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Wisconsin state agricultural society . 
which help to build up a thriving state, to aid in making this ex¬ 
hibition in the true sense a successful one. There is no natural 
antagonism between the legitimate industries of the world. Their 
interests, in the highest sense, are one. Bach does its perfect 
work only as part of a systematic whole. Break the connection, 
-and its usefulness is impaired. It has been very aptly said that 
u civilization climbs by a staircase of its own building. It lays 
one step, and then mounts that as a basis from which to build 
another.” It may also be said that, while agriculture forms the 
framework of this stairway, and the physical foundation upon 
which it rests, the bolts, and bars, aud braces, which add strength 
to the structure, and the fittings and adornmeuts which give it 
grace and finish, are supplied from 10,000 industries. This truth 
we must grasp and hold in our efforts to secure to agriculture its 
equal rights and privileges, as we strive to raise it to that rank 
.and dignity in the economy of civilization, which its importance 
so plainly demands. Unless this be doue, our discussions and de¬ 
liberations will be fruitful of mischief rather than of good, and 
these annual exhibitions will come far short of securing the highest 
results. This much I say, in full view of that organized uprising 
of farmers which the great northwest has witnessed within the 
last twelve months. And I say it as one who has some claim to 
speak in the interests of agriculture, and who has faith to believe 
that great good will yet come of this movement, if it be suitably 
tempered, and controlled by reason and discretion. 
One of the chief difficulties with the farmer is that his occupa¬ 
tion has thus far been wholly individualized. There has been no 
effective union, no concert of action, no efficient means for the 
prompt and thorough dissemination of valuable facts and experi¬ 
ence. This accounts, to a great extent, for the prostration of ag¬ 
riculture at the feet of every interest that is organized and cohe¬ 
sive. All the great human achievements are the result of united 
effort. Our whole social and political system is union, from the 
family circle to the confederacy of states. Farmers cannot afford 
to ignore the situation about them—the inexorable logic of facts. 
We are sadly behind, and whatever may be the cause, a closer 
union, an intelligent co-operation, can do much towards removing 
it. There is a great want of organized, intelligent, associated ef- 
