VOL. LV.
INDIANAPOLIS, IND., JAN. 13.1900.
NO. 2
INDIANA   INDUSTRIAL    ASSOCIATIONS,
Foity-alfhth Annual Convention of Delegate Stat* Board of Agricuture.
Fsrme-s    and    Breeder*    Assoeia.ioas.
The forty-eighth annual meeting of the
State Board of Agriculture, convened In the
Agricultural rooms at the State House, January 2nd, and was called to order by Pres. W,
W. Stevens. The attendance waa very good,
ln fact better than for acme years. Thle may
be partly accounted for by the fact of the
great success of the fair ln 1899. Mayor Tag-
gars waa Introduced and welcomed the delegates to the city of Indlanapolla. He congratulated them on the successful fair held ln 1899,
and stated that the board elected ln 19C0, should
resolve to make the coming fair even more of
a success. Not only do farmers make good
members of the board, said the Mayor, but
also the lawyer, the store-keeper, and others
ln professional and business life, make excellent members. He hoped that ln future
years the city of Indianapolis would take
more Interest in the State fair than heretofore.
President Stevens appointed the following
committees:
ON  CREDENTIALS,
H. L. Nowlin, Lawrenceburg; Jno. Tilson,
Franklin, and Oalvin Sturdlvant, Noblesville,
AUDITING   CO.MMITTBK.
Jno. L Davis, Crawfordsville; Jno. L.
Thompson, Gas City, and Aaron Jones, South
Bend.
TO WAIT ON THE GOVBBNOB.
Jas. E. McDonald, Ltgonier; E. M. 0.
Hobbs, Salem, and W, M. Blackstock, Lafayette.
Vice-President Jno. 0. Haines, Lake, was
called to the chair, and Mr Stevens delivered
the annual president's ad lress as follows:
FBBSIDBNT'S ADDKB6S.
To THE MEMBERS OP THB STATE AND DELEGATE Boards of Agriculture: — While we
stand today upon the tareshold of a new year
—that ls fuli of hope and bright of promise—
sentiment reminds us of the fact that we are
in tne midst of the straggles nf a dying century. And what a centur,. Marked as it has
been with wonderful occurrences, and extraordinary development of our resource and our
people.
Within this closing century wonderful
chaoges have been wrought. A howling wlld-
ness has given way to a civilization versed in
all the arts and sciences. The hunting grounds
of savage life have developed Into cultivated
fields and verdant pastures. Where roamed
the buffalo and the antlerd tribes, domestic
flocks and herds now quietly feed. The wigwam and rude villages of the forest warrior
have given place to beautiful towns and cities
Even near the spot where we are now gathered
tnere stood within the past century the council house of the red man, and bis light bark
canoe pliced up and down the many streams
that drain the plcturetque hills and fertile
valleys of our commonwealth. Of all his
former might and glory, a rude mound of
earth here and there, are the only works of art
left to perpetrate bis memory.
As tha morning mists vanish before the summers seen, so have the wildnessand conditions
of savagery of a hundred years ago given way
to the mighty crafts of civilization. And may
we add that the sturdy pioneer and honest
tiller of the soil has been the most potent factor ln bringing about this wonderful revolution
Object of meeting.—Uader an organization
based upon a law of the state framed almost a
half century ago. you have come together in
aanual session, "for the purpose of deliberation and consultation as to the wants, prospects and condition of the agricultural Interests throughout the state."
It ls certainly vory pleasant fo* persons hav-
- ing a common object and a common Interest
ln view to meet together and exchange social
salutations at regular intervals, and to consult
with regard to the bett manner of promoting
that common object and Interest. Those engaged ln professional, mercantile and mechanical occupations have associations for
mutual improvement, and shall the Interests
of the farmer which are of so much Importance in themselves—and of so much Impor
tance to all othpr interests—be unworthy of
associated effort?
