Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1851-12-04
From the Christian Repository.
SPEECH OF JOHN GREGORY.

from N0rta6etd. IN faUor Of the BtHask.
ing the Legislature for an appropriation
of $1,000, tOr tie State Agricultural ST.
ciety.
Mr.. SPEAKER, this is subject which
commends itself to the favorable consider
alton of every farmer, and mechanic in
this house, may say, OF the state. If
we enquire moment into the practical
utility of the thing asked, look at the OPP
Grafton Of appropriations in other states that
have been generally and literally granted,
in encouraging agricultural pursuits, we
shall be convinced that in no way can we
better bentit our state, our farmers and me-
chanics, than in granting this small appro-
Ipriation. say small, for it would be less
lhaa two cents for every legal voter in the
state.
1t is a self evident fact that those states
that have encouraged Agriculture, by as.
ssting the tIler OF he soil aud our hard
working artisans, are enrchlng and giving
character and name to themselves that
will be looked to with state pride, by all
who care anything for the land OF their birth.
To say of any Stale that she has a well Or
gained State Agricultural Society, with
numerous county socletles-and that they
receive annual contributions from the Leg
stature, shows in my humble opinion that
progress with them is the order of the day,
and that they mean to excel in all things
pertaining to Agriculture, Horticulture and
the sciences.
Mr.. Speaker, presume no state in our
Union labored under greater embarrass-
ments than New York, in endeavoring to
gain legislative aid for her Agricultural So
ciety. Alter much tribulation, many re-
pulses, one bright particular spark was
elictited; it lighted the torch, which was
forthwith carried to the Legislative halls,
where it enlightened and animated It's oc-
cupants; and the appeal to them TO add
fuel that The cheering flame might contln-
ue to burn was successful. With this aid,
gathering a few sticks here and few there,
they kindIed the first fire at Syracuse, which
lIIumined far and wide. Another was KIN
died at Albany, then Buffalo, then Auburn,
Saratoga and so on, emitting every year
glorious light, until now this mighty Agrl-
cultural state stands out foremost among her
sister states, encouraged and belrlended by
legislative patronage. A few reoolute aud
determined spirits labored long and hard to
wake up their Legislators to a sense of duty,
but were for long time repuIsed : but
through the entreatles of their Bueis, Van
RensseIaers and Wrights this courageous
band had their wishes coDsummated. Are
they not deserving of more than ordinary
praise? Some of them have fallen asleep
but their memories are embalmed IN
grateful hearts and bright are the leaves
which are growing to weave chaplets,
which will crown the memory OF this lit
tie band While Agriculture holds its
station among the honorable and necessary
pursuits of Man, they will not be forgot
ten.
That such an Association as the one con-
templated can be made of the greatest adj
vantage to the country, no one can doubt,
if supported and managed in the efficient
manner which should characterize a stale
society, and which from the spirit and en-
ergy of the men engaged IN the uundertak.
ing, we have a right 10 expect. Are there
any who doubt, but that under the man-
agement of such men as Fredrick Hol-
brook, Harry Bradley. Geo. 1. Hodge,,
Gen. Nash, and Others who are the Officers
Of The present state Society, it would not
be conducted in proper manner, aud be
the means of doing great good! have
no doubt, but that the society, If thus en-
Outraged would soon have something more
than name 10 live. Withhold this appro-
priation, and in my humble opinion, for
many long years, you will hear no more, of
the Vermont State Agricultural Society
1t will die the death that knows no reSur-
rcction-uness those who seem to despise
" Gentlemen AgricuIturalists," as some are
stigmatlzed, go to work and get up state
society themselves.
Now, Mr.. Speaker, when we come to
look at the societies in other states, the
prompt and liberal support they receive, the
immense influence they exert, and the in
caculable benefits they are comforting, we
are unwilling to admit that similar as
ISOLATION cannot be supported by the Green
Mountain State. Unless | am greatly mis-
taken, it will be the means OF collecting
aud diffusing much valuable information
cause our farmers to make greater exer-
tons to excel in the cultivation of tie soil
in the rearing of horses, cattle, sheep,
swine and poulty, for ours is goodly
heritage. No better grazing state, if as
good can be found in our Union, and no
better butter and cheese finds its way into
market than that which is made among our
hills
Mr. Speaker, if any gentleman doubts
what say, let him just step into our Lii
brary, aud take down the New York Agri-
cultural Transactions" and there are
some 8 Vols of them, published as we pro-
pose to publish the transactions Of our
State Society, if you will be generous
enough to give US the means to do it with
and there he VIII find that there has been
"a large number of premiums awarded to
gentlemen of this State. Among them, he
will find the name Of Calvin Blodget, our
friend from Waterbury, who drew plem-
um for number of years, on his excel
LEM Morgan Horses--David Hill of Bird
poIt, on his beautiful Black Hawks, L. G.
Bingham Of WllIston on his splendid Here.
ford cattle, NJ aud AIonzo Bingham on their
matcheSs Merlnos and Chauncy Goodrich
of Burlington Oh the best variety OF an.
pies, with host of others, premiums
ranging from $2D, to S25. Aud, Mr..
Speaker, if you mad crossed the Atlantic
and entered The Crystal Palace" before it
was demolished, you would have found
Vermontels there, gentlemen agricuIlur-
ists," though to our shame be it remem-
bered, they were few aud far between,
with their beautiful marble, aud a great
L -