ANNUAL ADDRESS. 389 



and states, on the subject of agricultural education. And I 

 trust this society will never remit its efforts, in all proper ways, 

 till these rights and advantages have been fully canvassed, and 

 secured to every state in the union. 



I would incite you, my friends, to no undue egotism of class 

 or of cast — I would disparage no other equally useful and hon- 

 orable pursuits ; but I would incite you to a proper and rational 

 self-respect. 



An honorable and emulous CLASS interest, and a clannish 

 SELFISHNESS, are two quite different things ; and I have never 

 yet known a body of men, of any sort, who felt no distinctive 

 and peculiar class duty and class interest of their own, to do 

 much for either God or man. And I tell you plainly, that in 

 my opinion, at least, as long as you suffer yourselves to be used 

 in your social capacity, mainly as the mere tools of others, — to 

 be split up by them into rival sects and parties, — to follow their 

 lead, instead of your own, — to support their measures, and foster 

 their institutions and interests; with no institutions, no mea- 

 sures, no leaders, no high, honorable and consecrated aims and 

 endeavors — sustained with self-sacrificing devotion and power — 

 distinctively and exclusively as your own, as the workers — the 

 farmers and mechanics — the great industrial producers of the 

 land ; — so long you will fail of your highest work and destiny 

 on earth — miss the intelligence and power and true manhood 

 which it is tha interest of earth, the desire of Heaven, and the 

 true and natural end of yoiir most noble pursuit, to confer upon 

 you, and your children after you. As farmers and mechanics, 

 you owe a duty to God and the world higher than all other 

 duties you can perform. Let, then, this idea incite and inspire 

 you in all your hours of toil and of rest — in the solitude of your 

 shops and fields, and amid the congregated thousands of your 

 fellows. 



Ever be, at all times, first Farmers and Mechanics ; and 

 after that politicians, or whatever you like ; and ever vote and 

 act for men and measures that will promote your interests as 

 such,and leave those of whatever party, who leave your business 

 unfinished abroad, among your unfinished business at home. 



