J. B. Colley. Chairman.
On motion the report was adopted.
76
Bro. Mayo moved that the report of the Committee on
Resolutions be taken from the table and read. Motion
carried.
(Resolutions on pa^e 58.)
Bro. Mayo moved to consider the report by sections.
Motion carried.
Section 1 read and on motion of Bro. Porter was
amended by inserting the words "one of."
Section 2 read and adopted.
Section 3 read and adopted.
Section 4 read and motion made to amend, hv inserting
"two years" instead of "four."
Motion made to lay this resolution on the table. Car-
ried.
Section 5 read and motion made to lay on the table.
Motion lost.
Motion to adopt carried.
Section 6 read and adopted.
Section 7 read and adopted.
Section 8 read and motion made to adopt.
Motion made to amend by striking out "three" and in-
serting "five."
Bro. Mayo moved to amend by striking out all relating
to fees. Accepted.
Amendment lost and resolution as read adopted.
Bro. Logan moved a reconsideration of the vote, by
which the report of Committee on Co-operation was
adopted. Carried.
Bro. Logan moved to amend that part of the report
referring to the printing of State agent's report, as follows:
Resokedj That the Executive Committee are empowered
to print as much of Bro. Hendrick's report, as in their
judgment is of special interest to the Subordinate Granges.
Adopted.
Report as amended adopted.
On motion the election of members of the Executive
Committee was made the special order for 1:30 P. M.
'( i
Bro. Foster offered the following resignation:
Worthy Master and Patron*:
At the last session of this Grange I was elected a mem-
ber of the Executive Committee for a term of two years,
hence, my oiiice does not expire until the next annual
session of this body. 1 hereby tender you my resignation
as a member of your Executive Committee.
D. N. Foster.
Bro. Logan moved that Bro. Foster be requested to
withdraw his resignation. Motion carried.
Motion made to take recess until 1:30 P. M. Lost.
Motion made that the unwritten work be exemplified.
Carried.
Worthy Master proceeded to comply with the request.
* * -s- * * * *
After which the Grange took a recess until 1:30 V. M.
A FTERNOON SESSION.
Grange called to order at 1:30 1*. M. Worthy Master in
the chair.
By request of the Secretary the minutes of the morning
session were read and approved.
Special order called for. being the election of two mem-
bers of the Executive Committee.
Master instructed the Worth y Assistant and Lady Assist
ant Steward.- to act as tellers.
Ballot spread, resulting in the election of Bro. E. A.
Giller on the fourth ballot.
Ballot spread for second member, resulting in the elec-
tion of Bro. E. E. Logan, on the second ballot.
Bro. Giller offered the following, by request of some of
the Sisters present:
What offices in the Granges are the Sisters eligible to
fill?
— l"
Worthy Master answered, all offices.
- cond, are the ladies of any benefit in the Grange?
Thi> question was answer* 1 by several Brothers, elicit-
ing high encomiums on the Sist< rs.
Bro. Logan moved that Sisters Pair. Green and Bro.
Giller be appointed a Committee to draw up resolutions of
thanks for courtesies received from members in this county
and citizens of this city during the session. Carre d.
Committee on By-Laws presented the following supple-
mentary report :
That should the pending amendment to the
National Constitution, relating to Section 4 of Article 12
be ratified, then the Master of the State Grange shall
issue his proclamation to the Subordinate Grang is, author-
izing them, if in their judgment they think il for the best
to so reduce their fees for admission as to make it rend
three dollars for males and one dollar for females.
Recommended by Committee on By-Law .
E. A. Giller, Chairman.
On motion the report was adopted.
Auditing Committee reported as follows:
Patrons and Memb rs
We have examined the contingent account of the Wor-
thy Master, referred to us, and find it correct, i • follows:
Illinois State Grange, Patrons of Husbandry in account
with A. P. Forsyth.
December 18. 1875, attending State
Grange at Champaign, $ 8.00
December 29, 1875. 500 letter-heads,.... 3.00
20 postage stamps, GO
;: 24 stamped envel-
opes, 35
January 8, 1876, package of envelopes, 20
•' S, " postage stamps, 2-5
" 15, " 500 stamped envel-
ues, 16.40
January 27, 1870, telegraphing from
Chicago to Mattoon,.. 1.00
Ci
79
Amount brought forward, $29.80
February 16, 1876, expenses to Deca-
tur and return, 10.00
bruary 25, 1876, expenses to St.
Louis and return , 22 .85
Mar 7, 1876, expenses to Freeport and
Chicago, 35.80
Mar. 9, 1876, seal for Master's office,... 8.00
Mar. 9, 1876. desks for Master's office
and freight, 13.50
Mar. 27, 1876, 500 letter-heads, 3.25
•' " '•' six quires of note paper, 90
" " lf ink and pen-rack,. 75
April 13, " 500 stamped envelopes... 16.40
June 6, c: expenses, attending Exe-
cutive Committee.. 16.30
July 10, 1876, expenses, visiting coun-
ties. , 15.00
August 20, 1876, 500 letter-heads, 3.25
■'' '• 500 stamped envel-
opes, 16.40
; ptember 21, 1876. expenses, meeting
Executive Committee 14.00
October 10, 1876, expenses, visiting
counties, 7.00
>ctober 24, 1876, expenses to Freeport 23.00
" ink, 75
80. :; expressage on blank
from Secretary's office, 40
November 29, 1876, 500 stamped envel-
opes, 16.40
December 7, 1876, visiting counties,... 7.00
8255.75
Balance on hand 44.25
Cr.
8300.00
80
January 25, 1876, to appropriation by Dr.
Executive Committee, $200.00
June S, 1870, to second appropriation, 100.00
1300.00
Your Committee also offer the following, and recom-
mend its adoption:
Worthy Master and Patrons:
Recognizing the fact that the Master of the State Grange
has devoted a considerable portion of his time during the
past year, to the number of 130 days, in traveling and
lecturing for the good of the Order; it is understood by
vour Committee that this work does not belong to the
ordinary duties devolving upon the Master by virtue of
his office; that this important work has cost the State
Grange but $30; that the salary of the Master is $400
per annum. In view of the fact that it has been an actual
expense to the Master, and of great proilt to our Order.
and especially to the State, County and Subordinate
Granges. And in view of many other facts which we
deem it unnecessary to mention, we respectfully request
your honorable body to appropriate a sum of one hundred
dollars for the payment of the extra service rendered.
Respectfully submitted.
Chas. Snoad, i /-. • ,
C. W. March, { Committee.
Bio. Smith moved to amend by making the amount
two hundred instead of one hundred. Amendment !.-»;.
On motion the report was adopted.
