ANNUAL MEETING. 91 



1 would not perform my duty were I to close this address without 

 expressing mj' liigh appreciation for tlie uniform courtesy and liind treat- 

 ment that was accorded me by tlie officers and members of the Board while 

 occupying this honorable and responsible position. I am especially grate- 

 ful to the members of the Executive Committee for their active partici- 

 pation in the worli of organizing the fair, and their willing and hearty 

 co-operation. To Mr. Charles Downing, the efficient and popular Secre- 

 tary, much of the credit for the success of the fair of 1901 is due. He is a 

 careful, painstaking and ever watchful official, thoroughly conversant with 

 the duties of his position, and ever ready to perform them. His uniform 

 courtesy in the discharge of his official duties and his conscientious and 

 well directed efforts in behalf of the State Board of Agriculture are well 

 deserving of commendation. He should be re-elected to his present posi- ' 

 tion without opposition. Mr. Lagrange, the Treasurer, and Mr. Peed, 

 the General Superintendent, are also entitled to the thanks of this Board, 

 and especially from myself, for their efficient services during the year. 



In conclusion, I will say that when I surrender this emblem of au- 

 thority at the close of this session, I will do so with feelings of pride at 

 the record made in 1901. I will end my labors as President, feeling that 

 we are entitled to all that comes from a successful management of an insti- 

 tution like the State Fair of 1901. I hope that my successor, whoever he 

 may be, will give to this office the personal attention that its duties de- 

 serve. No man can successfully manage an institution of this character 

 without giving it much of his personal attention, and no member of this 

 Board should be elected to this place unless he can give it his best efforts 

 and considerable of his time. 



I will end my labors as President, expressing the hope that my suc- 

 cessor in office may take up the work where I leave off, conscious of the 

 hearty good will and united support, not only of the Board, but of the peo- 

 ple of the State. 



The following committees were appointed by the President: 



Auditing Committee. — Hon. J. C Haines, Chairman, Hon. 

 Knode Porter and Hon. J. C. Bridges. 



Committee on Credentials. — M. A. McDonald, Chairman, Pred 

 E. Wheeler and M. S. Claypool. 



On motion, the President's address was referred to a committee 

 of three for consideration. 



Committee on President's Address.— William M. Blackstock. 

 Chairman, Robert Mitchell and H. P. McMahan. 



