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state of Illinois. By this distinction you not only confer upon 

 us a great honor, but we also feel assured that we shall be highly 

 entertained and edified by your exhibitions and the valuable 

 information and instruction which you will impart. You bring 

 together not only those who are directly engaged in your voca- 

 tion, but others who will see and learn through your enterprise. 

 The mutual advantages to be derived from the wisdom and 

 experience of those who have given devoted attention and 

 thought to the lifting up and advancement of the dairying inter- 

 ests of our state will be of incalculable worth. Higher attain- 

 ments and greater results are the product of associated and con- 

 centrated effort ; hence, an association of this character cannot fail 

 to accomplish much good in enhancing and protecting the inter- 

 ests of your branch of agriculture. It was through such prgan- 

 ized effort that you succeeded in procuring the passage of a law 

 which tends to protect you from the inroads of that inimical 

 product, oleomargarine and butterine, which was fast becoming 

 a formidable foe to your industry. By this law not only your 

 interests are in a messure protected ; it also serves as a guard to 

 the consumer to protect him from fraud and imposition. 



It is true that butter sometimes has great strength, and at 

 times it is typical of cowardice when it runs, but neither its 

 strength nor its fleetness could have protected or guarded it 

 against its spurious or adulterated enemies. It needed your suc- 

 cor and your protection by invoking the strong arm of the law. 



The time is at hand when all branches of industry are organ- 

 izing or are organized. To organize is the spirit of the age. It 

 gives influence and strength to those who have a common pur- 

 pose. It is a mighty agency which insures greater develop- 

 ment and higher attainments. The usefulness of this associa- 

 tion has been recognized by our legislative body, for it has seen 

 fit to make an appropriation to aid in compiling, publishing and 

 distributing your reports. 



By your study, attention and thrift, the milk and butter 

 qualities and quantities have been bettered and increased to a 

 marvelous degree. Butter and cheese have become wonderful 