Committee on Good of the Order presented their report:
To the State Grange:
Your Committee on the Good of the Order beg leave '
make the following report:
We have given attention to the matters that have been
presented to us at this session of the Stnte Grange hs weli
as the limited time at our disposal would permit : and,
while much regretting that time and talent prevent us
81
from entering more deeply into this important subject, we
present the following recommendations as being of im-
portance to the welfare of the Order:
1. We recommend that the Master of the State Grange
be kept in the field as a Lecturer during the coming year,
and that we request him to spend as much time as the
circumstances of the case may seem to demand; and we
recommend that an increase of salary be made to him in
the sum of $300; and we guarantee his necessary travel-
ing expenses when not procurable from other sources.
2. We recommend that the Secretary of the State
Grange have published a monthly bulletin as an official
medium of communication between the Executive office
of the State Grange and the Subordinate Granges of the
State, one copy of which shall be sent, free of charge, to
the Master of each County and Subordinate Grange of
the State, and that said copy shall be considered as the
property of said Grange, to be kept on file among the pa-
pers of the Secretary, and the official matter contained
therein to be read in open Grange. It shall be furnished
to members of the Order at forty cents per copy — the ex-
pense of publication to not exceed fifty dollars per
month, to be paid out of the treasury of the State Grange.
We believe that if this measure be judiciously carried
out, it will be soon self-supporting, and, if thought nec-
essary, can be made a source of revenue to the State
treasurv. In view of the extra labor thrown upon the
Secretary, we think that some extra compensation should
be given — the amount we leave to be determined by you.
3. We do most earnestly urge upon the various county
organizations that they avail themselves of the provision
made in our By-Laws, at this session, for the appointment
and compensation of County or District Lecturers. Let
there be more earnest work in this direction, and we can
but believe that good, both to the State and Subordinate
Granges, will result.
4. We ask our Master to use all honorable meana to
82
bring about the change in our National Constitution allow-
ing each State to regulate its own dues of members so
long as it does not interfere with the claims of the Na-
tional Grange, and ask him to suggest such changes in
our ceremony of initiation and simplification of the de-
grees as he may deem for the best interest of the Order.
5. We recommend that the address' of Bro. Boone be
published in the Western Farm Journal and circulated to
the Subordinate Granges b}r this means.
G. No legislation having been asked for or agreed upon
by this Grange, no action need be taken on the resolution
of Bro. Hamilton.
7. In the matter of taxation, as presented from Taze-
well county, we recommend that some competent mem-
ber of our Order be appointed at this meeting of the
State Grange to thoroughly investigate the workings of
our Revenue law, and to report at the next meeting of
the State Grange.
8. We recommend that the resolution asking for an
itemized report from our purchasing agents be not adopt-
ed, as, in the opinion of your Committee, the information
gained would not pay the cost of making said report.
We believe reporting in the aggregate sales, commissions,
rebates, etc., and the price lists and circulars sent from
our business agents, to be the more practicable means of
gaining information.
9. Your Committee on the Good of the Order are
aware that there are some vital questions connected with
our Order that should be attended to, and among these is
the question — How shall the Subordinate Granges be
made more efficient in their work? Howr shall those that
are drooping and failing be sustained? Whatever can be
done by the State or County Granges is but auxiliary.
The main source of strength must be developed at home,
and by ourselves. To this end your Committee recom-
mend that where one or more Granges have become re-
duced in numbers and working strength, they be advised
8Q
&
by the Master to consolidate their strength on the princi-
ple that it is always better that the ground should be oc-
cupied by one strong and vigorous plant than by tAYo
weak ones. Let us see to it that the principles of our Or-
der are carried out, outside as well as inside the gates. In
short, let us practice what we preach; let us not lose sight
of the fact that there is an intellectual and social side to
our nature as well as a financial, and that in order that
these may be properly developed , the}* must be properly
nurtured and sustained. In order to do this, try to have
your meetings a feast intellectually, at least. Discuss
some practical question at each meeting of the Grange,
the question to be made known at the meeting of the
Grange previous' Let essays be read by suitable mem-
bers of the Order; and, above all, do not neglect to inter-
est the lady members of the Order. At proper times
have open mee-ings, and invite in your friends and
neighbors.
Procure, as soon as possible, a Grange library, and
endeavor to get each head of a family at least to take one
or more agricultural papers that are friendly to our Order.
Do not expect that some great tidal wave, to be set in
motion by the State or National Grange, is coming along
to carry you over your season of depression, but put your
own shoulder to the wheel with a determination to
achieve success.
Respectfully submitted,
W. Osborne, )
W. H. Shufelt, I Committee .
G. W. QUAINTANCE, )
Bro. Colley moved to adopt.
Bro. Kerr moved to amend by acting on it by sections.
Amendment lost.
Bro. Kerr moved to lay on the table. Motion lost.
Motion made to reconsider the vote by which amend-
ment was lost. Carried.
And amendment to consider b}T sections adopted.
84
Section 1 read.
Bro. Edwards moved to lay on the table. Lost.
Bro. Logan moved to strike out that part referring to
increase of salary.
Amendment carried.
Section as amended adopted.
Section 2 read, and on motion of Bro. J. D. Lewis
adopted.
Section 3 read and adopted.
Section 4 read and adopted.
Section 5 read and motion made to adopt.
Bro. Logan moved to amend by adding: "Provided, it
is done without cost to the State Grange. Carried.
Section as amended adopted.
Section 6 read and adopted.
Section 7 read and adopted.
Section 8 read and adopted.
Bro. Cohenour offered the following:
Resolved, That the Executive Committee have two thous-
and copies of the proceedings of this session of the State
Grange printed and distributed among the officers and
members of this Grange and the Subordinate Granges of
the State.
Bro. Beatty moved to amend by striking out the words
"'Executive Committee" and inserting the "Secretary."
Amendment carried.
Resolution as amended adopted.
Committee on Mileage and Per Diem presented their
report, which was read, and on motion recommitted for
corrections.
Bro. Giller of Special Committee on Resolutions of
Thanks presented the following report, which was adopted:
Worthy Master:
Your Committee would beg leave to report the following
resolution and ask its adoption:
Resolved, That the members of the State Grange of Illi-
nois return thanks to the citizens of Decatur for their kind
hospitality; to the proprietors of the Good Templar's Hall
85
for the use of their beautiful room; to the members of
Mason County Grange for the brotherly and sisterly affec-
tions the}7 have manifested in their reception of the dele-
gates and visiting members to this their beautiful city.
Mks. S. E. Parr, Chairman.
On motion, recess until 7:30 was taken.
86
EVENING SESSION.
Worthy Master in the chair.
Committee on Mileage and Per Diem made the follow-
ing report of mileage and per diem of the officers and
members:
NAMES OF DELEGATES.
