ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. g 



We are not unmindful of these past blessings, when we ask Thee to 

 he still our guide. We are tempted men and tried and disappointed and 

 discouraged and thwarted, and we ask Thj^ blessing. We have responsi- 

 bilities to meet and duties to perform and obligations to discharge, and 

 we ask Thy blessing. 



We need sobriety and honesty and charity and wisdom and tact, and 

 ive ask Thy blessing. 



Most Gracious Lord overshadow especially this Association. Be with 

 the President and officers and every member. We ask Thee that Thou 

 wilt remember the masses, the great mass of the citizens whom they 

 represent. Remember with Thy favor their families; guide them in safety 

 to their homes; in all our affairs let Thy will be done here as in heaven. 



And now we pray that Thou wilt forgive us our tresspasses as we for- 

 give those who tresspass against us in the spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen. 



ADDRESS OF WELLCOME, 



MAYOR HOWARD. 



Mr. President, Visiting Delegates and Fellow Citizens: 



I am sorry for the Association's interest that there are so few present 

 at this time, because you all know that in numbers there is enthusiasm; 

 in unity strength, and in opening this meeting this morning, if you had 

 a fell attendance, you would certainly go into the duties of the occasion 

 with more interest, probably accomplish better results. 



The conditions are such, the trains may be late, but I hope and trust 

 that your future meetings will be well attended and great good accom- 

 plished to the interest of the State of Illinois. 



I am not very well acquainted with the dairy interests, but I am a 

 lover of good butter and milk, jet I am not what you call a farmer, nor 

 am I very much interested in farming work only to such an extent as I 



