No. 151.] 275 



rest of the world, and that he every day practically execute with his 

 own hands the various work of a farm, and give him at once such 

 an education as would enable him to farm in the best manner, and to 

 represent his fellow citizens if necessary, in the halls of legislation. 



It is high time in our opinion that such should be the education 

 of an American citizen, so that a large majority of the representa- 

 tives at all times should be farmers well educated. 



And when we consider how large is the amount appropriated for 

 colleges and universities, we think that it is becoming in the landed 

 interest to ask . for a liberal appropriation for that, the superior consi- 

 deration of our country. 



The governments of the old world are recently making great efforts 

 at the national expense, in this interesting subject. America ought 

 to be foremost. Her people should never suffer kings and emperors 

 to shadow the glory of our republic by leading in such eminent le- 

 gislation as this. Let us have the richest farms, the most excellent 

 crops, the most perfect plows, spades and hoes — ^^and above all other 

 things the most highly intelligent men to use them all. 



This was so in the best days of the greatest nations, and we be- 

 fieve that is our duty to excel them all. It is but to say so and it 

 will be done. Your wisdom will easily regulate the conduct of the 

 agricultural college; you will make its administration strictly eco- 

 nomical as that of all farms should be; you will shut out all profli- 

 gacy in manners or expenses; you will order it so that it shall be 

 profitable to its members, profitable to our country, and a distinguished 

 honor to the Empire State. 



Your memorialists ha\nng thus stated the view taken by them of 

 this interesting question, further beg leave thus to say that they de- 

 sire only to bring before your honorable body the purpose they have 

 in contemplation. Relying upon the wisdom of your honorable body 

 to carry into execution the system of practical and theoretical edu- 

 cation of men by any other ways and means more advisable in your 

 judgment. Asking leave merely to say, that from the history of the 

 conduct of the American Institute during the eighteen years of its 

 existence, your honorable body may, we respectfully say, place that 

 confidence in the Institute, which is necessary to place such an insti- 

 tution for education under its charge. 



JEREMIAH JOHNSON, President. 

 H. Meigs, Secretary, 



