Loudon free press. (Loudon, Tenn.) 1852-1855, 1854-03-14

would be strange indeed, a cruel and unpar-
eenabe wrong, to refuse this. Let the great
agricultural interest be advanced, encohra qed,
promoted and all others are benefited. This
IS the basis, TIE substratun,, upon which all
etbers are built. There is not one but what is
dependent upon this-not one but draws from
tais the hfe-blood that nourishes and keeps it
n existence. 1t is the source of all production.
The fountain of all wealh. Destroy it, and eve-
~ sail OF commerce will be swept from the
seas, yonr rivers will be unnavigated, your rail-
T9ad will be unused, yonr mines undeveloPed,
EeaF Factories stopped, your towns and cities
@eFoPulated. Destroy agriculture and all oc-
Nnaliions and pursuits-the whole fabric Of hui
s ma society will sink into general wreck and
1},As IS useless, sir.. that sboslld eo;s-sQe E
the pretsors time Of tissu sfefse IN 'cuioeioms
or this subject It's dignt7@sAas importance
have been acknowledged in all ages and coun
tries. Splendid temples have been reared, the
smoke Of incencc risen, and hecacombs of vic
Tins sacrificed in honor of those divinites to
whom heather superstition has assigned the
guardianship and protection Of the fields. No
human avocation is more ancient-none more
honerable--none so well calculated to develop
the moral and physical natures of man-none
his bosom the love of independence and detesta-
ton .oftyranny and oppression. 1t can number
amofg its votaries some of the brightest names
that hdorn the pages Of history. When the
barbarian hOrdes were laundering at the gates
of Rome, when her most skillful leaders had
been foiled, when the flower of her army had
been slaughtered, when the eternal citv was
trembling on the brink of the dark abyss ofru-
in, twas the arm ola farmer that was alone
abeto bring salvation, to turn the scales of
victory, and rol! the dark stream back to its
native source. And was it not from the same
peaceful and quiet walk of life, that the great
chiefwaS taken, who conducted our armies to
victory in the memorable struggle for indpen-
dence, and to whose genuous and incorruptible
virtues we are indepted for this magnificent
fabric Of liberty in which we this day repoSe
in the peace and security? The poets brightest
page is adorned with imagery taken from scenes
in rural life. 1t has inspired the subimeS elo-
quence, engrossed the thoughts of statesmen,
aud philosophers have not deemed it unworthy
their attention.
In all ages aud countries the farmers and
mechanics have been deemed, as they really
are, the "bone and sinew of the land" Sir, l
would not, were l capable of doing so create
the slightest feeling between any classes of So
clety. Each one Is necessary and uSeful IN ltS
place. But sir, all wealth is the product of the
labor of the toiliag millions. Upon this is rear
ed the grandeur and magnifcence ofempire-
the splendor and eloqunce of cities-and the
princelJ fortunes that fll private mansions with
embellishments and luxury. While others are
rioting ia the voluptuous halls of fashion and
pleasure, enrobed in purple and glittering, it
-s4zy be, in &c n@sh Ui i4wis, consuming more
in an hour than ages oftoil could produce, the
humble farmer pursues his peaceful and quiet
avocation, without "A murmer, without CON-
plant with diligence and care he prepares his
ground and sows his seed-with patient endu-
rance and toll he waits for ripening harvest
he is scorched by the summers sun in his fields,
he is drenched by the showers of heaven. Let
US not then overlook his interest, or forget him
in our legislation here. He was not forgotten
by you when you were seeking the positions
you occupy upon this floor. He is not forgot
ton when the emouments and honor of Office
are desired. He is not forgotten in that day
when it is necessary that armies shall be'mar-
shalled in de fence, of the liberties, the honor
and integrity of the country. AS you remem-
ber him this day in this hall of legislation may
he remember you in all coming time at the
ballot bor.