ILLINOIS DAIRYMENS ASSOCIATION. 77 



be their reformer. We would like to see an association, an organization of 

 the women of Illinois who had for their aim the improvement of the home. 

 We would like to see what could be done towards establishing a school for 

 girls in Illinois where thorough study and discipline in household science 

 could be obtained. At least we would like to see the college of Domestic 

 Science restored to our State University. 



We need the influence of men, of our legislators, of our governor, in this 

 matter. In your economic and reformatory measures, in your careful think- 

 ing and planning for public well-being and national prosperity, let some of 

 your attention be directed lo furnishing means for an education to girls that 

 shall prepare them to be competent housekeepers. Let some of your influ- 

 ence be lent to the practical consideration of making better homes for the 

 shelter and sustenance of human beings. 



In this nineteenth century of thought and progress, in this day of intelli- 

 gent artisans, mechanics, tradesmen and farmers, let us also have intelligent 

 managers at the heads of our households. 



Music, " Nancy Lee." 

 Song by Mr. Lumbard. 



ADDRESS OF GOV. HAMILTON. 



Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : If Mr. Lumbard had consulted me, 

 I should have selected the song which he sung first, in preference to the one 

 he sung last, for this occasion. I have had the pleasure of hearing from him 

 twice to-day, although not the pleasure of his acquaintance before. Once, in 

 the address of this afternoon, and in the songs of this evening ; and I must 

 say, with due compliment to the gentleman on both his excellent perform- 

 ances, that I like his singing better than his speech. I have no doubt that 

 after he has heard my speech, and when he hears me sing, that he will return 

 the compliment by saying, "Bad as they both were, I like your speech better 

 than your singing." I am accustomed, generally, to speaking to my fellow 

 citizens of the state of Illinois extemporaneously. I dislike a manuscript 

 very much, and I sometimes dislike it so much that I abandon it when I have 

 once entered upon it. But on this occasion at least, honestly recognizing the 

 fact that I knew nothing to speak of concerning the subject before this con- 

 vention, I have reduced my extemporaneous speech to writing, and will try 

 to use it with as much facility as possible under the circumstances, hoping 

 not to weary your patience. 



I thank you for the courtesy and kindness you have shown me in inviting 

 me to be present at this convention, and I assure you that it is with great 

 pleasure and interest that I attend. I am earnestly and intently interested 

 in the examination and study of every great source of material wealth and 

 prosperity to the people of this wonderful State. 



I heartily congratulate you dairymen here assembled and the people you 

 specially represent upon the successful establishment within a few years of 

 a comparatively new farming industry which has already grown to amazing 

 proportions, and is annually yielding many millions of wealth to those en- 

 gaged in it. The dairy business, as carried on more especially in northern 

 Illinois, has added a very healthy diversity to Illinois farm work, which is 



