134 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



eyes of the English to the superiority of the French and Germans in 

 the application of the laws of design to manufactures. Realizing the 

 absolute necessity of competition, they at once established Art 

 Schools of Design all over the kingdom, with the result that in 

 twenty years' time the industrial designs of Great Britain stood on 

 the same plane with those of Germany and France. 



Twelve or fifteen years ago the older cities of the Eastern States 

 began to move in this matter, and now throughout the east art 

 schools have been established. The universities — Harvard, Yale, 

 and others— have added this department to their course of studies, 

 and the graduates of to-day are well posted in the history and theory 

 of art. 



I am assured by those engaged in art education, that there is no 

 lack of talent or enthusiasm in the young students of art in our 

 State; but, on the contrary, a widespread interest, with an unusual 

 aptitude for this especial study. Such being the case, it is our duty 

 to do all that is in our power to foster and encourage the study of the 

 fine arts. And to that end we have erected a spacious gallery, 

 where we propose to display, for your pleasure and instruction, year 

 after year, the best works of art that can be procured. 



I refer to these successes, because they illustrate the fact that our 

 people possess the energy and intelligence that are necessary in a 

 still grander development of our civilization. And from these 

 improvements I believe we have a grand outlook upon the future. 



Ladies and gentlemen, I have spoken to you out of the fullness of 

 my heart of matters that concern us all in the future upbuilding of 

 manhood, art, agriculture, commerce, and the State. 



I have sought only to speak of the things that make progress, and, 

 therefore, I have been free to criticise and suggest where I might have 

 dealt only in laudation. I have done so because I have faith in the 

 good sense and intentions of our people, and I now commend these 

 thoughts to your consciences and your best judgment. 



To my brethren of the State Agricultural Society, I must give an 

 expression of my thanks for the great honor that you have conferred 

 upon me in electing me President of the State Agricultural Society. 

 You have placed me in a position that is, in my judgment, more 

 honorable than that held by the Governor of this great State. And, 

 so far as in me lies, I shall perform the duties of my high office in a 

 spirit born of this high estimate of its dignity and usefulness. 



I thank you, my brethren, for your hearty cooperation. You have 

 not failed to render me all the assistance that was within your power 

 to give, and I know that you will continue to render great assistance 

 without which I will be powerless. 



At the close of the address Messrs. Weinstock & Lubin formally 

 presented to the Society four statues. President Finigan, on behalf 

 of the Society, accepted the donation, making the following remarks: 



Messrs. Weinstock & Lubin ; 



Gentlemen: You have come to us with gifts in your hands. In 

 doing so you have placed yourselves in harmony with the occasion; 

 for all that you see here are gifts of God and nature. Men have 



