FLORIDA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
5 
Address of Welcome. 
BY HON. D. U. FLETCHER, MAYOR OF JACKSONVILLE. 
“Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen—It is a pleas- 
ure to extend to the State Horticultural Society the cor¬ 
dial greeting and hospitality of the city of Jacksonville, 
Speaking for the government and speaking for the people, I 
wish it understood that there is not a city, a town, a hamlet 
or community in Florida which has less than our kindest 
feelings and best wishes; there is not an enterprise or an un¬ 
dertaking in the state, no matter where located, for which we 
do not desire every possible success and prosperity. 
Whether it brings grist to our mill or not, directly we re¬ 
alize that as Florida prospers, so must we; as developments 
go on in the state, the better for us; no section or community 
can build up to our disadvantage; no advancement can be 
made at our expense. This is our view. This is the view 
which we cultivate, and we are always glad to have with 
us our neighbors and friends. 
“At all times our gates are open wide to the citizens and 
well wishers of Florida. Especially is it agreeable and 
pleasant to have with us this society which is bent upon 
promoting the development of the material interests of the* 
state. I understand that you are very close to, indeed that 
you represent the most important industry in the state to¬ 
day, and you are here for the purpose of considering means, 
and methods which will advance that industry and render it 
more profitable. 
“Any association or individual who is engaged in an effort 
to make easier and more profitable the cultivation of the 
soil, deserves the encouragement and gratitude of mankind.. 
It is a singular thing that while more people are engaged in 
agriculture than in any other pursuit, doing the hardest work, 
they receive the least remuneration, although agriculture 
and horticulture are the foundation of all prosperity, and the* 
source of all wealth. It was wise philosophy which was ut¬ 
tered by the Persian king when he said that ‘the authority 
of the prince can only be maintained by military force, mil¬ 
itary force can only be maintained by taxes, all taxes must 
rest on agriculture, and agriculture can only flourish by the 
protection of justice and moderation.’ The most cruel war 
measure and that which accomplished the most destruction 
and ruin to the people, was that adopted by the Goths when 
