lO ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



sue his own investigations, or carry on his own experiments. This la 

 where the United States is an important factor, in its relations towards- 

 the people — by means of a well-equipped agricultural department and 

 reducing research to a science. 



The convention is one of the best means for educating the dairy- 

 man. It serv^es to bring them together nearer in their relations toward.s- 

 each other, and to exchange ideas as to the best means for fostering the 

 industry and to mutually benefit through the interest. 



The consideration of these guestions should not be confined alone to 

 the dairyman. They affect the consumer in the highest degree. There 

 is scarcely a household throughout this entire land where the dairy pro- 

 ducts have not become a natural necessity. Consequently every step, 

 taken in the advancement and development of this industry is of the 

 most vital importance to the consumer, and should receive his hearty 

 co-operation and support. 



I am told that it is now ten years past since this Association met in 

 convention in the City of Belvidere, and that the pleasant treatment and 

 cordial welcome accorded them in a great measure influenced them in 

 returning. 



At that time Belvidere was in the embryo of prosperity. Today we 

 greet you as a municipal city, with a population of 10,000, and whose 

 grov/th of commercial activity is unequalled by any other city of its class 

 in this great State of Illinois. 



Members of the Illinois State Dairymen's Association, it is with ex- 

 ceeding pleasure that I greet you in cordial welcome as guests of the 

 people of the City of Belvidere. 