R. C. Sterritt
F. I. Hall,....
John Bnrgesser,
Robert Gillogly,
J. F. Black,
W. F. Hardy,
Wm. L. Cohenour,
M. Laws,
Samuel Enyart,
K. M. Almy,
L. W. Lanman,
Preston Condrey,...
John Nearing,
Andrew Mn nn,
K. Laufman,
W. A. Shelby,
Samuel Field,
William Bennett,...
Wales Barrett,
L. K. Diehl,
E. A. Giller,
L. L. Wilcox,
Cyrus Leatherman,
C. W. Easterly,
J. Z. Winterowd,...
John R. Beatty,
Charles Boone,
J. M. Ridenhonr,...
Alphonso Mellen,...
W. H. Shufelt
D.S.Smith,
Ezekiel Howland,...
J. A. Fyffe,
C. J. Rosbrock,
E. W, Pearson.
No. of
Amount
Per Diein.
Miles.
of Mileage.
$12 00
300
$12 00
460
18 40
12 00
240
9 60
12 00
470
18 80
12 00
144
5 76
10 00
130
5 20
8 00
58
2 32
10 00
150
6 00
12 00
240
9 60
12 00
190
7 60
12 00
142
4 96
12 00
300
12 00
12 00
50
2 00
10 00
120
4 80
10 00
172
6 88
12 00
322
12 88
12 00
184
7 36
12 00
132
5 28
12 00
162
6 48
12 00
296
1184
12 00
260
10 40
12 00
330
13 20
12 00
234
9 36
12 00
320
12 80
12 00
270
10 80
12 00
214
8 56
10 00
414
16 56
12 00
496
19 84
12 00
240
9 60
12 00
308
12 32
12 00
450
18 00
12 00
260
10 40
12 00
306
12 24
12 00
322
12 88
12 001
180
7 20
12 001
Total
Amount.
$24 00
30 40
2160
30 80
15 76
13 20
12 32
18 00
21 60
19 60
16 96
24 00
12 00
14 80
18 88
24 88
19 36
17 28
18 48
23 84
22 40
25 20
2136
24 80
22 80
18 56
28 56
3184
21 60
24 32
30 00
22 40
24 24
24 88
19 20
87
Continued.
XAMES OF DELEGATES*
No. Of
Miles
Amount of
Mileage.
P. F. Lehman,
John Tunnell,
Ed. Rodgers,
R. W. Fullerton,
Thomas Huscroft,
James Mauley,
J. B. Colley,
J. D. Lewis,
G. W. Quaintance
S. J. Frew, '.
Jam es M. Kerr,
R. L. Wyatt,
G. W.Vaughn,
A. Maltby,
Charles Mayo,
S. I. Davis,
F. A. Bowdle,
Perin Shinn,
John Dusch,
Oliver Wilson,
John L. Hart,
J. Lee Monroe,
L. D . Edwards,
W. L. Mitchell, jun.,...
E. F. McConnell,
M. W. Greer,
W. G. McLaughlin,....
C. W. March,
E. P. Wright, I
J. C. Schaumlefiel, |
Ira Crippen, !
P. E. Ripper, '
J. J. Sharp, i
W. H. Sheadle,
J. D. Porter,
H. G. W. Whittenberg,
James Magrew.
Francis M. Charles, j
R. E. Logan, \
Charles Snoad, [
16
184
224
210
206
820
450
148
216!
486 i
94i
176;
60;
1401
296i
40,
212
570
194
300
320
370
360
104
224
220
32j
280
260
360
154!
128:
400!
336!
206;
240!
390!
358|
2S0!
I 64|
7 36
8 96
8 40
8 24
12 80
18 00
O oZi\
8 64
17 44!
3 76
7 041
2 40
13 60
5 60
1184!
1601
8 48
22 80!
7 76!
12 001
12 80!
14 80
14 40
4 VS
8 96
8 80
128
1 1 20
10 40
14 40
6 16
5 12
16 00
13 44
8 24
9 60
15 60
14 32i
1120,
Per Diem.
$ 8 00
12 00
12 00
12 00
12 00
12 00
12 00
12 00
12 00
8 00
12 00
8 00
12 00;
12 00|
12 00
12 00
10 00;
10 00;
12 00!
10 00
10 oo!
12 00!
12 00
12 00!
12(30'
12 00]
12 00;
10 00;
sou'
12 00
12 00!
10 00
10 00
12 00
12 00
12 00
12 00
12 00
12 00
12 00
Total
Amount.
$ 8 04
19 36
20 96
20 40
20 24
22 80
30 00
17 92
20 64
25 44
15 76
15 04
14 40
25 60
17 60
23 84
1160
18 4S
34 80
17 76
22 00
24 80
26 80
26 40
16 16
20 96
20 80
11 28
19 2'.'
22 40
26 40
16 16
15 12
28 00
25 44
20 24
2160
27 60
26 32
23 2< )
88
Continued.
KAMES OF DELEGATES.
No. of
Miles.
Am oii nt of
Mileage.
J. T. Hill,
Webster Osborne,
Morris H. Wart,..,
350]
420!
152i
$14 00
16 80
G08
Per Diem.
$12 00
12 ooi
12 OOl
Total
Amount.
$20 00
28 80
18 08
OFFICERS OF THE STATE GRANGE PRESENT AT
DECATUR, DECEMBER, 1876.
NAMKS OF OFFICERS.
A. P. Forsyth
John Downen,
A. Golder,
John Odell,
R. R Field,
L. F. Farnham, ,
J. S. Armstrong, ,
J. M. Chambers,
J. F. Randolph, ,
L. D. Edwards,
B. J. Van court.
W. C.Trott,....',
No. of ; Amount of
Miles. Mileage.
1
32
28
Mrs
Mrs
Mrs
Mrs. P. L. Meyers,.
324
1301
484j
414!
250:
360 1
280!
370!
12 96
5 20
19 36
16 56
10 00
14 64
1120
14 SO
48
192
Per Diem,
14 00
Total
Amount.
19 28
12 00!
12 00!
12 00;
12 00|
16 00
16 00
12 00!
12 00!
24 96
17 20
31 36
28 56
26 00
30 64
23 20
26 80
10 00! ii 92
The Committee on Mileage and Per Diem certify the
foregoing to be as near correct as it is possible to ascertain.
G. W. Vaughn, Chairman.
K. Laufman, Secretary.
j. c. schaumleffel,
John Buroesser,
W. F. Hardy.
On motion the report was adopted.
Worthy Master presented a communication from Bro.
Jones, of Binghampton.
Bro. Chambers presented one from Durand Grange, of
Winnebago county, calling the attention of the State
89
Grange to the importance of starting a Patrons' Life In-
surance Association.
Communications were read and commented on by dif-
ferent members.
Worthy Master asked for information in relation to
seals of dead Granges.
