Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. 
349 
policy of the state. It is, therefore, in my opinion, well that the 
members of this class have come to learn, first, that “ in a multi¬ 
tude of counselors there is wisdom;” and secondly, that “in union 
there is strength.” Now that they have come to a realization of 
their rights, their needs and also their strength when united, we 
may anticipate an industrial and social progress, in this and all 
other communities, that will give to the individual farmer a higher 
degree of intelligence, to the whole class of farmers worthier re¬ 
sults, as well as larger returns for their labor, and to agriculture its 
rightful place as the central figure among the industries of man¬ 
kind. 
Let me assure you, however, that the efforts in behalf of produc¬ 
tive labor, threaten no danger to other departments of honest in¬ 
dustry, and much less to the safety and profit of honestly invested 
capital. The varied interests of-the community are mutually de¬ 
pendent, and are subject to mutual prosperity and depression. To 
enhance the rewards of the field and the workshop, is but to build 
broader and stronger the foundation of all honorable enterprise, 
and to multiply the demand for all those grand agencies of civiliza¬ 
tion, on which the majestic growth of cities and the progress of 
great public improvements necessarily depend. Not to destroy any, 
but to protect all, is the rightful study of the statesman; not to 
tear down, but to build up, bringing all under the order of just and 
equal laws, is the duty of government. To these ends I invoke the 
associated, systematic and persistent effort of all who would elevate 
our noble calling, promote the best good of society, and raise the 
standard of our common humanity. 
In conclusion, permit me to add, that during my long and inti¬ 
mate connection with the various departments of your society, cov¬ 
ering a period of about seventeen years, I have endeavored to dis¬ 
charge the various duties assigned me with fidelity to the interests 
of the society; and now when called to other fields of care and 
duty, I cannot forbear expressing to you my personal obligations, 
to each and all of those who so long and so generously gave me 
their confidence, nor can 1 ever feel a less interest hereafter than 
heretofore, in your permanent prosperity and success. 
