The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1853-09-28
State Agricultural Fair.


and the general prosperity of Virginia, will
commence on the 1st of November and con-
clude on the 9Th. The time is rapidly APP
preaching, and those who intend to contribute
amy thing to the show win DO well to put
themselves in readiness. We especially ap-
peal to the MECHANICS of Richmond, aye,
and Petersburg and Norfolk, to make every
preparation to do themselves and their State
justice. Yifgtaia mechanics and Southern
mechanics, generally, do but little to make
themselves known as ingenious and skilful
men at Northern exhibitions. Virginia sent
but little, save manufactured tobacco, to the
great Fair in London she sent, we believe,
less to the Fair in Washington last Spring,
and she makes an exceedingly limited display
at the great Crystal Palace in New York.
Let her mechanics prove at the approaching
Exhibition in this City, that it is not because
they have not taste and skill to fashion the
handiworks of art, that they have not maze
themselves better known at the great assem-
blages of which we speak. Let them sno"
to Virginia that they have the enterprise ihe
experience and the ingenuity to estaohsh lof
themselves and their State high reputation
for mechanical industry. We know they CAN
if they WILL.
With regard to the Agricultural Depart
ments of the Exhibition, we have encourag-
ing accounts from the country, in all diree-
tions. From the Valley especially we have
reason to anticipate large contributions. A
letter from Gen. RICHARDSON the Agent OF
the State Society, dated at Staunton says:
my efforts now are mainly directed to
getting farm stock, agricultural implements
manufactures and specimens of all our in
dustrial as well as agricultural productions to
the Fair, and getting IKE people there. saw
long ago that without such exertions, the
Fair would be nothing-it rill not gr0ac Of
atself; but mus. be worked for, and that pref
:y hard. You may suppose that, after so
much hustle and fuss, the Society is over
flowing with members. Il is not so. When
commenced was confden. Of getting 1000
without much trouble. | have not reached
1900 Bat still the Society is strong enough
in numbers and in friends, and viii be trilm-
phantly successful-no fear of that! If am
no. mistaken about the Cattle Shon, that will
be the browning stone Of the ediace. The
masses must have something visible and tan
gibIe. And although, in comparison with the
great objects at which the Society aims, it is
but the tub to the whale still it has its value
in bringing the people together, stimulating
valuable emulation, and bringing before the
ewes of the assembled multitude the resources
OF their own State. The annual assemblage
of SO MANY farmers and working men, of so
much intelligence and industry, must of it
self, have an important influence upon the
great interests of the State.
1T is Notifying and provoking to see some
of the wealthiest men in Richmond-large
property holders too-not only taking no in
terest in the great enterprise, but actually re-
fusing to give the petty subscription of So
while the poor MECHANIC, who labors for
his daily bread, subscribes his mite almost
before he is asked. By the s9ay, that there
may be no misconception of motives, and
that justice may be done to truly munifi-
cent member, all should know that the sub
scription Of Mr.. BALLARD Of $500 is not an
expedient to fill. his house. That is always
full. 1t is purely public spirited, generous
and patriotic act, on the part of a true Vir
giEian, whose sterling integrity, industry and
gentlemanly department have achieved a
success which was never better merited by
any man.
ut is bet just to the worthy proprietors Of
the Columbian and American Hotel to say
that they have subscribed most literally to
the cause.
Il shall leave here (Staunton) Tuesday
morning-be in Richmond Wednesday, ITO
day. and off again at night. Virginia 'ex-
poets every man to do his duty and all the
officers of the Agricultural Society ought to
feel that she is addressing them in this Ian
guage with regard to their duties in the i'm
portant cause entrusted to their manage.
ment.''
If Gen. RICHARDSON'S colaborer but catch
some of the spirit which impels him forward
in his active exertions the Society must pros
per. He is actuated by patriotic zeal for
the welfare and growth of his native State
that is not surpassed. We have never seer
a man who was more devoted to the good O
the Sate-who had more of that public spiri
of which we find SO many examples in Ro
man history.
We look forward to the Fair with tn,
brightest antieipations. Our people general
iy should render all possible aid in earryin;
out its objects. Richmond, it must be re
membered. viii derive great benefit from til
assembling of SO large concourse of tn
people of the State and visitors from othe
States here. The number attracted by tn
occasion will very probably exceed the ca
pacity of our hotels, and our citizen
should be ready in that event to make
timely and becoming display of their hosp
tality, so that nobody shall leave the border
Of our city with an exclamation against on
people for want of hospitality TO provid
for the exigency, 1t would be well for the cit
zens Of Richmond to hare some understand
:. ing before hand and that arrangement
should be made which viii ensure the con
\ Portable entertainment Of every person VIII
comes to the Fair.
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