238 [Assembly 



The trees ihat he plants, ripen for him their fruits. The flecks that 

 he feeds, yield to him their fleece. The grass grows for his use, and 

 the brook ihat murmurs by his door, no power in the land may turn 

 from its shallow bed. 



There is in the condition of our laboring classes no obstacle in 

 the way of those who seek their elevation ; but all those privileges 

 which they enjoy, not only prepare ihem to aid in the great work, but 

 furnish us with stimulating motive for exertion. That which is true 

 of the laborer in the field, applies with equal force to the operative 

 in the factory, and the artisan in the shop. What of wealth we en- 

 joy, is traceable directly to their labors, and at our hands they jointly 

 and justly demand consideration, sympathy, instruction. 



In this Institute, whose eighteenth anniversary has now been held, 

 and to whose great and growing usefulness the industry of the coun- 

 try bears witness, we see a pledge that the claims of the American 

 laborer will not be overlooked. Not from the Empire State, but from 

 the Union, the laborer comes up to this high festival. The ingenious 

 mechanic, who without your aid might live unknown, brings here his 

 offering, and receives from you the hand of fellowship. The manu- 

 facturer contributes his beautiful creations — the works and wonders 

 of machinery and skill The harvest moon is in the full, and by its 

 8oft light the farmer bears his fruits. All who essay by apt invention 

 to multiply the comforts or the luxuries of life, exhibit here their mo- 

 dels, and explain their curious mechanism : and to all alike, sympa- 

 thy, encouragement, reward, are here extended. Nor may we be 

 unmindful of that gentle, loving encouragement which woman grants. 

 Better than all legislative protection, is that which the true woman 

 gives to the industry of her land. Let her, too, be mindful of them 

 that labor, of their real humanity, of their claims to sympathy, and 

 with her persuasive voice assert their rights. With such aids the 

 work is well begun. Agricultural schools, mechanics institutes, the 

 lecture room, the lyceum, the library, these are our machinery ; and 

 from the material of native mind, a fabric shall be wrought richer 

 than cloth of gold. For 



