624 Transactions op the 



cessful, requires the constant exercise of their best mental and physical 

 powers. Without this, and especially if the absence of it is occasioned 

 by any bad habits, such as negligence, indifference, or, worse than all, 

 intemperance, no matter how numerous the acres, or how rich the land, 

 their owners are sure of embarrassment and failure. In California, 

 where the crop is always as good as gold, the farmer's road to inde- 

 pendence, even to affluence, is as plain as if it were marked by a sun- 

 beam. He can early acquire the means to build and beautify a home, 

 and adorn it with all the elegancies as well as mere necessaries of life — 

 and who so independent, so much at ease, so free from worldly care as 

 he, when he can look forth from under his own vine and fig tree upon 

 his groaning acres, his flocks and his herds, and say, in the joy of a 

 grateful heart: "These are all mine; I am free from debt; I have no 

 expensive or iujurious habits; my family is happy, and I am contented." 

 Can money or industry be put to a better purpose in this world than to 

 purchaso these simple blessings? 



RAILROADS. 



The invitation I received was to address you on agriculture, not on 

 politics. I shall therefore accord that almost inevitable subject, the 

 railroad, but a single remark. The war on railroads is made upon the 

 ground that these powerful agents, in civilization should be servants, 

 and not masters, of the people. While they are absolutely necessary to 

 the welfare, and greatly aid in the development of the country, they are 

 entitled to just remuneration for their services; but when they assume 

 to dictate the policy of the country, like any other servant, the people 

 are justified in teaching them their place. 



THE GRANGE. 



Farmers, last year you formed an order which you termed the Grange. 

 Its declared objects were protection and consultation. It received, at 

 the time, the commendation of all persons friendly to our agricultural 

 interests. I regret to state that this tone of commendation has been 

 changed to one of complaint. No two classes of society should har- 

 monize in their interests and feelings more fully and cordially than 

 the farmers and merchants. They are mutually dependent, and the 

 growth and prosperity of both the country and town depend upon their 

 cooperation and labors. If the Grange fails to sustain this relationship, 

 its abandonment, as you will surely experience, is preferable to its 

 existence. 



CORN CITY OP THE PACIFIC. 



The "City of Windmills" I must commend as the corn city of the 

 Pacific. Proud may she be of her title, boastful in the consciousness 

 that immigration will meet a hearty welcome, and find a healthful rest 

 in her confines. Her mammoth warehouses, filled with golden grain; 

 her woolen mills, her flouring and paper mills, are but vanguards in a 

 prosperity soon to be more numerously illustrated. Her streets will 

 soon be traversed by another iron track. The coal of Amador must 

 soon encourage the erection of new manufactories, and open new ave- 

 nues to enterprise and labor. And when the ship canal shall be com- 



