Pacific Rural Press, Volume 43, Number 3, 16 January 1892 — San Jose Grange. [ARTICLE]

San Jose Grange.

Campbell, Oal., Jan. 9,1892. To the Editor:—At the regular meeting of San Jose Grange held to-day, the undersigned was elected Corresponding Secretary to serve three months. The duties of the Secretary, as I understand them, are to keep the Press informed of our work, and perhaps stimulate other Grangers to " speak out" occasionally, so that the fraternity throughout the State may know what is going on in the various Granges, I wish to inquire whether any other Grange has such an official or whether all the good things we see in the Press about the Order are from volunteers? The circular letter from the State Master, read to-day, has the right ring in it, and will undoubtedly do much to increase the zeal of Grangers, and stimulate them to renewed effort in behalf of humanity. More such letters, with the excellent aid rendered by the Press, and agriculturists will not fail to be benefited.

The one great drawback, it seems to me, is to get hold of the farmer. Take this county, for instance, with its thousands of agriculturists and horticulturists, and only a small number belong to the Grange, and by far too few take and read those publications which are devoted to their interests. How can we reach them ? How can we induce them to unite with us ? They do not seem to realize that in union there is strength, and that all classes that prey upon them are fully organized, carry their point successfully and discourage or disrupt any feeble movement that the farmer may undertake to better his condition. The Grange will prove a strong bulwark to all who are worthy and who are seeking to better their condition. Come with us then, and we will do you good. To-day we had read a telegram from Washington in regard to the effort Eastern nurserymen are making in order to get their fruit trees into California. The discussion that followed was timely, and if the orchardists of this county could have heard the remarks, I am sure they would never buy or plant an Eastern tree of any variety. Col. Philo Hersey, our Worthy Overseer, was appointed a committee of one to prepare an article for the local papers showing the position of the Grange on the subject of Eastern trees and their multiplicity of diseases.

On the last Saturday in this month, we are to discuss the Postmaster-General's proposition of free delivery of mail through the country. Last Saturday we conferred the third and fourth degrees on a class of five, installed officers, and had a fine lunch. Next Saturday we will have work in the first and second degrees. R. P. McGlincy.