OPENING ADDRESS. 
105 
ganized effort in the counties and towns, which are accomplish¬ 
ing much in hundreds of localities in Wisconsin for the 
advancement of the agricultural and mechanical pursuits. 
These are the professed and real objects of this Society 
and it would not be difficult to show that its labors have not 
been in vain. But I am aware that, as yet, it has but fairly 
begun the fulfillment of its noble and beneficent mission. We, 
my immediate associates, and you, friends of agricultural 
improvement, are responsible for the progress of this work. 
And, as an equally appropriate occasion will hardly again 
offer itself to me for the utterance of some things which I 
feel it my duty to say, you will pardon the suggestion that 
such an institution as this can only be of the highest utility 
when under the control of men of large practical wisdom and of 
earnestness, and unselfishness of purpose—men who know 
what the interests of the State require, who have the sagacity 
to devise the best means for meeting those demands, and who 
are characterized by that devotion to the public good, which is 
the only security for a faithful discharge of official duty. 
I make this remark, not with any intent to reflect upon 
either the deficiencies or positive errors of those who have 
hitherto or do now wear the badge of office in the Society, 
much less because I have any personal ends to secure, but 
rather with the view, first to impress the truth itself, and sec¬ 
ondly that I may the more appropriately pay a just tribute to 
the worthy gentleman who during the past year has discharged 
the important and arduous duties of Secretary of the Society 
with so great ability, fidelity and success; and, also, to those 
other members of the Executive Committee who have had the 
preparation for this Exhibition and the general interests of the 
Society more immediately in charge. 
A word now of the requisites to the further success of this 
exhibition. 
It is not enough that the live stock, the grains and vegeta¬ 
bles, the fruits and flowers, the machines and implements, and 
works of art are brought together here, and that multitudes of 
enterprising people will be here to examine them. In order to 