Bro. Porter moved that the Master be instructed to
take measures to collect the seals and manuals of such
Granges. Adopted.
Bro. Edwards moved that the Worthy Secretary be au-
thorized to procure implements and regalia for the State
Grange before the next session.
Bro. Logan moved to amend that he be instructed to
inform each delegate to bring his regalia. Carried.
Motion, as amended, adopted.
Bro. Manley moved that no more business be transacted
at this session. Carried.
Minutes read, corrected and adopted.
An hour and a half was then taken up in a general
Grange Love Feast, or Experience Meeting, consisting of
minute speeches, recitations, and songs, which closed one
of the happiest, and, we think, the best, Annual Session
our State Grange has yet held.
Respectfully presented as a correct copy of the Minutes
of the Fifth Session, bv
J. M. Chameees, Secretary.
90
APPENDIX.
(Report (Delivered by W. A. Hendricks,
State Agent.
Worthy Master and Patrons :
Your State Agent, in presenting at this time, to this
body, a report of the operations of his office during the
year, feels that, though seemingly unsatisfactory, viewed
in a business light, the work accomplished in his depart-
ment of the Order is one which has repaid the Patrons
more than a hundred fold in accruing benefits derived
from valuable information; for if, in many cases, for
want either of confidence or business foresight on the
part of the membership at large, we have been unable to
do the direct business of the Patron, we are satisfied we
directed him how to acquaint himself with the "tricks of
the trade," and enabled him to avoid the useless employ-
ment of those who live upon the labors of others exclu-
sively.
On the 14th day of February last, we assumed, in the
city of Chicago, the position assigned us by your Execu-
tive Committee, and, full of confidence in the justice and
the right of our cause, we heartily entered upon the ardu-
ous labors of the office, and made our first attempt for
recognition at the hands of the commercial world in our
official capacity. Those acquainted with the laws regu-
lating trade and commerce will not be surprised when ap-
prised of the fact that our efforts in that direction were a
most signal failure. It is the law of monetary affairs to
91
settle into somewhat stationary and fixed channels, adapt-
ed to the necessities or convenience of those interested.
Our business relations proved no exception to this rule,
and, as a consequence, steps had to be taken to transact busi-
ness on the principles and basis adopted by the commercial
world, or retire from the field. As your official represen-
tative, those requisites could hardly be found, for, with no
funds on hand, no trade established, no future wants
known at the time, it were really impracticable to pledge
a business of any amount or consequence whatever to
any wholesale or jobbing establishment. However, as a
man in the business world, as a broker, we obtained the
attention of a number of firms with whom we have done
a very satisfactory business, and whose goods as well as
prices have given to our Patrons, as far as our knowledge
and observation go, the most unbounded satisfaction.
Our business, like that of every new firm, required more
attention, care and expense during its infancy than it now
does, with returns much less satisfactorv that at present.
This, being the natural and reasonable way of business.
presents nothing strange, but demonstrates the fact that
the trade of the Agency, even as it is supposed to be the
creation of the State Grange, with ample bonds and secu-
rity, has to be built in exactly the same manner, and
through the same processes usually adopted in the ordi-
nary way of trade. Thus figures show that the amount
of expense during the first three months nearly approached
double the gross income; and while the difference grew
somewhat less during the period of the second quarter, it
still remained very large. And further figures show that
from Sept. 1st to Dec. 1st there is an actual balance of
income over expenses.
Price List No. 1, presenting a full line of plows, organs,
sewing-machines, reapers and mowers, and a partial list
of dry goods, groceries, clothing, and boots and shoes.
was issued during the month of March; and when better
established and known to the trade, our facilities having
92
increased in proportion to our efforts, we issued, in June,
Price List No. 2, which includes a very complete assort-
ment of almost anything needed on the farm and in the
household.
The operations of the office from February 14, 1876, to
December 1. are as follows:
SALES.
Groceries $39,527 45
Dry goods 23,716 20
Hardware and implements 20,663 72
Lumber 13,971 87
Boots and shoes 5 ,985 93
Oils and paints 5,929 11
Sundries 9,822 35
Commission sales 51,242 06
Making a total of $170,858 69
The expenses of the office, including printing,
rents, fuel, help, etc., amount to $1,421 61
Salary of State Agent for ten months 1,250 00
Total S2,671 61
From which sum is to be deducted the
amount received from rebate and commis-
sions 1,045 59
Leaving for net cost of the Agency $1,626 02
From the above it will be seen that the revenue derived
from the business done amounts to ten-seventeenth per
cent., while the total cost, including the Agent's salary, is
ahout one and nine-seventeenth per cent.
On the actual business done the small average commis-
sion of 2 per cent, would have covered every expense con-
nected with the conduct of the business, and leave for a
business fund the amount of rebate, as above. The busi-
ness having been conducted this year, under the direction
of your Executive Committee, more in the light of an ex-
93
periment than a source of revenue, we return the figures
and observations above as a basis for future calculations.
A more precise idea of the actual status of the business
can better be gained from a comparison of the expense
and income at different periods throughout the year. The
figures are. as nearly as possible, correct, and show the
progress as well as the condition of affairs now existing:
From Feb. 14 to May 20, the expenses were $522.59,
while during the same period the amount of rebate and
commissions was only $233.43, or expenses more than
double the income. From May 20 to Sept. 1. expenses
were $486.60, and rebate and commission, $314.85, or ex-
penses a little more than one-third over the total income.
From Sept. 1 to Dec. 1, the expenses amount to 8412.12,
and the income from rebate and commission is $497.31,
showing a balance of income during those three last
months of $85.19, — certainly a decided gain and a decided
snow of progress. The figures here given, it will be un-
derstood, are exclusive of the State Agent's salary. As
we progress there appears a consequent reduction of
expenditures and an increased amount of income, which
in due time will bring the business of the Agency to a
self-sustaining, and, it might be said, paying, point.
However, to obtain such a result, sacrifices of many
sorts are still demanded, and the good will of all Patrons
and perfect harmony and co-operation with the State
Grange is necessary. In this connection, we cannot too
strongly impress upon your honorable body the import-
ance of placing practical men at the helm for the direc-
tion of your affairs, for it is now an established fact, that
wherever there has been practical men in the Grange to
direct its business features, it has shown itself ecmal to the
task. But wherever all business transactions that have
grown out of the organization have been entrusted to im-
practical men, the cause has been injured, the Grange has
sickened, and in many instances has died bevond resur-
rection.
94
The cordial support, kind words and encouragement
we have received at the hands of the many Patrons of this
and other Stales, -with whom we have been in communi-
cation, are certainly flattering, and though at times we
may have felt there were in many quarters more luke-
warmness than could prove of advantage to the best in-
terests of the Order, our spirits have been revived and our
courage sustained by those faithful and true Brothers who
have always been ready to maintain by words and deeds
the principle we advocate.
