1856.] Dedication of Polytechnic Hall — Address. 541 



fertile soil. And it is a fact, we have not as yet an institution worthy 

 the name in our nation, amid all its multiplied facilities for education, 

 — and liberal education too — where a young man can learn as a 

 farmer, the principles of the extensive science which he is to pur- 

 sue, and at the same time know or learn the applications of those 

 principles. I know efforts have been made, and much said and writ- 

 ten about them. I know political declaimers and popularity seekers 

 have not failed to laud this pursuit, and make some fitful efi'orts to 

 secure the end we propose; but has it been done? Echo answers 

 where? 



You farmers and patrons of this enterprise have said this state of 

 things shall no longer exist; that this noble pursuit shall no longer 

 continue without protection, and with such encouragement as°is 

 furnished by our regularly endowed institutions. You have said 

 this by the establishment of Agricultural and Horticultural societies 

 all over our land ; bringing together the results of your experience, 

 science and skill, and forming a kind of holy alliance in your own 

 great cause. And by the substantial evidence here presented in this 

 beautiful structure, and these grounds which are to be made classic 

 under your fostering hand, we are encouraged to hope and expect a 

 better day in prospect. Your noble response to our calls, in behalf 

 of this department of our college, is substantial evidence'of the in- 

 terest felt by you on this great subject, and is not only an index of your 

 determination, but an earnest of your success. What you have 

 done, others will be stimulated to do ; and what men in their associ- 

 ated capacity can do for a community, you will at length be able more 

 fully to accomplish, by the aid of governmental patronage. You 

 farmers have the power to direct your government in this matter- 

 rather if you knew it, you, yourselves are i\ie government, for in 

 your hands resides the power. You can extend the same liberal pol- 

 icy in behalf of your own pursuit— viz : Agriculture— that is now 

 extended to that of arms. And while you may aff'ord to West Point 

 i\iQ fostering care and liberal aid of government, (and at the policy 

 pursued toward this institution we would not complain) I trust you 

 will demand the same liberal contribution towards your own ; and 

 as the prestige and glory attendant on arms shall diminish in im 

 portance, that of agriculture will rise in like proportion, and wil 

 one day be in the ascendant ; and that as a nation of educated and 

 enlightened farmers, you may be among the first to beat our swords 

 into plowshares, and spears into pruning hooks, and not require that 



