22 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



St. Louis Exposition. The great benefits of an exhibition of this nature 

 are very apparent to tlie most casual observer. 



Indiana occupies a proud position among tlie agricultural and live 

 stock interests of the world, a position she has attained through honorable 

 competition and the unquestioned merit of her products. Her breeders 

 of live stock have compelled the whole world to acknowledge the superior- 

 ity of their herds and flocks. Their cattle, sheep and swine have been 

 blue ribbon winners for years in the hottest competition that could be 

 brought against them. The horse interests of the State have for many 

 years played a prominent part throughout the racing world. The last 

 few years her horses have lieen particularly prominent on the turf. It 

 is for Indiana's glory to produce the only, the unbeaten, the unconquered, 

 the king of his kind, "Dan Patch." 



While Indiana's great breeders of live stock are out battling for 

 supremacy and V)ringing home honors to their State, we should be doing 

 everything possible for us to do t.<jward building up a State home for 

 exhibits second to none of its kind. 



The State Board of Agriculture does a great many things, and has to 

 do a great many things it Avould not do. if its members felt free to follow 

 their own inclinations, their best .iudgment. To illustrate we are paying 

 3 and 17-100 per cent, premiums on all its insurance. Do you consider that" 

 a good business proposition? Would you pay such an exorbitant rate 

 on so good a risk? No. We can not get away from things of this kind. 

 During the past ten years we have paid over .$20,00() in premiums and have 

 had a loss of $1,100 during this time; $600 less than last year's annual 

 premiums. This is only one of many of a similar nature. 



The reports of our Secretary and Treasurer are complete, and will 

 show to you fully all receipts and expenditures of money. 



The year 1902 was a particularly harmonious one in the management of 

 the State Board. We feel very grateful to the public for their generous 

 support, and I take this occasion to thank the citizens of Indiana for 

 their many Indications of loyalty and good Avill toward the State Pair. 

 To the members and officers of the Board I have only words of highest 

 commendation for their every efforts in helping to make the golden jubilee' 

 of the State Board the gi-eat success it was, under conditions so adverse. 



On motion of Mr. McDonald, the President's address was re- 

 ferred to the following committee: Mason J. Nil^lack, Robert 

 Mitchell and Frank P. Johnson. 



The President, Mr. Clay pool, resumed the chair and appointed 

 the following committees : 



