HEAL/THFULNESS. 155 



products to distant regions. And if, as some claim, there is less 

 devotion to hard physical labor, there is, on the whole, more 

 reading, more thinking, more intelligence. 



But the Missouri Valley is greatly different from the Mississippi. 

 In its upper portions at least, there are still clearer skies, a dryer 

 atmosphere, more freedom from malaria, and is more elevated. 

 Here the American character is subjected to new influences and 

 will be still farther specialized, and will necessarily reach a still 

 higher stage. 



What then may we legitimately expect of the people in Nebraska 

 in the future? We have a right to expect that our school system 

 will reach the highest possible stage of advancement — that the 

 great mass of the people will become remarkable for their intellec- 

 tual brightness and quickness. Along with this mental develop- 

 ment and synchronizing with it, there will be developed a healthy 

 vigorous and beautiful race of men and women. Art culture will 

 then receive the attention which it deserves. Music, painting, and 

 sculpture will be cherished and cultivated for their own sake. The 

 marvelous richness of our soils will give a true and lasting basis for 

 prosperity and wealth. For be it remembered that agriculture in 

 all its branches, endures the tests of time better than any other 

 industry. It is also the best school of virtue for a nation. Happy 

 the children that are trained to industry on a farm. More men and 

 women of high character and endowments come from the farm, 

 than from any other station. It is nearest to the heart of nature and 

 nature's God. Though yet in its infancy, all these agencies for the 

 prosperity and well-being of Nebraska are steadily at work, and in 

 the fullness of time will blossom into fullfilment of its early promise. 



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