At this period of our business history we stand with
many tried experiments; some satisfactory and others
unsatisfactory; some which have been tested to the fullest
extent; some which were confided to inexperienced hands,
and failed through the fault of the men and not of the sys-
tem; some in which the system proved defective, while
the men were earnest and active. In fact, attempts
towards the desired end with honest purposes and objects
in view have been made under ail kinds of conditions and
circumstances, and before we present to you an elabora-
tion of our views in this matter, we beg your indulgence
and attention for the introduction of the experience of
some who were and some who are still in the field, trust-
ing that the record thus made will prove of inestimable
value for the guidance of the action of this State Grange.
* ■& * * * * ■*
If time would permit an examination into the details
of the business of our Grange stores or co-operative stock
companies might well conn1 in place; but detailed state-
ments would only occupy your time and tire your atten-
tion. It seems only necessary to state that to the best of
our knowledge and information every co-operative joint
stock association now in operation in the State, and con-
ducted on strict business principles, is doing a respectable
and paying business. This success is mainly attributed
to the correct application, in a small way, of the general
principles of co-operation, which properly applied, place
95
business in a business shape, on a business platform, and
invites the attention of manufacturers and jobbers, secur-
ing at the same time the best margins.
For the furtherance of our business interests in the
Northwest, a meeting of the managers of Western Co-op-
erative Associations was called to meet at the Sherman
House, in the city of Chicago, on the 22d day of Novem-
ber last. The proceedings of the session, at which seven
States were represented, are herewith appended to this
report, and as the action of the convention left the care of
presenting the subject to the consideration of this State
Grange into much abler hands than mine, we shall leave
to Bro. Foster the presentation of the plan expressing the
wishes and desires of that business body. Co-operation
however, being the theme and subject of discussion
throughout the land among our membership, a few words
on what has already been accomplished in that direction
by men of experience, may not come amiss. Co-opera-
tion is the action of a number of persons working together
in a mutual and uniform way toward the accomplishment
of a special end, a special object. Co-operation begets
uniformity of purposes and means, and without unifor-
mity in the plans followed, cannot be complete, or work
to the best advantage of all parties concerned.
In the Grange, hereafter co-operat:on and education
should be our watchwords. The possibilities of co-opera-
tion are apparently inexhaustible.
When a uniform business sj-stem shall be adopted by
over 25,000 Subordinate Granges, the Order of the Patrons
of Husbandry will become a unit as it were, and will
move irresistibly forward to the accomplishment of such
enterprises as may be deemed of the highest importance
for the perpetuity and welfare of the Order.
Our Order has inaugurated a revolution as peaceful as it
is powerful, and it remains to be seen what honest work
and wisely invested capital will accomplish towards liber-
ating our country from the immediate dangers which
96
threaten it. Corruption and fraud are holding high carni-
val, and the money-changers must be made to feel that
the righteous indignation of nearly two millions of farmers
and their wives, sons and daughters, is not to be looked
upon with scorn, and that, further, they have rights which
must be respected.
There is a universal demand by the Patrons of Hus-
bandry, laboring men and mechanics, that means may
be procured to check and stop in an effective manner the
adulteration of food, short weights, short measures, and
so much disnonesty in business transactions. They see
but one road out of the difficulty and that, as set forth in
our declaration of purposes, is by and through co-opera-
tion. The adoption of the Rochdale system by the Sub-
ordinate Granges will imply something more than the sale
of farm products, and the purchase and distribution of
supplies on an equitable basis.
By the adoption of the Rochdale business plan, agricul-
turists may have their co-operative stores, their dairy
farms, and their beef factories, &c, &c, in all of which
the purchaser's interest can be considered, and general
prosperity will result from it because of the more equitable
distribution of wealth.
At all events, whatever difference of opinion there may
be as to the value of co-operation as applied to production,
all agree that co-operation in distribution of the ordinary
necessities of life can, if properly restrained by a careful
code of By-Laws, result only in benefit to those who in
good faith adopt and carry out the equitable provisions of
the Rochdale system of co-operation.
A point which should be kept in mind and impressed
on every occasion upon our members, is that every one of
our transactions are for cash, and cash only, and the sys-
tem we advocate and the only one practicable is pay as
you go. There is no better maxim for a man to live by
than this. The credit system eats the life out of more
97
men's business than anything else we know of. The man
who gives credit, suffers often times beyond recovery; and
the man who accepts credit, suffers quite as much. Any
man's money is better than an account against him,
especially if the account be a small one; and whoever
asks and obtains long credit has to pay dearly for the
accommodation and risk. The argument that many men
use, "I will buy the thing I want to-day, and pay for it
when money is easier," ruins lots of men. The "easier
times" never come, and if they do, when he settles the
bill, he has to pay interest enough to make it burdensome.
He has also to pay the bills of many who do not pay at all.
Let it then be the rule, and that without exception, to
send us money with every order, it will save time, trouble
and delay.
One of the most potent arguments we have against the
practice of sending orders not accompanied with the
money, is the increase of labor it renders necessary. It
adds materially to our correspondence, which is already a
burdensome and arduous duty.
The number of letters written from the agency during
the ten months past, is 6,812; that of letters received,
5,409, and the circulars mailed, reach the figure of 11.731.
Before closing this report, permit me to present an
article from the pen of Bro. D. Wyatt Aiken, Chairman of
the Executive Committee of the National Grange, which
presents in a most forcible manner, sound, common sense
views of our business matters, and in every way applicable
north as well as south, east as well as west:
''We have seen," says he, "that the very germ of the
Order of the Patrons of Husbandry was self-hdp — ro create
a mutual obligation amongst farmers, so that each, being
fraternally disposed to assist his neighbor, would of neces-
sity acquire the habit of benefiting himself, not at the
expense of others, but simply because of that active habit
acquired of aiding his fellows.
"We know that in this material age the masses, who,
7
9S
theii poverty and trials, are struggling for a sub-
, care but little for the social or intellectual advan-
tag< resulting^rom Grange co-operation. They say,
. his is all very well, but it does not pay my debits or help
•it my family.' They want something re practi-
cal— a something that will replenish the empty purse, and
^ -' l)le them to hide nakedness and prevent hunger, as
11 as increase sociality or improve their morals.
"And this i- the great obstacle in the way of a more
thorough and permanent organization of the Order
throughout the South. The straightened condition of
most of our fanners has prevented their enjoying the ad-
vantages afforded by co-operation; and those who are not
members, learning that the anticipated results are not
realized, are prone to question the benetits arising from
meml ip. Many farmers, too, eager to acquire, and
impressed that 'through the Grange' is the highway to
fortune, with none other than mercenary motives, join a
Grange, and subsequently discovering that individual as
well as combined effort is required 'before success is se-
cured, become discouraged, because they are not pos-
sessed of the means necessary to effect the anticipated
result, and are ready to deny that the Grange organiza-
tion is that great and potential agency its friends claim it
to be. That the Grange does not gratify such, men is
evidence of its worth.
