Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1854-02-08
9sihIturaI.
An Address tol the Farmers OF
Iowa.


GENTLEMEN AT a iconvention of Farmers
from different countI& OF the State, held at
Fairfield, Jefferson county, Iowa, on tie 2Sth
day of December laS, a State Agricultural!
Society was organized aud the undersigned
elected President for te present year
As many Of you fathers, like myself, were
not present at the contention; by virtue of the
office conferred upon he, l address you this
circular, for the purpSe of informing you of
the permanent organization of the Society, and
also with the hope Of fnlis,ng your cordial
cooperation with the tfficers elected, in pla-
cling this society on suth basis as shall not
only effect the great Object for which it was
originated. but shall ako be an honor to our
young State.
For many years past, annual State Agricul.
tural Fairs have been held, almost in every
State Of the Union, where the farmers and me-
chanics of the uhole State are in the habit OF
bringing together the products OF their skill
and industry in amicable rivalry.
No where in this Union does the farmer en-
joy greater natural advantages, than in Iowa,
notwithstanding We TOO often see want of the
application of science. and well regulated la
e"r 10 th. d.--l.r..sat Of Nj. -imps-s~.-.
interest in the State
Experience has proven that the best and
surest mode of bringing agriculture to high
state of perfection, is by stimulating emula.
tion among farmers, by Annual Fairs. and
and the awarding of premiums to .meritorious
exertion.
This is the object for which this society was
organized. And we now call upon every far
mer in the State, and euery other citizen to take
an interest in this Society, and lend their aid
towards its advancement. Here We can all
stand on common platform; no matter what
political opinions may divide us. This is com
mon ground upon which every patriot and
lover of his State can stand, engaged in the
laudable purpose Of advancing the important
agricultural and manufacturing interests of the
State, the true source of national wealth and
prosperity.
Shall this Society then languish for want of
the cordial support of our citizens. especially
of those whose interests it was especially de-
signed to server No, farmers, this must not
happen. l hope you take too much pride in
your profession to suffer SO great disgrace to
fall upon you. But how are We to command the
means of paying the necessary premiums, and
the incidental expenses Of the Fair. The Leg
isature will, no doubt, at its next session pat.
ronize the State Society. But this year We
must rely alone on private contributions.
The first section of the constitution Of the
Society is as follows "The Society shall con.
sist of such citizens of the State. as shall sig
Nifty by writing or otherwise, their wish to be
come member, and shall pay on subscribing
not less than one dollar, and not less than
one dollar annually thereafter, which fee shall
be paid on or before the first day ofJune. Also
of honorary and corresponding members"
You will here perceive that all persons who
desire to become members of the Society, must
signify their intention and pay fee of one dol.
lar, on or before the first DAY Of June next. By
these small sums from each member it is ex.
pected to raise an amount sufficient to meet
the demands of the Society, together with
such sums as may be donated by those who
are willing to give larger fee, to aid the So.
ciety in its infancy. And it is to be hoped
/, bat many will be found in the State to come
for ward and give in this way. As an induce.
ment Tor others to come forward, / now propose
to give fifty dollars in aid of the first Fair to
be expena ed in the following manner: S25 for
tho hest five acres of Indian corn raised IN the
State. SIS for 'he second best, and $40 for the
third bast. All competitors TO give detailed
account of the mole of cuitiva tion and guam
,i.v of product as ell as the measurement Of
the land, accompanied with the sworn ce riff
cate of at least two respectable citizens, not
members of the family of the competitor.
These premiums TO be awarded under the
ma nagement Of the Society.
With view Of complishishing this iwpor-
tant object (the raising Of funos,) respectful
ly recommend that all the officers OF the So
ciety immedl lately take steps to have suoscrip-
tion papers circulated in their respective coun
ties at as early day as possible, calling on
evrey citizen 10 become member. This labor
can be divided by the officers, appointing 9th
ers to assist them in each county, l cannot
too earnestly urge upon the Society, and all
others who feel an interest in its success,
the importance of industry in this behalf,
The funds when colec ed can be sent to the
Treasurer, Mr.. W. B. Chamberlain, in Des
Moines county. At least that officer should be in
formed of the amounts that may be relied on ty the
IL