146 



BUSINESS SESSION 



is not how to grow more, but to learn how to produce more 

 cheaply and to so pack and market our products that we shall 

 derive profits which shall be in keeping with the profits re- 

 ceived by men who are engaged in other occupations. The 

 people who are engaged in the production of the most neces- 

 sary and healthful of foods are the peers of any class. The 

 times and conditions demand that we as an organization 

 should stand shoulder to shoulder and press forward hand in 

 hand with other similar organizations to place agriculture in 

 its rightful position as the foremost and most respectable oc- 

 cupation of man. 



While I do not wish to, in any way, discourage the ambi- 

 tions of those engaged in any branch of vegetable production, 

 I do feel that before we divide our ranks by the formation of 

 independent associations, we should consider well what the 

 ultimate result will be. All branches of the occupation have 

 many interests in common. Are there any important ques- 

 tions which have presented themselves for solution that are 

 not in the broadest sense common to all branches of our in- 

 dustry? If not, why form independent associations? If so, 

 are they of sufficient importance to justify the creation of a 

 separate body? Have not the divisions and subdivisions of 

 the agricultural industries been carried far enough? I be- 

 lieve the heads of all institutions which are engaged in agri- 

 cultural development agree that it should be carried no 

 farther. Is their judgment not worth having? 



If our association is not broad enough, let us make it 

 broader. The world is not demanding narrow men and in- 

 stitutions. The demands and needs of the time are for 

 broader men and broader institutions. Can we not then clasp 

 hands and unite in a greater effort to place the entire indus- 

 try in the foremost ranks of agricultural pursuits? 



Let the spirit which shall emanate from our Association be 

 so broad and full of promise that no branch of the industry 

 shall feel that theirs is in any sense subsidiary. 



Hoping that the sessions will all aff'ord the greatest 

 amount of benefit and enjoyment for all, and wishing those 



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