•Tint that very great pecuniary advantages must result
from practically developing the precepts of the Order,
cannot be doubted, and can easily be proven by simple
illustration.
"In the first place the Grange recognizes no such system
- credit. 'Pay as you go,' is the motto of the Grange,
and the benefits of such a policy are immensely greater
than we are aware. To illustrate: A few days since we
asked a merchant, what are you selling bacon for? He
replied, 'dry salt, at fourteen cents cash.' We encmired,
what difference between your cash and credit prices ? He
'1 prefer selling for cash, and to prevent the credit
system if possible. I ask twenty cents per pound/ Th
was a difference of about forty-five per cent, from May
till October, when the account had to be settled. This
percentage for six months is at the rate of ninety per cent,
per annum. Now against any such disastrous procedure
the Grange battles with all its power, and rather than sub-
mit to this self-imposed burthen, the Grange inculcat
the practice of habitual self-denial, even to absolute want.
And one of the immediate and direct benefits of the
habitual practice of this self-denial will be, and has been,
in thousands of instances, the acquiring of habits of prac-
tical economy. This becomes a part of the teachings of
the Grange.
"Farmers heretofore have had but few wants, and seldom
lacked the ability to more than supply those wants, and
so frequently supplied them without apparent exertion.
that they were greatly and unneccessarily multiplied.
Now-a-days greater effort is demanded, and our means are
cr.rtailed, and hence our wants are carefully consider.
and every surplus expenditure, as far as practicable, pre-
vented by those habits of economy, we have said, arc-
learned in the Grange.
"But this is a negative view of the matter, and there are
two sides to every question. The Grange not only ignores
credit, and alone recognizes the cash system, but its prin-
ciples teach the wide margin that exists between retail
and wholesale trafickmg. As a retail customer the farmer
is at the mercy of every sharper, who, having learned the
tricks of trade, is competent to impose upon him by adu-
lation, by hypocrisy, or misrepresentation. The suavity
of the tradesman, the attractiveness of the merchandize,
the innate disposition to buy, the imaginary want, and
the fashion of the times, will victimize any farmer that
habitually supplies himself and family by retail purchases.
But most, if not all, of these temptations are absent when,
in co-operation with his friends, he bulks his orders to
100
supply his wants, and we need not discuss the question
whether prices are reduced when wholesale purchases are
made, for it is self-evident that the less frequently products
are handled, whether in the shape of merchandize or
otherwise, the lower is their price, and the greater the
number of intermediate agencies, the more enhanced the
price.
"Hence by association in the Grange the individual mem-
bers learn to unite their purses, and make at a single pur-
chase such a bill that the advantages of wholesale dealing
are enjoyed. Need we illustrate ? The grocer who asks
fourteen cents for his bacon has calculated the cost of
original purchase, freight, drayage, current expenses of
his business, handling and waste, and decides that a single
side can be profitably sold at fourteen cents. But if a
hogshead is wanted by the purchaser, the trouble, time
and cost of selling that amount is no more than the cost
of selling a single side, and frequently less, for there is
Je^s handling and often no drayage. Then, of course, if
a side of fifty pounds nets him but a cent a pound, or fifty
cents, the thousand pounds in the hogshead would net
him ten dollars in the same time. Well then might he
afford t.o sell for half a cent per pound less, for even in
that case he would be realizing upon the sale ten times as
much as he would upon the sale of a single side. And so
it runs through every department of trade. The merchant
has so systematized his business that he can tell the net
profit of every individual sale, and as his purpose is to
turn over his capital as rapidly and frequently as possible
that he may multiply his earnings, of course short profits
and quick exchanges are preferable to the reverse system.
The precepts of the Grange teach the farmer to endeavor
always to comply with this system of exchange, and wher-
ever Patrons are unable to appropriate its advantages, it
is their misfortune, and no fault of the Order of the Pat-
rons of Husbandry.
"But it may be urged that if farmers become wholesale
101
buyers, the retail trade will be injured. There is a limit-
to which all such trading can be pushed, and beyond this
profitable inducement cannot be offered to the purchaser.
If a farmer wanted a hat, it is not probable there would
be eeonomy in attempting to induce the entire Grange to
join in and buy a hat each to save a few cents on the pur-
chase. And just so with innumerable other purchases
that each and every farmer has to make during the year.
These will always be sufficient to warrant a sufficiency of
retail trade to meet the demands of any community; but
beyond this there is no necessity for retail establishments;
and to-day there is in existence one-half more 'stores'
throughout the land than the legitimate mercantile wants
of the country demand, and if the half of them were
closed up by the general adoption of the principles of the
Grange, the country would be greatly benefited.
"The purpose of our Order is to do the greatest good, not
only to the greatest number, but to all the people, and
when properly understood it will be clearly seen that the
Grange wages a warfare against no interests, but is equally
the support and help to the poor and the friend and co-
laborer of the rich."
In conclusion, Worthy Master, Brothers and Sisters, re-
ceive my heartfelt thanks for the kind attention you have
given me, also for the fraternal zeal and spirit manifested
in the interests of the Order at large; and let us hope
your deliberations at this session will bring us a step for-
ward toward the bright beacon-light of Progress, gleam-
ing in the distance.
Respectfully submitted,
W. A. Hendricks.
102
MEETING OF BUSINESS MANAGERS.
FIliST DAY.
MORNING SESSION.
The following is the report of the Business Managers of
the co-operative stores in the Northwest, who met in the
club rooms of the Sherman House, Chicago, at 10 o'clock
A. M., Wednesday, Nov. 22, 1876:
The meeting was called to order by W. A. Hendricks,
Business Agent of the Illinois State Grange. On motion, A. S.
Proctor, of Peoria, was chcsen Chairman, and J. F. House-
man, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Secretary. The following
named persons were present:
W. A. Hendricks, Chicago.
A. S. Proctor, Peoria, Illinois. / 0
J. F. Houseman, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
J. H. Willey, Adad, Michigan.
J. E. Tedrick, Tentopolis, Illinois.
A. J. Sweezey, Rockford, Illinois.
Samuel Langdon, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
C. F. Smith, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Dr. J. S. Williams, Secretary Southwestern Association,
Arkansas.
J. W. Billingsly, Indianapolis, Indiana.
R. E. James, Kalamazoo, Michigan.
E. S. Watterbury, Polo County, Illinois.
J. M. Whitehead, Laporte, Indiana.
R. H. Riggle, Cameron, Illinois.
F. E. Willoby, Winnebago County, Illinois.
103
E. P. Wright, Stark County, Illinois.
Wm. R. Eow, Buchanan, Michigan.
