224 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



pleasure that we can here proclaim the fact, and it is a matter of con- 

 gratulation for the friends of agriculture everywhere that Illinois has at 

 last awakened to a realization of the situation — has met the demands of 

 the hour, and has made this occasion and these exercises possible, and 

 not only possible, but an occasion for gratitude and pride to every farmer 

 and every one interested in the great fundamental industry in the grand- 

 est agricultural state of the Union. 



The awakening has come and Illinois has gone on record as favoring 

 and seeking the highest and most advanced type of agriculture. 



Less than three years ago Illinois stood far down on the list of states 

 as regards her College of Agriculture — almost at the foot of the class — 

 its instructors discouraged and disheartened — its friends and promoters 

 disappointed and chagrined — its beneficiaries given over to ridicule and 

 skepticism — its management doubtful as to the utility of its objects and 

 uncertain and out of date as to its value and importance as an educa- 

 tional factor — a college in name only — sick unto death — a fit subject for 

 resurrection and new life, when the people, the farmers, represented 

 by the Illinois Farmers' Institute, came to the rescue, took up the fight 

 and carried on the struggle that has ended in the finest building devoted 

 to agriculture in the world and an agricultural college with more stud- 

 ents enrolled during the present year than in all the previous years of 

 its history combined. 



Having put hand to the plow for advancement of agricultural educa- 

 tion and the building up of a college and experiment station that shall 

 be a credit and an honor, as well as a perpetual benefit to the state, 

 there has been no turning back, b it the past winter has witnessed tK^ 

 development of a new and heretofore unknown power for the promotion 

 of public utility, in the concert and harmonious action of the various 

 agricultural organizations of the state. The Illinois Live Stock Breed- 

 ers' Association, the Corn Growers, the Corn Breeders' and Grain Dealers' 

 Associations, the Illinois Farmers' Institutes, the Horticultural society, 

 the Dairymen's and Sugar Beet Growers' Association — representing the 

 bone and sinews of the land, the wealth and taxpayers of the state, the 