Association ls the origin and impulse of all
progress The elements of every department
of society have tlieir expansion and maturity
under the vital power ot this great principle
When its object is the good of all, it ls to be
commended. There is no class that would be
more benefited by organization than farmers,
and certainly no Injury would result to any
other class of people by it.
As farm organizations are, in the main, intended to better the condition of the agriculturist, it would be a gross error to suppose for
a moment that no other class of people ate
interested in such means as may be adopted
to advance agricultural prosperity.
The fact la every human beiog who eats
bread or wears clothes, has a direct interest
ln the results of the tillage of the soil, and in
farm economy in general. The civilization
of man has ever gone hand in hand with his
knowledge of (agriculture. It is only a question of time when the neglect of agriculture
by any natio'n or people will result in their
downfall aid ruin. Rome and Athens fell
because their rulers aimed to maintain their
greatness and power by building upand adorning cities to the neglect of agriculture.
Tribes of men may exist ln sparsly settled
countries wltbout tilling the earth, but vast
cities cannot rise nor subsist, nor immense
armies be maintained, nor vast conquests
made ln lands where agriculture Is not recognized as the first and greatest of all industries.
If national greatness or Independence, if
contentment at home and dignity abroad la
moet easily and certainly maintained by encouraging and cultivating ln a proportion
commensurate with its Importance to the
commonwealth ln which we live, the science
of agriculture, surely tbere ls not a citizen of
our state that would not rejoice to meet with
us on thle occasion for the general welfare of
the whole people.
Encouraging organization —In the discharge of that part of your duly imposed by
the law, and which requires you to look after
the wants of the farmer, we believe that the
first great -vant Is organization, and this you
should encourage in everv possible way. Not
only should you strive to have a fair ln every
county ln the State, but other organizations
ae well—any association, in fact, that looks to
tbe betterment of tbe farmer'e condition socially, morally or financially. But now particularly should your efforts be directed to
the establishment and improvement of the
county and district fairs A Bess Ion of this
meeting has been set apart for a general discussion of this subject, and we expect good
results to follow from lt. The fair associates
together different classes of people for the
purpose of comparing the experience and wisdom of each for the benefit of all. It renders
available to the public whatever Improvements
have been made ln agriculture or Its allied industries, and thus tends to tbe more rapid development of wealth and the progressive advancement of society. Fairs direct the attention of all classes to the most useful and
Important pursuit of life, and thus throw out
the most healthful and beneficial Influences
We regret that every county in the State is
not duly represented at our annual meetings.
In view of the fact that the representation is
growing gradually less year by year, on account of the decadence of local fair organizations something should be done, if possible,
by this Delegate Board to create a new Interest ln county and district fairs- And if possible ev*ry agriculturist ln the State should
be made to feel that he has a direct personal
Interest tn State Bjard matters and the success of the State fair
Increase its usefulness.—How this board
can enlarge it. sphere of usefulness, and carry
out the full extent and meaning of the law under which lt exists, ls a matter that deserves
your serious consideration.
As at present operated, the State D jard of
Agriculture does little more than hold a fair
one week each year, the remainder of the
time being devoted to the publication of
a report of its proceedings, and preparing for
another show. The fair la a great educator,
ae far as it goes, providing as lt does for a
display of farm products, mechanics and the
arts, but in addition to this a great educational work might be carried on. We have it
in our power t.i disseminate a gr. at deal of
useful information among farmers if we
would only adopt eome systematic mode of
proceedure With some additional labor
upon the part of tbe secretary, but without
any extra expense to the Board, our annual
reports might be enlarged and made more
valuable by handling some important topic
pertaining to agriculture ln a thorough scientific manner, getting out the best thought
nnd ripest experience of experts on such sub
jact, a plan similar to that which is being
carried out in some of the neighboring
States.
Some one has suggested that our State
Board of Agriculture should be reorganized
or remodeled on much the same method as ls
the agricultural department at Washington,
combining ln one general head and one general management all the interests in the State
that bave for their object the advancement of
tbe cause of agriculture.