H, A. Aldrich, Neota, Illinois.
W. F. Hardy, Champaign, Illinois.
W. F. Maxwell, Humboldt, Tennessee.
On motion a Committee was appointed by the b
business, as follows:
W. F. Hardy, of Illinois.
W. Maxwell, of Tennessee.
J. A. Gardner, of Michigan.
Henry Aldrich. of Illinois.
Cyrus Smith, of Michigan.
J. M. Chambers, of Freeport.
Asa Patch, of Roseviller
M. H. Hubbard of Keokuk, Iowa.
With instructions to report business at the afternoon
meeting.
Mr. Hendricks stated the object of the meeting was
chiefly to devise ways and means by which the several
co-operative stores in the Northwest could co-operate in
the purchase of goods beyond the jobbers.
Bro. Maxwell, of Tennessee, spoke at length, urging
and explaining the Rochdale plan of co-operation in Great
Britain; how it had proved successful in the highest degree
and recommending it to the convention as probably the
best plan that could be adopted, etc. ; also urging the
establishment of a co-operative agency in the center of
trade — Chicago.
Bros. Gardner, Smith, Sweezey and others spoke in favor
of the plan, also giving their experience in the organizing
and conducting of the several co-operative stores which
they represented.
A request was handed in from Bro. Shankland, of the
National Grange, asking the meeting to convene in the
Palmer House, which was declined, previous arrange-
ments having been made for the room now occupied. On
motion the convention adjourned till 3 o'clock P, M
104
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Convention called to order by the Chairman.
The report of the business committee being first in
order, was presented and read by Bro. Maxwell, of Ten-
nessee, as follows:
1st. Can the local co-operative stores within reach of
Chicago so concentrate and co-operate as to serve the best
interests of the association?
2d. Then, if so, upon what plan can that object be
effected ? In this connection we would present at least one
plan that has proved a success in the experience of the
co-operatives of Great Britain, viz: the Rochdale plan.
3d. ' That your convention appoint a commission of five
persons or more who shall take the proper steps necessary
to open books for the solicitation of stock and obtaining
the charter for said association.
4th. That said commission shall fix the time and place
for such action, and that they be instructed to issue a cir-
cular to the different co-operative stores and Subordinate
Granges, with subscription papers for such stores and
Granges to circulate among their members for the sub-
scription of said stock and to take such other steps there-
after as may seem necessary for the furtherance of the
object desired.
5th. That we now fix the amount of capital stock neces-
sary for such business.
On motion, the report was accepted and the committee
discharged.
The question upon the adoption of the report coming
before the meeting, on motion the entire report was
adopted by proposition severally. On motion it was agreed
that the capital stock of this association shall be not less
than one hundred thousand dollars.
On motion a committee of three was appointed, con«
sisting of the following persons: W. A. Hendricks, J, H.
Widley and A. J. Sweezey, with instructions to appoint a
105
commission of five or more persons to incorporate said
association, and report at the meeting Thursday morning.
On motion the convention adjourned to Thursday, 10
o'clock A. M.
SECOND DAY.
MORNING SESSION.
Sherman House, Nov. 23, 1876.
Convention of business managers met at 10 o'clock A.
M., and was called to order by the Chairman, Mr. Sweezey.
Minutes read and approved.
The report of the committee to appoint commissioners
being first in order was presented. The report recom-
mended the following named persons to act as commis-
sioners:
W. A. Hendricks, Chicago.
A. S. Proctor, Peoria, 111.
H. A. Aldrich, Neota, 111.
W. F. Stewart, Chicago.
J. F. Houseman, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
I. M. Whitehead, Laporte, Ind.
K. E. James, Kalamazoo, Mich.
On motion the report was received and placed on file.
On motion the resolution which was passed on Wednes-
day, fixing minimum amount of capital stock at $100,000,
was reconsidered.
It was moved to amend the motion by fixing the mini-
mum amount at $50,000, which was spiritedly discussed
by several members of the convention. Carried.
On motion the Committee on Commissioners was
amended so as to allow the Commissioners to select their
own Chairman.
On motion the report was adopted.
On motion of J. M. Chambers, the following resolution
was adopted:
106
Resolved, That the shares of the Association shall lie
$10 each, and that fifty per cent, of the stock be made
payable as soon after the Association is organized as the
law will allow, and the balance in not less than six months
from the date of the first call.
On motion it was resolved that the organization shall be
called "The Northwestern Co-operative Association."
Resolved, That the subscription of stock be confined to
members of the Order of P. of H., and that the maximum
amount of stock subscribed be limited to fifty shares for
each person subscribing.
On motion it was resolved that the Association be char-
tered for 99 years.
On motion the Commissioners were instructed to ascer-
tain the legal rights of co-operative stores to take stock in
the association. Adjourned till half-past three.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Meeting called to order by the Chairman.
It was moved that a committee of one from each State
represented be appointed to lay the matter under con-
sideration by this convention before their several State
Granges, each State to make its own selection. The mo-
tion was adopted and the following committee selected:
D. N. Foster, Illinois.
J. J. Billingsly, Indiana.
E. N. Gates, Iowa.
R. E. James, Michigan.
Dr. Maxwell, Tennessee.
Dr. Williams, Arkansas.
Gen. Jones, New York.
The resignation of Mr. Houseman as a member of the
Board of Commissioners was presented to the convention
and accepted. On motion, O. H. P. Buchanan was ap-
pointed to fill the vacancy.
It was moved and carried that the commissioners be
instructed to furnish the several members of the committee
107
charged with presenting the plan* to the several State
Granges with a copy of the articles of incorporatio]
together with such facts of the minutes of the proceedings
of this meeting, including that containing the P. 0. ad-
dress of each member of this convention, as may enable
said committee to present the matter in as complete a
manner as possible.
On motion a committee of three was appointed to report
to the National Grange committee on Co-operation, now
in session, the action of this convention for their approval.
The following committee was appointed: Bros. Foster,
Chambers and Williams.
On motion the minutes were read and approved, after
which the convention adjourned sine die.
J. F. Houseman, Secretary.
/
106
Extract from the Report of the Com-
mittee on Co-operation.
(Presented .November 24, 18 j 6, by T. (R.
ALLEJJ, Chairman.
