306 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



I am advised that an organization exists in the Upper Peninsula to 

 promote interest in the State fair by inducing citizens of that part of 

 the State to exhibit and attend our fair. Geographically considered and 

 vvith that part of the State rapidly developing there might be an Upper 

 Peninsula fair organized which might detract from ours. I recommend 

 cooperation with the organization referred to and if possible gain ad- 

 vantages for them that would neutralize the disadvantage of the long 

 distance. 



I believe in the case of organizations desiring privileges, their peti- 

 tions should be treated with marked respect and the utmost liberality, 

 consistent with the welfare of this Society, especially in the case of 

 farmers' organizations which are growing rapidly and with which we 

 should have a cordial understanding, one of which, the State Grange, 

 I understand negotiations are due to proceed at once. 



I am of the opinion that the transportation problem can be greatly 

 improved, esjjecially if a long time location should be decided upon. 1 

 think the principal effort should be made with the passenger department 

 and would suggest that an attempted arrangement be made whereby 

 regular rates decrease as distance increases. The large amount of nearby 

 traffic, whose fares would be only nominal sums, would then help to 

 pay the transportation companies on low fares for long distance traffic. 

 This would thus relieve the hardship of the old rule of half fare rates 

 for long distances. Each mile we reach out trebles the territory con- 

 tributary to the fair. The probable results of this plan I leave to your 

 judgment. 



With the class of recommendations aiming to promote interest in 

 our fairs and attract attendance I would include the encouragement 

 of thoroughbred stock sales. They not only attract buyers and sellers 

 but also a great many who desire to gain a knowledge of the value of 

 such stock and are thereby benefited should they desire to become future 

 purchasers. They also benefit the breeding interests of the State. 



A criticism from a leading agricultural paper of the State called my 

 attention to the subject of the election of officers. The assertion was 

 made that the officials were selected by a "ring." The fact remains, 

 gentlemen, that the ballot box has not been stuffed, with an average of 

 forty votes in forty years and with 40,000 people within forty rods of 

 the ballot box. Yet it is in evidence that the members of this com- 

 mittee do have an influence in the filling of vacancies on this committee. 

 I contend that this is as it should be. When a vacancy occurs by death, 

 and it is the duty of this committee to fill that vacancy, is it not of inter- 

 est to us to select a proper person to fill that vacancy? In case a vacancy 

 is to be filled by election should indifference supplant that interest? I 

 think not, gentlemen. This interest, if used to fill vacancies on this 

 committee with men of honor and ability, men adapted to the needs of 

 Ihis Society and who will use that ability with energy and zeal, it then 

 becomes a privilege and not otherwise. 



The subject which I shall now call your attention to is the last and 

 most difficult one on which I have undertaken to offer suggestions and 

 advice. I allude to the moral government which, for a limited time, 

 the management of this Society is held responsible for. Ideas of the 

 advice which might be deemed appropriate on this occasion to guide 

 your action would be as numerous as the multitude that attends our 



