48 [Senate 



In the collection of agricultural implements and domestic manu- 

 factures, the exhibition was rich in the evidences of the ingenuity 

 and skill of American mechanics. 



In the distribution of premiums, the Society called to its aid as far 

 as possible, eminent agriculturists of other States, and it is gratify- 

 ing to know their decisions were almost universally received with 

 the deference due to their acknowledged competence and impar- 

 tiality. 



I find great pleasure in referring to these indications that the So- 

 ciety is, slowly perhaps, but certainly, accomplishing the objects for 

 which it was established, and by the liberality of the Legislature en- 

 dowed. You will, gentlemen, have seen enough within your own 

 observation, to satisfy you that your patriotic labors are not barren 

 of the happiest results. 



It may well add to the gratification, and to the hopeful anticipa- 

 tions with which we regard these evidences of progress, so unequivo- 

 cal and so universal, that they are achieved in spite of the most de- 

 pressing embarrassments. ■ 



The condition of the farming interests of our country, is indeed 

 truly remarkable. The price of agricultural products has fallen to 

 less than half the range of prices obtained during a period of years 

 so long that they had come to be regarded as settled and permanent. 

 Under this impression, farms were bought, contracts made, improve- 

 ments undertaken, habits of expenditure acquired, which, under the 

 present range of prices cause difficulties as extensive as they are in 

 many cases, unfortunately, irremediable. 



Few of us are aware of the amount of individual suffering, the sac- 

 rifice of property accumulated by years of patient toil and frugality, 

 the disappointment of honest hopes, of independence and comfort 

 in advancing years, effected by this revolution in prices. It is no un- 

 common spectacle to see men now far advanced in life, who, in their 

 earlier years, have been successful pioneers, compelled to abandon 

 the comfortable homes and broad fields, which they have carved out 

 of the wilderness, and seek again, amidst the hardships and priva- 

 tions of a forest life, the recovery of their fortunes. 



If none had been swept away by this whirlwind, but those who 

 sowed the storm, there would be but slight ground for our sympa- 

 thies; but unfortunately, the cause was as universal and all powerful, 

 as it was concealed and sinister. 



