124 
STATE AGRICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 
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tioa of their natural advantages and of the progress hitherto 
made by them in the several departments of their varied in¬ 
dustry. And, finally, here also are gathered, and are coming, 
from every quarter of the state, and from the neighboring 
states, thousands of our citizens of the other pursuits, to share 
inhhis pleasant re-union and to acknowledge their common in¬ 
dependence upon the great industrial arts. 
That occasions like this, for a comparison of the best results 
of individual and collective effort in all that tends to advance 
the prosperity of communities and the civilization of the 
world, should have come within these past years to be not 
only almost universal, but to enlist the active efforts of the 
ablest and most distinguished men of all countries, and even 
to command the patronage and service of the most powerful 
sovereigns, is not surprising; for experience has shown them 
to be a most influential agency for good. The greater won¬ 
der is, that in America, where it is the theory of both gov¬ 
ernment and people that labor is honorable, and an intelligent 
and progressive industry the foundation of national prosperity 
and power, there should not be a juster appreciation of them, 
and a more cordial support of those who inaugurate and man¬ 
age them ; that even among our public and prominent busi- 
nes men there are those who practically, if not directly and 
by word, deny the utility of organizations like this, and to 
the extent of their influence’ are obstructions in the way of 
their growth and prosperity. 
It is not my purpose to show by arguments that might be 
brought in great force the falsity of the position occupied by 
persons of this class. For if a little reflection should fail to 
convince them, argument would probably be barren of results. 
It is sufficient to effect their opinion by the practical deeds of 
those governments of the Old and New World where national 
and international exhibitions, organized at vast expense and 
gathering products and people from every part of the globe? 
have been a marked characteristic feature of this wonderful 
age. If this and kindred associations are guilty of devoting 
their energies to a mission not useful in an eminent degree. 
