THE REAL CHARACTER OF THE ORDER. 153 closely-masked, scarlet-clad persons, in whose hands are the life and death, goods and chattels, of its members; that these head centres are entitled to require, and do require, neophytes to prove their fitness to join the Order by some deed of blood; that, at a sign of hesitancy, "Off with his head" is the command, and straightway the unfortunate trembler is minus his caput. In short, the general impression abroad is, that the Order of Patrons of Husbandry is a concatenation of masked meetings, grips, passwords, dark lanterns, stilettoes, poisoned chalices, skulls and crossbones, drowning in sacks, anonymous denunciations, and mysterious disappearances. And all this because it chooses to exclude outsiders from its business deliberation, and not to let their enemies know their every move. The real state of the case (and, though not a member of the Order, I know it to be so-which is itself a proof that the secrecy required is not very rigorous) is, that this feature of the Grange is of the mildest character, and in very rare cases is it vigorously enforced. The wonderful spread of the Order is a guarantee that its principles are such as a good citizen may conscientiously subscribe to. In fact, the secrecy feature has been one of the greatest reasons for the marvelous success of the Order-perhaps the greatest, except the vigor which the leaders of the movement have shown in developing it. THE REAL CHARACTER OF THE ORDER. The real character and aims of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry were thus detailed to the writer by Col. A. B. Smedley, Master of the State Grange of Iowa: It has no politics of a partisan character, yet it could hardly be expected that those consecrated to the work of reform and purification should consent to be longer in the leading-strings of political tricksters and demagogues, who have bartered their trusts for money. In fact, this Order proposes to invite office-seekers to back seats, while the people shall seek and designate their servants. The Order is no respecter of persons, color, sects, or sexes, but has reference most positively to character, declining to admit drunkards, gamblers, professional politicians, or those whose pursuits or associations place them antagonistic to farm interests. The Order means business, and will labor to bring the greatest good to the greatest number. Some of its general objects may be stated as follows, viz.: 1st. The ennoblement of labor, and the fraternity of the producing classes. 2d. Mutual instruction, and the lightening of labor by diffusing a better knowledge of its aims. 3d. Social culture, as also mental and moral development. 4th. Mutual relief in sickness and adversity. 5th. The prevention of litigation. 6th. Prevention of cruelty to animals. 7th. Bringing more nearly together the producer and consumer. 8th. The overthrow of the credit system. 9th. Building up and fostering our home industries. 10th. Mutual protection to husbandmen against sharpers and middle-men. CHAPTER XIV. OTHER WOMAN'S MISSION IN THE GRANGE. This subject has already been touched upon, but will bear amplifying. During the early days of the Order, every means was used by its enemies to throw disrepute upon this feature of the plan of association. All sorts of charges— moral, philosophical, humorous, satirical, and vindictivewere hurled against it. Time, however, has proved the excellence and strength of this element. One firm friend it has had, from first to last, in that brotherhood who acknowledge the mystic tie wherever on earth it is habitable for man; who are bound with a cord of union that can not be broken; who recognize that all men are the children of one God, and who follow the divine precept, "Love ye one another." Mr. Saunders, in an address heretofore quoted from, said of the work of women in the Grange: "Their assistance in the workings of the Order is proving of incalculable value; it is, indeed, doubtful whether the objects of the institution, especially in regard to the refinements of education, and all that tends to brighten hearths and enliven homes, could have been accomplished without their presence and aid." Woman's work in the Grange is to elevate and refine. If her influence were felt and acknowledged in every secret or ganization having for its object the rounding off the rough edges of every-day life, its power for good would be greater than it was ever before able to exercise in any one single direction; for, as is truly said in one of the circulars sent out by the Patrons: "Every husband and brother knows that where he can be accompanied by his wife or sister, no lessons will be learned but those of purity and truth." WOMEN AS KEEPERS OF SECRETS. Another fear, early expressed, was that women could not keep a secret. It is unnecessary to say that this idea is now thoroughly exploded. In all the workings of the Order nothing is yet believed to have escaped the lips of one of the female members where it should not be told. The reason is obvious. The wives and daughters of farmers are not surrounded by the false glitter and deceptions of fashionable life. They share the labors and the sorrows of their families; they are treated as the equals of, and co-workers with, the men. Their tastes are simple, their aspirations pure. Many a city belle envies the robust health, the blending of the rose with the lily, characterizing the country girl. The one is engaged in frivolities and fashionable dissipation, such as drive the carmine from the cheek; the other takes a healthy, practical interest in the affairs of daily life around her. The mere votary of fashion may be able to keep her own secrets, but she does not always keep those of her friend. The rural wife or maiden keeps not only her own, but also those of her friends which may not be told. Maidens as true and faithful abound also in our cities, but they are not found in the circles of those butterflies who worship at the altar of fashion, but rather around the fireside of the God-fearing man of business, the artisan and |