SECRETARY'S REPORT. 



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The distracted condition of our beloved country, the 

 distress and sorrow almost everywhere prevelent in 

 consequence of the cruel war now raging in the very 

 midst of our previously happy land, the efforts being 

 made by most of our citizens to sustain the Government 

 in the vigorous prosecution of the war to a happy and 

 we hope a speedy termination, and the consequent 

 necessity for the most rigid economy of time, labor and 

 money, induced the officers of many Agricultural 

 Societies to omit, entirely, their annual exhibitions this 

 season, as inappropriate to the times, and inconsistent 

 with the duties of patriotism devolving upon all the 

 members of these societies. Under these circumstances 

 the officers of this society were frequently inquired of 

 whether it would not be better to omit our exhibition 

 and let all the funds that would otherwise be expended 

 in premiums and other expenses go directly to support 

 the Government? 



This question was fairly met, and fully discussed, 

 and the conclusion arrived at was, that while it is the 

 duty of all citizens, in every department of business 

 and labor, however humble, to aid and encourage the 

 Government in its present troubles, in every possible 



