ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN^S ASSOCIATION. 23 



While we are able to look back upon a year of more 

 than average activity and prosperity in most lines of 

 business, it is pleasant to know that the farmer, and 

 especially the dairy farmer, has shared largely in this 

 general prosperity. None but chronic croakers today 

 complain'of hard times. 



One of the most important matters before the Asso- 

 ciation at this session, should be the subject of a proper 

 display of dairy products at the World's Fair. There 

 should be provision for an exhibition commensurate 

 with the importance of this industry. The matter, as 

 you well know, is in the hands of the State Board of 

 Agriculture. 



While we can not believe that any of its members 

 are inimical to our cause, yet the fact is patent to us 

 all that the interest that lies nearest our hearts has 

 not been fully appreciated by many of the board. Yet 

 when we consider the composition of the board, that 

 many of its members represent sections of our State 

 where the dairy interest is unknown, where the humble 

 cow is looked upon as a necessary evil, a sort of adjunct 

 in stock raising, while still others represent districts 

 where the " Lard Barons " propose to dispense entirely 

 with her kindly offices by substituting the product of 

 the steer and unseemly hog, we know that they do 

 not all appreciate the greatness of this industry as we 

 do. Perhaps it is best that we should be placed where 

 we are compelled to ask for what we want. It is 

 policy and wisdom then for us to go very slow w r ith 

 our criticisms. 



The handsome appropriation has been placed in the 

 hands of the board, and they are going about the work 

 disbursing it with honest, impartial intentions. 



As we told you at the last annual meeting, the Exec- 



