important part in the work of the National Grange, the greatest
agency in bettering the economic and social conditions of the
agricultural population in the States. In Ireland the women must
be welcomed into the work of building up a rural civilization, and
be aided by men in the promotion of those industries with which
women have been immemorially associated. We should not want to
see women separated from the activities and ideals and inspirations
of men. We should want to see them working together and in harmony.
If the women carry on their work in connection with the associations
by which men earn their living they will have a greater certainty
of permanence. I have seen too many little industries and little
associations of women workers spring up and perish in Ireland,
which depended on the efforts of some one person who had not drunk
of the elixir of immortal youth, and could not always continue the
work she started; and I have come to the conclusion that the
women's organizations must be connected with the men's organizations,
must use their premises, village halls, and rooms for women's meetings.
I do not believe women's work can be promoted so well in any other way.
Men and women have been companions in the world from the dawn of time.
I do not know where they are journeying to, but I believe they will
never get to the Delectable City if they journey apart from each
other, and do not share each other's burdens.

Working so, we create the conditions in which the spirit of the
community grows strong. We create the true communal idea, which
the Socialists miss in their dream of a vast amalgamation of whole
nationalities in one great commercial undertaking. The true idea
of the clan or commune or tribe is to have in it as many people as
will give it strength and importance, and so few people that a
personal tie may be established between them. Humanity has always