SESSION 



Missouri Corn Growers' Association 



January 10-11, 1907. 



PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL ADDRESS. 



IE. E. Laughlln, Rich Hill, Mo.) 



When the Roman army came home triumphal arches were 

 built in commemoration of the deeds of greatness done. The col- 

 onnades showed the death of the foe, the misery of homes, for the 

 greed of Caesarian rule; on the arch, inscriptions of valor or battle 

 cries. Suspended from the arch hangs the disintegrating features 

 of the fallen chieftain. As the warriors pass by the fierce blood- 

 curdling battle cry is heard. 



We pass under the triumphal arch this day. Warriors not 

 with the greed of Caesar, but carrying the message of modem war- 

 fare for the good of our empire. Colonnades not built from wreck 

 and ruin but improved corn, which means improved soil, improved 

 live stock. 



On the colonnades are inscriptions of valor and success : The 

 Institute Corn Show; The Boys' Com Growing Contest; The State 

 Fair Contest. The masterwork of the arch is built of our beautiful 

 corn laying in State Show. Our inscriptions on the arch, our battle 

 cry "Missouri Corn," "Increase the Yield," "Improve the Quality." 

 Our trophys, visible and invisible, not the loathing sight of death, 

 but an inspiration. In all battles for victory master minds must 

 general. In these we have Mr. Geo. B. Ellis, representing the State 

 Board of Agriculture, ever ready when advancement is the call; 

 Dr. H. J. Waters' inspiration never found wanting; ex-Governor 

 Colman hurling the challenge, selecting the field. Let us do honor 

 to our own Secretary and the success he has brought us. These en- 

 listed generals for better Missouri corn have been mighty of word 



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