Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-10-03
PENNSYLVANIA AGRICULTURAL FAIR. =
Reception Of President Pierce-71e aPresidents
80 49, Speech ,.- +FI%


very brief account of the reception of the President
of the United States by the Pennsylvania State
Agricultural Society, propose now to add more
extended outline of the incidents of tho occasion
which their interest and importance deserves.
After dining at Buehler's Hotel in company with |
the officers of the Society, committees of arrange
ments on the part of the Society and the citizens
of Harrisburg, the President waited upon by
Governor Pollock, who gave His Excellencya cor
dial welcome to the Keystone State.
At 2 o'clock conveyances were provided and the
President and his friends were taken to the Exhibit
ton grounds, where the immense multitude of rsi-
tors were eagerly awaiting his arrival.
WELCOME TO THE PRESIDENT.
On reaching the enclosure the President was con-
Quoted to small stand erected in front of Floral
Hall, where he formally welcomed on behalf Of
the Agricultural Society by the President James
Gowan, Esq. Mr.. Gowan briefly adverted to the
purposes and aims of the association which he re-
presented, and expressed the hope that their dis
tingushed guest would not fail to be interested in
the display which they presented for his inspection
SPEECH THE PRESIDENT.
The President in reply thanked the Society for
the courtesy which they had shown him, and ex-
pressed the highest qualification at the pleasure of
meeting occasion like the present, his fellow
citizens of the State of Pennsylvania. The visit
had been to him one of unmixed pleasure. From
the time he left the halls of his abode at the seat OF
Government-that house which belonged to the
people, and by whose permission he occupied it
from that moment until his eyes greeted the slye-
ry waters of the Susquehanna gliding so majesti-
cay past its green foliaged shores, and even on till
the present hour, not accident had happened to
the pleasures of his visit
1t was remarkable fact, he said, that in this
country where there no laws imposing res
traint upon labor, the people had the fewest hoh-
days of any nation on the globe Such holiday
gatherings and festivities these were productive
of much that goodiand commendable He wish
ed for his part, that we could have more of them.
Look at the moral aspect of such gathering. Those
then before him had not come together to vilhfy or
a
thies. Passion and prejudice were left behind and
just judgment, charitable discrimination, friendly
sentiments and generous emotions ruled the hour.
Would that his fellow citizens of this and every por-
ton of the country had more of such gatherings.
They would do more to Danish and obliterate local
and sectional prejudice and cement the bonds OF
political and social union than any other instru-
mentality that could be devised.
Particularly such gatherings important to
the agricultural and farming interests. The mer-
chant and all those engaged in the varied marts OF
commerce had their hours of change and friendly
converse which they felt to be indispensable to their
mutual prosperity. And why should not the agrl.
administrations engaged in the development OF
the products of the SOIL oftener come together for
mutual consutaton-to hear and see what plans
and appliances have been projected and what sue
cess had crowned the efforts of each. Already such
gatherings among the farmers had given an Impulse
to enterprise and inventive ingenuity, resulting IN
variety of appliances and implements in agricultural
pursuits that had challenged the admiration of the
world. American skill and inventive genius thus
fostered and put FORTH had received at the two great
industrial Exhibitions of Europe the highest en-
comiunls and rewards. 1t was true that in many
of the departments of the great science of agricu
ture we were rather behind the principal nations of
the Old World but we were on the march Of 4npr00e-
anent, and, with our youthful energies, must soon
outstrp the Old World in this and other industrial
pursuits The agriculturistS, with the modesty and
unobtrusiveness which had ever characterized them
too much inclined to undervalue the Importance
of their calling. But he would remand them that
they were the foundation of the nations power,
wealth and greatness. What would become of the
busy loom-what would become of our merchants
and tradesmen-our fleets of ships, that whiten
every sea, if agriculture fourished not? Let but
the crops of this broad land fail but for single
year-which dire calamity might merciful Heaven
avert and how would the stiffness of death creep
into workshops and factories-our proud ships
rot and decay in docks, and common ruin wither
all our hopes
The distinguished speaker then eloquently alluded
to the past history of Pennsylvania and her present
position. Pennsylvania, though not geographically
So nevertheless the political and social centre OF
the Union. Within her domains liberty and lndepen-
6ence first stepped forth to bless mankind. Here it
was that the immortal declaration of independence
was first heralded forth to asonished world. Here
it that the glorious Constitution which, under
God, had showered upon us such countless and I'M
ceasing blessings, first had BIRTH From here spread
forth either side that great moral and political
blessing-our common Union. He hoped that Penn
syvanans would ever realize the Importance OF the
mindful of their immense responsibilities-and as
in their past history, for the future continue
loyal and faithful to the Constitution and their COM
mon country.
See to itsaid the speaker, that infringement of
the spirit or letter of the Constitution ever receive
your sanction-you stand here to-day, as freemen
rejoicing in equal rights and equal privileges sepa-
rated by disqualcatons, social or POLITICAL upon
the broad platform of the Constituencies to it that
you maintain this stand Hold to the rich legacy
left you by the seltsacrifcng patriotism of your
forefathers. Signatures may fade and parchments
may decay but the principles Of these precious docu
ments should have an immortal memory.
The foregoing is but brief outline of the Presi
dents speech which listened to with close atten
ton by all within the sound of his voice. He was
frequently interrupted by the applause of his hearers
and when he had concluded was greeted with rounds
of hearty cheers.
Upon the stand with the President were Governor
Pollock, Ex-Governor Biger, Hon. j. P. Kennedy
of Maryland, and other distinguished gentlemen.
When the President concluded, there were loud
calls for Governor Pollock, awho in reply made few
eloquent remarks, excusing himself from an extend
ed speech, on the ground Of being unwell.
Ex-Governor Bgler was then called for, but re-
Trained from making a speech, merely briefly &C
knowledging the courtesy shown him.
The President and those accompanying him were
then conducted to the tent of the President OF the
Society, were refreshments provided; and after
spending short time in social converse with the
officers and members, and receiving the greetings Of
the farmers with their wives and daughters, retired
to his lodgings. &.
A CARD.
g.. -, ,,d Er;ouds