Another suggests that ln order that all the
people of the State may be properly represented on the State Board of Agriculture, tbe
members of the board should be elected by
tbe people of the several districts.
We do not care to discuss the advisability
of adopting these suggestions, but they may
be considered as pointers, showing the necessity for this board to broaden Its work, and
be more generally useful to that class of people who look to lt for much that Is necessary
to advance and keep our agricultural interests
to the fore.
Most Successful Fair.—The manner in
which the State fair has been conducted the
past few years has met with very general approval among tbe people of the State. They
now look upon it as an institution of learning by means of object teaching; an institution tbat each succeeding year presents new objects, breathes new life and diffuses new ideas
that go out to aid all classes ln the Improvement of their industries and the enjoyment
of life.
So long as we continue to make lt attractive to the mas* es—that is to say, while lt preserves the prominent characteristics of our
agricultural display, taking on less of the exposition character ln which trade and manufacture predominate—so long will lt be liberally patronized by our people and be a financial success, Indiana has developed great);
in manufactures ln recent years, lt ls true,
but still she ie an agricultural State—her interests along that line should be carefully
ministered to by the State fair management.
Their efforts in this direction the past season
were highly appreciated, as is evidenced by
the fact that the fair of 1899 will go down ae
the most successful exhibition of its kina ever
held in the State—all things considered.
From our visitors during the fair were
heard f re quent expressions of praise and approval. Since the fair, compliments innumerable have been received, as every member of
the board will bear witness.
One who has visited the fair for the past 44
years eoeaks as follows through the columns
of tae Indiana Faj-mbr:
"The State fair is over, and its lessons have
been taught. The farmer who failed to attend, missed very much which wae in those
lessons Such a fair as Indiana had this
year wae a great credit to the State. I have
attended nearly every State fair since 1856,
and can truthfully eay that ln point of merit,
in all of the departments, unless lt be the horticultural, such a display wae never before
made, at any fair I have attended ln Indiana"
The following ls a clipping from a very
prominent agricultural paper outside the State:
"In almost every department the Indiana
fair of 99, broke all existing records, and ln
eome directions the mark was placed so high
that the management may have difficulty ln
living up to this year's achievements. In general management, quantity and quality of exhibits, epeclal features and entertainment,
the meeting wae an unqualified success, and
the attendance in spite of some cold, cloudy
days was of a character to gratify the officiate
ln charge."
The legitimate receipts of  the State fair,
premiums paid and surplus remaining for 10
years, were as follows:
Receipts.
1890 $22 740 41
1891  30,473 93
1892  28,133 74
18f*3  13,170 71
1891  31,597 05
1895  27.124 61
189«  19 644 73
1897  39,720 75
1808  25 288 50
1899  39,079 95
Paid.
$13 040 50
15,297 00
19 875 50
17,768 00
18 516 70
17.555 48
14,817 17
19 296 93
11,113 42
17,10711
Surplus.
$ 9,699 91
15,176 93
8.258 24
*4,597 29
13,080 35
9,569 13
4,828 24
20.423 82
14,175 08
21 972 84
*Lose.
Lack of earneet co-operation,—Effort
wae made to Induce the city of Indianapolis to take part ln some sort of street
pageant or flower carnival, or at least give
a half holiday to help the fair along, but all
to no avail. Whether the business men of
Indianapolis are gaining more in the long
run than they are losing by their indifference
to the success of the fair Is an open queetlon
with a great many people. The only suggestion we c ffer is that such a thing is possible,
that the goose that lays the golden egg can be
killed by neglect. Every merchant ln the
city had a good word for the fair because lt
brought them money.
Testimonials   might   be   produced   from
scores of them. But with this before us we
can'_ help but feel that the merchants of Indianapolis ought to do more for us than they
have been doing. We would suggest that it
would be to their interests to erect upon our
grounds a commodious exposition hall where
a creditable display of their wares eculd be
made, this adding to the permanent attraction of the fair and assisting very materially
in making lt a financial success.
