ADDRESS 



OF THE 



HON. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, 



(goveenoe op the state.) 



Jit the Annual Fair of the JTew-York State Agricultural Society^ 



September 29, 1842. 



Fellow Citizens: — 



The display of animal and vegetable productions, the expo- 

 sitions of culture, and the trial of implements of tillage, under 

 the patronage of the New-York State Agricultural Society, are com- 

 pleted; and it only remains to confer the civic prizes which have 

 been so honorably won. Shall scenes so animating, though so peace- 

 ful, so instructive, though so simple, pass without comment 1 



If our country has a citizen imbued with the philanthrophy, and 

 learned in the philosophy of agriculture, eminent in political wisdom 

 and transcendant in eloquence, here are his forum and his theme. 

 Such a citizen you have expected to hear. Let my temerity in as- 

 suming the place he has left vacant, and others have declined, find an 

 apology in the gratitude which the abundant kindness of my fellow 

 citizens has inspired.* 



In that time-worn Tower, which tells many a deed of treachery 

 and of tyranny, the British Government exhibits the armor and arms 

 of Kings, Nobles, Knights, Soldiers and Seamen who have borne the 

 standard of St. George around the circumference of the globe. 

 France, with pride more refined, displays in the galleries of the Lou- 

 vre, the chefs d'ouvre of her artists, with what she yet retains of the 

 productions of the pencil and the chisel, of which Napoleon despoil- 

 ed the nations of Europe. These monuments excite admiration, but 

 they leave generous and grateful sympathies unmoved, while the be- 

 nevolent mind recognizes in the axe, the plow and the loom, agents 

 of civilization and humanity, and exalts them above all the weapons 



* The Hon. Daniel Webster was expected to deliver the Address. 



