annual report—miscellaneous. 
59 
high, commanding from two to five hundred dollars per acre, 
while in the other, although similar lands, but far removed from 
a home market—which manufacturing always brings—command, 
perhaps, but ten to fifteen dollars per acre. The cost of produc¬ 
tion of the varied crops of the farmer is very similar, whether 
such productions are far removed from the population who con¬ 
sume them or not, hence those farmers far removed from the 
centers of trade, manufacturing and all other food consuming 
industries lose the larger proportion of the profits which accrue to 
those near to this consuming population. They are taken from them 
by middle men, transportation companies, etc., until their labor 
barely furnishes them a living and a home. I would be glad to 
see manufacturing cities and villages springing up upon the 
excellent water powers of our numerous streams and along the 
railway lines now traversing all portions of Wisconsin, and the 
raw material, such as mineral, lumber and wool, manufactured 
into the many useful articles needed by our people. This would 
contribute to increase prices for farm products of every kind, and 
add largely to the aggregate wealth of the state. Let a liberal 
and statesmanlike policy be pursued by those who have the power 
to shape the destiny of our commonwealth, by encouraging 
manufacturing in all its varied branches, saving to producer and 
consumer by lessening the distance between them, and no state 
in the northwest can excel us in wealth and general prosperity. 
The elements of progress and advancement are within our 
borders; let them be utilized in the interest of our people and 
for the benefit of the world. 
On behalf of the Executive Board, 
W. W. FIELD. 
Secretary. 
State Agricultural Booms, 
Madison, April 1, 1874. 
