530 MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



We have very little to say in the line of recommendation. The commit- 

 tees, without doubt, will be arranged about as usual. The Committee on 

 Eules is a very important one. A careful discharge of their duties has 

 much to do with the success of the Society. Useless rules should be thrown 

 out, any rules conflicting with the Constitution or By-Laws should be so 

 modified that all will harmonize. 



In closing our brief remarks, it is with pleasure that we refer to the able 

 and faithful manner in which our officers and superintendents have dis- 

 charged their duties — duties ever varied by a constant change of circum- 

 stances — at times pleasant, at other times very trying; calling for cool, 

 well-balanced judgment. It is here we see and realize the working of the 

 well-tried system under which our State Fair management is conducted, 

 each department being entirely in charge of its own superintendent, and 

 dependent largely on him for success. The superintendent that can so man- 

 age his department as to make it satisfactory to exhibitors and visitors, adds 

 directly to the strength and popularity of the Society. 



The Marshal's department is an important factor in the general supervis- 

 ion of business incident thereto. We watched with admiration the prompt- 

 ness with which the business of this department was attended to at the last 

 Fair. The chief and his able assistants were always at hand in the right 

 place to keep work moving along. 



In handing over to my successor as President the mantle of office that 

 has rested on my unworthy shoulders for a brief time, I take peculiar 

 pleasure. His eminent fitness for the place is so clearly to be seen that all 

 will say, Amen! 



Gentlemen of the Executive Committee, allow me to tender you my 

 heartfelt thanks for the unvarying courtesy with which you have treated me 

 while presiding over your deliberations. 



The Secretary then read his report, as follows : 



secretary's report. 



To the President and Executive Committee of the Michigan State Agricul- 

 tural Society : 



Gentlemen — I would respectfully submit the following, the Secretary's 

 report for 1888: 



The disbursements during the year were as follows: Business orders, 

 drawn for the payment of accounts audited by the Business Committee, 

 numbering from 1 to 223 inclusive, amounting to $8,785.61; a record of 

 the same will be found in the register and upon the stubs of the orders. 

 The accounts corresponding with the orders are held by the Secretary as 

 vouchers, and are on file in his office. 



The details of the general expenditures of the Society have been classified 

 and arranged under the proper heads, and the items will be found in the 

 report of the Business Committee. 



Three hundred and ninety-four checks were drawn on the Treasurer for 

 premiums awarded at the Fortieth Annual Fair. They amount to $10,539. 

 In addition to these, five checks amounting to $177, for protested premiums 

 on exhibits of 1886 and 1887 were issued, making the total amount of 

 premium checks issued during the year $10,716. 



