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best policy, is a truism which has been estabhshed by the 

 experience of ages ; and amongst our farmers and in the rural 

 districts, this virtue is of natural growth. But care should be 

 taken that it does not become choked by vicious weeds. It is 

 a principle which applies alike to the farmer, the merchant, 

 the shoe-maker, and the statesman. It applies alike in time of 

 war as well as in time of peace ; it applies alike to govern- 

 ments and to individuals. That all is fair and honorable in 

 war and politics, is a maxim founded in barbarity and dishon- 

 esty, and will never lead to permanent honor and success. 

 Shoddy contractors may practice it, and fill their pockets with 

 ill-gotten gains ; they may glitter in the tinsel which gold will 

 purchase, but the contempt of an honest people will cover them 

 with shame. Mere politicians may arise from obscurity for a 

 while to position and place by its secret machinations, but their 

 policy followed to the end will invariably lead to disaster not 

 only to themselves, but to a people controlled by their counsels. 

 Integrity is that wholeness of mind which contemplates the 

 entire extent of our obligations, as individuals, in our mutual 

 relations one to another ; and as citizens in our relations to so- 

 ciety and to our country. It does not simply require us to 

 abstain from over-reaching in trade, from taking advantage of 

 the ignorance oi* confidence of those with whom we contract 

 but it also requires the performance of every duty which we 

 owe to our families, our neighbors, and the community at large. 



First as to the duties we owe to our families. Conjugal, 

 parental, and filial afiiection would seem to be a sufficient incen- 

 tive to the full performance of every duty at home. Home 

 happiness is the highest of all enjoyments, and he who fully 

 possesses that is truly a successful man. Yet how many there 

 are who have never realized the full enjoyment of this success 

 in life, from inattention alone, when little care and forethought 

 would have sown seed, the harvest of which would have been 

 abundant happiness. 



Our farmers rise early and toil late ; they look after the 

 comfort of their cattle ; they give them food and good shelter ; 



