668 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



AGRICULTURE. 



To present a general address to the State Grange, and be silent on the 

 great question of agriculture, would seem to be an evasion of duty. Be- 

 cause of the needs of this foundation interest, and the people who work 

 and live as a part of it. the organization that you represent on this floor 

 was called into being. 



It is a favorable omen that our country is awaking more and more to 

 the importance of agriculture prosperity. But a few years since, all 

 other interests were considered first and at length, while that of agri- 

 culture was fortunate to receive notice by title only. This was doubt- 

 less the result of indifference on the part of the farmers of the country. 

 That agriculture now receives earnest consideration is no doubt because 

 of organized effort, and foremost in this work has been, and now is, the 

 order of Patrons of Husbandry. 



Agriculture is just now in an embryo condition. The partial change 

 in government policy has not developed sufficiently to know its full effects 

 in operation with the constantly changing conditions in our own and other 

 countries. We should, however, hope for the best and should encourage 

 hope always. During several years past, we have witnessed a general 

 decline in agricultural investments until a condition was reached that 

 made the stoutest hearts waver. Economic physicians widely, and no 

 doubt honestly, differ as to the cause. We cannot reasonably say that 

 the one is wholly right and the other wholly wrong, for all are citizens 

 of our common country, and no doubt wish for its full success. 



In the discussion of all great questions extremists are liable to tres- 

 pass upon untenable ground, while the real truth is most likely to be 

 found half way between the contending parties. This is probably true 

 in the solution of the present agricultural problem. As farmers we 

 should therefore exercise charity and forbearance with all our brother 

 farmers and others who honestly differ with us. I need not tell you that 

 this is in direct line with the teachings of the grange, for so it is. 



It is fair to say that a generally better feeling exists among farmers 

 than when last we met, because of better prices for a part of their staple 

 products. As to the cause of the higher prices for some commodities and 

 lower for others, I will leave for partisans to settle. The probable truth, 

 however, is that the inexorable law of supply and demand influenced by 

 tariff on imports, in some cases, and unavoidable foreign competition, in 

 other cases, cover the main causes. 



Farmers are awaiting patiently and expectantly. The pessimist and 

 the optimist are still in the land, and each are misleading in their in- 

 fluence, while neither can change existing conditions. Of the two, the 

 optimist may do the most harm, by encouraging extravagance and ficti- 

 tious booms, which are liable to collapse with disastrous results. Let all 

 be of good cheer, study well your diversification of crops, read liberally, 

 and think closely, and work with fellow farmers for the general good of 

 your calling, and in due time, we will be rewarded with that love and 

 attachment of our occupation which comes only from satisfactory profits. 



CONCLUSION. 



In conclusion, I cannot urge you too strongly to take up the work of 

 the session with earnestness, and let your aim be to do that which will 