The Press.-- We desire to go on record that tbe
press of Indianapolis gave us earnest, faithful
service during the last fair, without a single
exception. No adverse criticisms of the management were made and no slurs or lnuendoes
were indulged in, calculated to bring dispute
or embarassment upon tbe association.
Friendly criticism or timely suggestions are
always ln older and no one objects to them,
but to be repremanded and made fun of, as
has been done on some former occasions
does great injury to the fair and no one ls
benefited thereby. To the press throughout
the State we feel under lasting obligations, as
they gave much of their valuable space to
such reading notices as were sent out from
time to time and did lt willingly and without
hope of pecuniary reward, having only tn
ln view the best interests and success of the
State fair. In short the press of tbe State
seemed to vie with the management in their
efforts to win cut, and we shall hold them
ever ln grateful remembrance therefore.
Some Suggestions—1st. The experiment
of fitting up a commodious auditorium and
having poi ular lectures delivered therein during the week of tbe fair was vf ry satisfactory
and met with the hearty endorsement and
approval of hosts of our vi__U,.*-p. Thle feature should be continued and ia.proved upon.
2d. Additional space should be provided
for the display of agricultural implements
and machinery so tbat all who come may be
srtlsfactorlly accommodated, and the liberal
policy we have adopted with this vety large
class of exhibitors ln tbe past shoud be continued.
3d. The field list of farm machinery proved
to be a very interesting feature of cur last fair
and should be continued. We believe also
that farmers should be encouraged to compete with each other ln doing some of Ihe
different kinds of farm labor, to the end tl at
the science of agriculture may become one of
tbe fine arts.
4th. Parties or associations that desire to
secure the fair grounds for picnics or public
demonstrations of any kind should be required to pay reasonable compensation for
the use of same, sufficient at least to cover expense of putting things in shape again and
making good all damages sustained.
5th, Tbe claim against the Government
for damages sustained to fair grounds while
soldiers were encamped thereon, amounting
to $8,220 50, has been placed ln the bands of
our representatives in Oongrese and we have
the assurance that said claim will be paid at
the earliest possible moment for Oongrese to
give lt consideration.
6th. I would suggest that a committee be
appointed by this board to draft a suitable
memorial to be presented to the next General
Assembly, setting forth the necessity of the
State's purchasing that portion of the fair
grounds which we now hold by virtue of leaf c,
the annual rental amounting to $2 412, and
thus put the association upon a more substantial footing. The farmers ot Indiana
have aeked but little of the State, but when
we come to the capital demanding proper
recognition we are charged with asking for
class legislation, or begging for funde to
carry out our projects. The farmer a beggat!
It Is a shame to put such an imputation c n
his name. The man owning broad and fertile
acres, well filled barns, with flocks and herds
dotting hillside aid valley, and passing bis
life ln God's pure air and gladdening sur-
shine never brgs. Has the State a greater
benefactor? Does he not contribute more
largely than any other class of people to many
things from which be derives no personal
benefit? Witness the high salaries of i fficlals,
but he seldom gets office; his money aids In
maintaining hospitals, but he pays his own
doctor's bill; he is taxed to support the laws,
but he seldom breaks one; his money aids ln
maintaining the peace, but he ls a stranger at
the bar of the criminal court; he contributes
to the alms-house, but never asks charity; the
jail makes a demand for hie money, but he it
never behind tbe bars; the work-house says,
give to me, which he does, but proudly when
for himself on his own land; be pays a tax to
the house of refuge, but his own children are
law-abiding and filial; his presence never
helps to fill the penitentiary or reformatory,
although he is taxed to maintain them. In
short the farmer is the last man to beg. He
dipping, no law to do anything in this line.
Gentlemen, we have to struggle on and discuss
Coacl_Kl<-d  o_s mis 1.