Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 8.djvu/847

 PROBLEM OF RURAL COMMUNITY 827

on the broadest possible basis material, intellectual, social, and ethical."

Perhaps the best way to test an organization is not simply by its ideals, but by what it has accomplished. Not least is the legislation it has won. Among the most important national achievements is the making of the head of the Agricultural Department a cabinet officer; the establishment of an Interstate Commerce Commission; laws favoring pure foods and dairy products; laws preventing the extension of patents on sewing- machines; and the establishment of rural free mail delivery.

The Grange, moreover, is practically driving isolation out of the farming community. The following news item of a Michi- gan Grange is illuminating:

Macon Grange has a well-furnished commodious hall, two stories high, containing a dining-hall with tables and dishes for ninety at a sitting. The audience room is carpeted and well supplied with paraphernalia, bunting, etc., warmed with a furnace, and seated with 200 chairs. We have a good choir, a male quartette, and an orchestra ; also a dramatic club. There is a maple grove on the lot and 1 80 feet of sheds where 40 teams may be sheltered. We have also 23 miles of rural free mail delivery, 40 miles of rural telephone which connects the homes of all the members, and is much utilized in com- mittee work.

Again, through the legislation it has secured, through the intensive and intelligent farming it has developed, through its bitter enmity to the credit system, through the establishment of co-operative purchasing, through its mutual fire and life insur- ance, and through the amelioration of many influences which injure the value of a farm, the Grange has secured great eco- nomic benefit to the farmers.

This organization has also done much for education. It has given an impetus to agricultural education and to the study of domestic science. It has created the need now being filled by the Farmers' Institute. The Grange Hall itself is an educational center through its debating clubs, lecture courses, parliamentary societies, and circulating libraries.

The ethical life of the farmer has also been intensified. While avoiding sectarian discussions, it has not neglected to emphasize true religion. "Its ritual is permeated in word and