16 



the return of our annual festive occasion. This beautiful 

 day — this large assemblage of friends and neighbors — the fine 

 display of domestic animals, and the unusually rich one of 

 fruits and flowers in yonder hall, are all auspicious omens. 

 Let us then together take courage for the future. Let us be 

 enthusiastic in our work, making the most of our circum- 

 stances, — ever ready to stand firmly for the right, for morali- 

 ty, for temperance, for good and wholesome laws, — not be- 

 ing deceived by the promises of politicians and demagogues ; 

 then shall our future be even more prosperous than the past, 

 and we be proverbially the strength and hope of the nation. 



