Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-05-16
4 GOOD PROPOSITION.

The last number of the Edgetaeld Aduer-
tiser contains a letter from our esteemed
friend Capt. Thomam B. Byrd of Green
wood Abbevle, proposing to organize
State Agricultural Society to meet in Co.
lumbia. Capt. Byrd is regarded, and rightly
too, one of the best and most practical far
ners in Abbevie District, and u suggestion
coming from him deserves the serious con-
sideration of all persons engaged in the
same pursuit. Columbia is undoubtedly the
proper and only place where society OF
this kind can meet to enlist the attention OF
most Of the planters in our State. We may
be told that the South Carolina Institute
is intended for Stlte Society and there is
no reason for having another, but by refer
ring to catalogue of the articles on exhi-
bition at the fifth Annual Fair, now open in
Charleston, clear and unmistakeable proof
of its inadcquacy to the wants of the State
will be seen in the small number Of articles
sent from the up.country. Six or seven
articles in the agricultural, about the same
number in the mechanical departments, and
few articles of fancy work constituted
every thing sent for exhibition from above
Columbia.
Why is it that We were not better repre-.
sented? Not because our people do not see
the Importance of united action in the ad-
vancement Of agricultural and mechanical
pursuits. 1t is because the society was out
of their reach. 1t takes great deal more
time, trouble and money for our people to
exhibit the products Of their industry at
Charleston than at more central point.
We heartily agree with Capt. Byrd in
thinking December an improper time for the
meeting OF the Society.
Everything to be done in the State is
crowded into Columbia during the session
Of the Legislature to suit the convenience of
persons wishing to see, hear, and take part
in everything by one shorttrip to Columbia.
The consequence is, nothing is well done
and many objects Of Importance are lost
sight Of in the hurry and confusion. If the
object, the society has in view, alone, is not
worth trip to Columbia the sooner the pur-
suit of it is abandoned the better. True a
larger crowd would be in attendance in De-
ceniber than at any other time, but they
would be generally persons knowing little
and caring less about farming and mechani-
cal interests. If person is not sufficiently
interested to 20 purposely TO attend these
meetings, it is not very likely that he will
prove any benefit to its deliberations.
We have no fears however but that 1t Will
we'll be attended If it is once lightly started:
The beneficial effects would soon commend
it to the patronage and encouragement oil
all classes of our people. Our State too,
whose liberality has done so much to i'm.
prove our commercial relations should assist
also in the advancement of other industrial
pursuits. The Legislature Of Missouri gives
a noble example in encouraging the forma-
ton of Agricultural Societies granting to
each county forming such an association
SlO0-for each $500 subscribed by them.
This or similar provisions should be made
by our Legislature if not for the assistance
of District Societies at least for the establish
ment and support Of State Society in
central point of the State that would serve
as an incentive to industry to the citizens in
every portion of tho Statc.--Spartanburg
Express