Worthy Master, and Members of the National Grange:
Your Committee on Co-operation instruct me to make
a partial report as follows:
Co-operation, in its broad sense, means helping each
other. The tendency of this is to add to our physical com-
fort, and to develop, educate and elevate us morally,
socially, and intellectually. Competition means self-in-
terest. And this has exactly the opposite tendency to
that of co-operation, to-wit: physical unrest, the develop-
ment of intense and morbid selfishness, which leads to
misrepresentation, trickery, deception and fraud, frequent
bankruptcy, ruin, and general demoralization. Or. to
give a definition of an experienced English Co-operation-
ist, Mr. Holyoake: "Co-operation is an industrial scheme
for delivering the public from the conspiracy of capitalists,
traders and manufacturers, to make the laborer work for
the least, and the consumer pay the utmost for whatever
he needs of money, machines, or merchandise. Co-oper-
ation effects this deliverance by taking the workmen and
public into partnership in every form of business it de-
vises." Or, as he defines it in another place, to-wit: "Co-
operation is a scheme of industry in which the results are
obtained by concert, the profits divided by consent, and
the public made a partner with capital and labor, instead
109
of the victim of the needs of both, as occurs under com-
petition."
The world has never before seen an organization fraught
with such grand possibilities of carrying out a scheme so
laudable and noble in itself as is involved in this principle
of co-operation, as taught in the Grange. Indeed, this
principle is the very foundation, the chief corner stone of
the whole structure. Take this away, and what have we
left? We call the attention of our members to the fact,
that all the progress we have made up to this time is at-
tributable to our observance of this principle; and that
our progress has not been greater, is because of a neglect
of its observance. Every intelligent Patron who has
thought on this subject at all, must admit this. The greatest
obstacle that we have had to contend with has been, that
our people have not yet been able to see clearly the power
and value to them of the principle, and not being in pos-
session of a clear and well denned plan of its application.
The plan adopted by the ninth session of the National
Grange was an important step in advance. Our
people hailed it with delight, and many eagerly
sought to utilize it. But in the absence of definite in-
structions, and blank forms and account books adapted to
the system, in many instances different constructions
were placed in those rules, which has sometimes lead to
delay or trouble. This is not to be wondered at, nor is it
a cause of discouragement. The want of business know-
ledge and experience among so many of our people,
cause most of these differences. To enable them to adopt
the system, it must be made very plain, and all possible
instructions should be given.
Another difficulty presents itself in some of our States,
in the corporate laws therein. With a little further exper-
ience we may be able to overcome these.
Your Committee would recommend that the National
Grange have prepared a set of account books and all
necessary blank forms adapted to co-operative stores
110
on these rules in sufficient number to supply all
. and to furnish them to the same at cost, on
plication in form prescribed by this National Grange.
This form to be so prepared as to make it convenient for
a registry to he kept at Secretary's office of the National
Grange of ah stores organized on this system.
a! that the National Grange further provide, as far as
- hie. from time to tim< . practical information and
instructions for properly conducting inted
lets, or otherwise as in its judgment ma i st.
As a rule we do not think it ad Gran..
such, either Subordinate, County, State or National to take
shares. Granges have nothing to sell, and need to buy
but little. It is the individual members that have pro-
duets to sell, and have to purchase supplies. Then let
individual members take shares of stock, as their inclina-
tion or ability will permit, and incorporate a business
ssociation — elect their own directors, officers and busim
managers, and adopt their own rules and regulations as
nearly as possible in accordance with the rules adopted by
the National Grange.
Xh( same principles, rules and regulations that arc
necessary to govern a local association, may apply to a
county, district, state, or inter-state association, with slight
modifications. In any great business centre, the incor-
poration should provide for a commission and wholesale
business. In these, individuals, local, district, state, and
inter-state associations should all be encouraged to take
shares of stock.
To the end that the business wants of our order be met,
let the true principles of co-operation, as recommended
by the ninth session of the National Grange, be now fully
disseminated and persistently taught. The principle of
conforming to the customs of trade has insured it an
acceptance in the commercial world.
Its principle of pro-rating dividends arising from the
business, after defraying expenses of conducting the same,
Ill
meets the objects had in view by the membership — that
of securing distribution at a reasonable rate.
The necessary agents or employes to be selected, and
their salaries fixed by those who are^o be served, thus
doing away with unnecessary and expensive distributors.
Our people now only want the necessary information
to enable them to do this, and how7 to do it. and then to
be left free to do it in their own way.
But this national head of our Order recommend and
fully endorse this general plan for business cc-operatioii
throughout our entire jurisdiction, and give it all the moral
support that it has power to give, as the head of a great
fraternal organization; give aid and comfort in the way of
advice and counsel, as occasion may seem proper, but be-
yond this, and the requiring of statistical reports, (that
they may be the better prepared to foster, encourage, and
aid) such as may hereafter be provided for, let neither
this body nor any other subordinate body attempt to exer-
e ony business control over these, business associations.
The business interests of our members is but an individual
interest in aggregated form.
It is custom, not money, that sustains business. Or,
in other words, an economical exchange of products.
True co-operation does not contemplate individual gain
at the expense of the many. It is to the interest of all to
patronize a true system of co-operation, because a division
of profits are alike to all. It is most emphattcally pro-
viding for the greatest good to the greatest number.
The more free and untrammeled you can have these
business "associations of individuals, or of concurrent
associations, the better; keeping in view that important
principle of our Order, "in essentials, unity; in non-essen-
tials, liberty; in all things, charity."
Now, Therefore, Your Committee recommend, 1st: That
members of your Order, throughout our jurisdiction, pro-
ceed with the least possible delay, to organize themselves
into co-ooerative associations, on the principles set forth
112
in the rules for co-operative stores, at the ninth annual
session of the National Grange,$s nearly as they can,
under the laws of their respective States. 2nd. That we
understand the folding to be leading and essential points,
that ought to be strictly adhered to, and therefore
recommend:
1. The cash system of business.
2. Sell for a fair marginal profit.
3. A fixed interest on share capital.
4. Quarterly settlements.
5. Division of profits among purchasers.
6. Full dividends to share-holders on purchases.
7. Half dividends to non-share holders, and non-patron
customers.
8. That as far as practical, under the laws of the State,
that each member have but one vote, without regard to
the number of shares he may own.
9. That those Patron's joint-stock associations, where
all profits are now divided among the share-holders, are
requested to change them into co-operative associations
as soon as they can make it convenient to do so.
10. Your committee further recommend, that as soon
as the necessary steps are taken to organize, in any of our
trade centers, commissian and wholesale houses, on the
co-operative plan, as hereinbefore set forth, that all local
and district co-operative associations in convenient reach
of such business centre, or whose business centre it is, be
requested to take shares of stock in the same.
We recommend as important trade centres, where com-
mission and wholesale co-operative stores should be es-
tablished by members of our Order at as early a day as
possible, to-wit:
New York. Cincinnati. Memphis.
Boston. Louisville. New Orleans.
Philadelphia. St. Louis. Galve3ton.
Baltimore. Chicago. Savannah.
Kichmond. Indianapolis. Charleston.
Wilmington,
and at any others where the Patrons may so desire
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