The Platform Of The Grangers

The following resolutions adopted at the late meeting of the State Grange of the Patronsof Husbandry, at Kalamazoo, may be taken as embodying the creed of the order. Soms of the resolutions are very sensible, while others are a little narrow : Whereas, The experieuce of society haa long since proven that all great enterprises in all tho various departments of business growing out of the wants of cominunities are least promoted and most fully developed by the associated effort of those interested in tho sarae ; and Whereas, Such association of eftbrt has boon brought to the aid of every important braneh of business in tho country except agriculture ; therefore, Resolved, That wo, as the farmera of Michigan, regard the organization of the order of Patrons of Husbandry as a moveiuent of vast importance, not only to tho interest of' the great producing class of the country, but also ia its ultímate and highest objects designed and calculated to bless society at largo. Resolved, That wo understand the objects of this organizatiou to be : First, the bringing togethcr in friendly and in telligent association that largo class of society, tho farmers, who have in all time past lived coinparatively isolated, bringing withthem theirvvives.sons anddaughtors, theroby promoting a higher social culturo with all itsbeneficent results ; second, to oncourago the intellectual provoniont of thoso connected with the organization, not only by the discussion of numerous questions purely agricultural, the proper undorstanding of which underlies our greatest success in the tilling of the soil, bringing to our aid agricultural libraries and journals, thereby becoming better farmers because more intelligent, but also that we may be more thoroughly acquainted with the great and important duties and obligations devolving upon us and growing out of the relations we sustain to society, and also with what are our rights and responsibilities as sovereign citizens of a free government; the advancement of our pecuniary interests, by first buying more directly from manufacturera and selling to the consuméis, thus avoiding as far as practicable, paying largo aud unnecessary commissions, and by encouraging the establishment as far as possible of all various branches of manufacture in our midst, thus bringing a market for our surplus producís to our own doors ; therefore, Resolved, Third, that the discussioa of questions relating to the general interests of the farmers aud the right of petition will bo exercised by the Patrons through the medium of their organization, lea ving the elective franchise to be exercised by tkein as individual citizens outside the gate, as their best judgment and enlightened wisdom raay dictate. ■1. Resolved, That in a governinent like ours universal good requires that there should be no such class legislation as will givo to any one braneh of business or industry an undue advantage and power over other interests equally important to the well-being of society, but as far aa possible every useful occupation and those ungaged therein should enjoy equal advantages in the race í'or lile. ó. lieiolced, That as agrioulture is the main souroe of our nation's wealth and greatness, and as the agriculturists furnish more than one-half of the value of tho productions of the country and nearly ono-half of the voters, we demand an equal representation in all branches of the government, a fairer recognition of the importance of labor in the economy of a sound governmont, equal privileges as citizens, equal protection of our interests by the governinent, equal taxation, and equal justico in the adrninistration of the laws. G. Resolved, That the question of cheap transportaron interests equally both producer and consumer, and as the railroads are a public highway over which a large proportion of the commerce of our country is carried, we demand such legislation as will control and regúlate the carrying trade of our country and compel all railroad cornpanie8 to carry paasengers and freight at reasonablo uniform rates. 7. Resolved, That the public lands obtained through the united wealth of the whole country constituto a sacred national domain, and should be devoted rigidly to purposes of actual settlement by persons who will develop their agricultural and mineral resources, instead of being squandered upon corrupt railroad and Credit Mobilier corporations. 8. Resolved, That we rejoice that the present Congress, in obedienco to the demands of an indignant people, have repealed in part the salary law, and we humbly pray that the work of reform and retrenchment tuay be carried into every branch of the government, and bring relief not only to the national treasury but also to the pockets of an overburthened people. 9. Hesolced, That our faith in a republican forra of government ia unshaken, and we are coniident that the people feel as well gualified to elect their jndicial as they do to elect their executive andlegislative officers. 10. Resolved, That the laborer is worthy of his hire, and that every public officer of State should receive reasonable compensation for the faithful performance of the duties of his office, which conipensation should bo fixed by the Constitution of the State and thus keep trom the Legislature a powor so difficult to exercise and so liable to be abused. 11. Resolved, That while we, as Patrons, claim the right and avail ourselves of all proper privileges comjnercially practiced by those engaged in marts of trade, yet we iirefer to deal with home inerchants and home manufacturers whenever they wiU make it for our interest to do so. 12. Resolved, That the unprecedented and wonderful growth of our organization, not only in our own, but in every sister State, is a matter of great gratificatiou to us, and wo most cordially commeud the order to the support of all our brethren and sisters engagod in the same honorable and important calling with us. 13. Resolved, That through the social and oducational features of our order, the growing intelligence and broadening views of farmers are enabling them to see that farming is a proi'ession, and that all who follow it are a brotherhood whose interests and sympathies naturally ally them together ia the most intímate fraternal and financial relations. Intímate social relations are formed ; new ideas aro utilized ; old feuds and joalousies are dono away with, and we are enabled to meet as a band of brothers and sisters with heartfclt confidenco and fraternal sympathy and act together in unity. 14. Resolted, That we consider agrieulturo one of the most truly noble oceupations ever provided for man. We would dignify necessary and honest labor, íind any sentiment or custom of' society that would assign the intelligent laborer to a lower social plañe because he or she is i laborer has our most uuqualified condemnation.