<»74 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



ample justification for our present efforts along these lines, were justifi- 

 cation called for. 



The Michigan State Association of Farmers' Clubs exists because it 

 has a work to do. Its formation was opportune and its growth has been 

 marvelous, while its work thus far accomplished has never shamed its 

 friends. As the pioneer in its lines and methods it has opened the way 

 and led the van guard, causing others to follow, and today similar State 

 Associations of Farmers' Clubs are formed and doing good work in 

 many of our sister states, while inquiries, looking to similar organiza- 

 tions — have been received by Secretary Wells from as far south as Geor- 

 gia and from the west as far as Colorado. This is the leaven spread- 

 ing and a National organization may not be far distant. In considera- 

 tion of the fact that this organization is "The Pioneer" in its distinctive 

 methods and work, it should be exempt — in large measure — from criti- 

 cism or censure, if it has made mistakes. But those best acquainted in 

 its work see in it little cause for regret or complaint. 



To those tried and faithful friends of the association who have labored 

 so wisely, so well and so persistently for the advancement of its best in- 

 terests, I desire to express on behalf of the association, its most sincere 

 gratitude. It is through your efforts and by your labors in its behalf, 

 that the association stands today on the high and vantage ground to 

 which it has already attained, while before it open broad fields with 

 bright prospects. The work developing upon the association's secretary 

 has increased from year to year. The report submitted by Secretary 

 Wells shows the extent and scope of the work of the year now closing. 

 Let the conscientious faithfulness with which these duties have been 

 performed, though thoroughly burdensome at times, merit the warmest 

 approval of this association. 



The organization well illustrates the working of a pure democracy in 

 that it is composed of delegates directly and perhaps more fully amena- 

 ble as representatives, than is found in any other organization, and 

 herein may be found one principal source of its strength. Surely no one 

 will question the statement that the nearer power is kept to its source — 

 the people — the safer it is and the more surely will the people be well 

 served. This State Association is but the medium through which is given 

 expression to the will of the local clubs. 



Again: The officers of this association are rewarded for their services 

 as such not with "filthy lucre," which is so apt to tarnish the motives 

 prompting to action, but instead, their reward comes in that which is 

 of true worth — the satisfying consciousness of good work well done. 

 And it may not be inappropriate to suggest in this connection that bet 

 ter services would be rendered to the people of this republic, were all 

 public offices filled by men who were invited thereto not by the con- 

 sideration of financial gain, not by that of personal preferment, but in- 

 stead by the more honorable and only safe motive, thus satisfying con- 

 sciousness of a public trust faithfully discharged. 



Since our last annual meeting the association has made its first at- 

 tempt to influence legislation, and in favor of those measures which it 

 advocates, and as expressed in its "Declaration of Principles" adopted 

 one year since. 



The results of those efforts with the legislature, while not all that 



