WR. perry's address. ^ 17 



put in requisition to circulate them gratuitously or at the lowest 

 possible price among those who remain yet unmoved. 



2. The tract system might usefully be brought into operation 

 here. This is an engine of immense power in the hands of 

 whatever body of men and for whatever purpose employed, and 

 as might be expected the enemies and the friends of truth have 

 availed themselves of its influence ; good or evil, according to the 

 character of the eftbrt, has, to an incalculable extent, always been 

 the result. Those who have worthy objects and where this 

 means can be brought in, should be forward to avail themselves 

 of its help. It appears to me that this power is well suited to 

 the object of this Society, and perfectly within your means. 

 Short essays, plain, practical, and pertinent, on subjects of local 

 and county interest, illustrated when necessary with lithographic 

 or other cuts, printed in a cheap form, and circulated extensively 

 through the county, particularly among those who have taken 

 but little interest in the improvements that are going on, could 

 not but be attended with the best effects. It is a mistake to 

 suppose that because men have hitherto been inactive and with- 

 out interest in a good cause, they can never be drawn in to 

 countenance and to help it on. There are many men, strong in 

 nerve, vigorous in mind, or rich in wealth, who ought, and may be 

 induced, to come in as active and efficient helpers. 



3. I will suggest also the expediency of holding meetings in 

 different parts of the county and at convenient seasons of the 

 year, not for exhibition, but to communicate information : at 

 which time Lectures should be given on subjects of general utility 

 by persons appointed for the purpose, and on subjects assigned 

 them. In this way a greater interest would be excited, better 

 lectures ordinarily secured, and when judged expedient, particu- 

 larly adapted to the wants and interest of that part of the county 

 where the meeting is held. With the talent possessed by the 

 members of the Board of Managers and the zeal felt by them, it 

 would not be difficult to secure from their own body men enough 

 to perform this service for some years ; there are, too, many other 

 public-spirited and able men, who if specially invited, would give 

 an enlightened and encouraging assistance to an undertaking of 



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