28 [Senate 



can Institute; and first, we are constrained to acknowledge, that 

 although the managers have exercised every precaution to secure the 

 re-delivery of whatever was entrusted to their care, yet such is the 

 propensity of the unthinking portion of our community, to pilfer 

 whatever may be grateful to the senses — that many such could not 

 exercise the virtue of self-control, notwithstanding the following 

 '•^ admonition^'' was conspicuously printed and placed opposite the 

 articles, throughout the Horticultural Room : 



" Wisely resist temptation's pow'rs, 

 Taste not the fruit, touch not the flowers ; 

 Be an exemplar, and a guide. 

 At this great Fair, a nation's pride." 



. The perpetuation of these can only be insured by an implicit 

 adherence to the administration of justice. In preserving inviolate 

 every article to the object for which it was designed, by setting an 

 example of forbearance, and self-denial to all connected with the 

 establishment, in not allowing a particle of the articles exhibited to 

 be consumed or taken away, until after the Fair is closed; bearing 

 ever in mind, that the least deviation from pure rectitude may lead 

 to results discreditable, if not destructive, to the Institute. 



The true republican principle that all men are equal, should steadi- 

 ly be kept in view, and the obsequious deference which accumulated 

 dollars is apt to create, ought to be at once discarded. Neither 

 should the humble tiller, who produces in his cottage garden fruits or 

 vegetables of superior excellence, feel the injustice of a wealthy 

 proprietor bearing away a prize inconsiderately adjudged for the size 

 or quantity of an article, when its quality should have determined 

 the decision. 



The wearer of a glossy superfine coat should hold no supremacy 

 over that of unassuming homespun. Then every contributor actuated 

 by a pure spirit of patriotism, would bring his offering as a testimo- 

 nial of having the interest of a good cause at heart, and of feeling a 

 sincere desire for its promotion. All would then be convinced that 

 honorary distinction was alone to be attained by merit, and that 

 equal justice to every contributor would be the righteous award of 

 the judges. These officers should be selected from practical men, 

 well acquainted with the different subjects upon which they are ap- 

 pointed to pass judgment. Men too firm to be biassed by adventitious 

 causes ; too honest to be influenced by a bribe, or by any other con- 

 sideration. Like a citadel, these institutions should be strongly 

 guarded by watchful sentinels, lest that deadly enemy, corruption^ 

 stealthily creep in and commence its sure career of ruin, dismember- 

 ing that which promised a long and glorious futurity. 



The recognition of these views by the American Institute, perhaps 

 as closely as it was possible for an association of men to do so, has 

 step by step led to the eminent position which it now maintains, and 

 concentrated into a focus the most enlightened and enterprising cul- 

 tivators of the soil. It has brought before the public eye the results 



