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American farmer and mechanic liave neglected to form associations. Tliere 

 is no class of men more interested in associations for mutual benefit. All 

 other classes have their associations — religious, moral, mercantile, (fee. 



The mechanics have the advantage of the farmer in this, that they live in 

 towns and cities — can exchange views and opinions freely together; farmers, 

 separated in the cultivation of the soil, raising stock, &c., should have these 

 exhibitions and associations, that they may meet and consult together with 

 the mechanics for the common good, the effect of which is, that you stimulate 

 industry, bring together the most distinguished mechanics of the State, who 

 bring with them not only the work of their brain and hands, but they come 

 together to inquire into the wants of the country, that they may return to 

 their workshops to perfect the inventions that have been suggested by these 

 means. The farmer thus makes himself well acquainted with what is new 

 and useful, as well as witnessing for himself the productions of other portions 

 of the country. 



The advantages are so numerous that result to the agricultural and mechan- 

 ical interest of the country, by bringing together periodically, at some point, 

 the rarest and most valuable specimens of science and art, and especially the 

 encouragement that is imparted to useful inventors of labor-saving implements 

 of husbandry, tfec, by endorsing the value of the implement, awarding pre- 

 miums in money, diplomas, or medals, for such as may be of a highly meri- 

 torious character, that I cannot on this occasion more than merely name them. 

 In the first place you bring together men of different views and feelings 

 on religion, politics and social progress. They are made to act together — ■ 

 the kindest feelings are thus produced in the great zeal and energy displayed 

 to advance the interest and welfare of the State. 



The grounds within this enclosure are dedicated to advance the arts, scien- 

 ces, and the industrial progress of Indiana. You may walk around and min- 

 gle with this immense crowd of our fellow citizens, and you will not hear a 

 word on the subject of politics or religion; but the great struggle is making, 

 by each man, to outdo his neighbor in some branch of industry. 



During the last month I have attended the State Fairs of New York and 

 Ohio; at the two exhibitions more than a hundred thousand people were in 

 attendance — an army greater than that with which Julius Csesar conquered 

 Gaul; but it was an army without bloody banners— a volunteer army, gather- 

 ed together to celebrate the triumphs of peace. Their spoils were the richest 

 treasures of nature, their trophies the mightiest mechanism of art, their tri- 

 umphal chariots the steam cars that outstrip the wind, and their heralds the 

 lightnings of Jove ! 



People of all classes, politicians of all parties, attended those exhibitions, 

 almost without number; so intent were they upon the great purposes that 

 brought them together, that I did not hear a single allusion to party politics. 

 The excitement attending these exhibitions of the skill and labor of the 

 farmers and mechanics, is not the excitement that is to be found upon the race 

 course, and on the election ground. 



It is a matter of congratulation that all over the land, the farmers, mechan- 



