The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1855-10-12

circumstances under WAlcn, TOT the nrSt time,
| visit this locality, which besides being the
governmental centre, IS the centre OF the popu-
lation and wealth of the great agricultural State
OF Pennsy ylvania. My journey hither has been
full of interest. | was particularly attracted,
as | entered the valley, near the boundary OF
your State, tFaversed by silver streams btauti-
fully skltrd by gteen foliage, with here and
there the tints OF early autumn, but vet more
impressed as the broader valley of the SnSqup-
hanna opened upon US with fertile fields on
either side, with the picturssqe gap of the North
Mountains, with the Blue Mountain in the
distance, presenting sketch Of almost unrival-
led 5olduess and beauty.
And now, sir, what shall say of the graz
cious manner in which it has been your plea
sure 10 receive ne in behalf ofthe PrnnSyiva-
MIA State Agricultural society? ] am deeply
moved and deeply grateful.
1t is gratifying to witness on any occasion
such representation ofthe patriotism, lnteill-
gencr, Industry and high moral and religious
tone Of a powerful Commonwealth which re-
cogniZes no distinctions among It's citizens but
those which merit and worth confer. But es-
pecially inspiring is such this, where
the yromanry- engrossed during the year IN
thelr own pursuits, living upon their own acres,
cultivalng their own soil, experimenting the
interests OF their own domain-honest, thought
fu, rejecting much secluded by the very
nature OF their noble and independent vocation,
have come together for better purpose than 10
criticize and condemn the sentiments and opin-
ions Of others. Passion and prejudice are left
behind to-day Social spirit, just Judgment,
and kind emotions rule the hour! You have
the stock and utensils OF your neigbborS, not to
fnd fault with them but to improve your own,
aud |, by Your invitation, have come among you
TO enjoy the occasion, aud with you to be gratl-
fed ana instructed.
1t is remarkable TACT, that in this country,
where public law imposes no restraint upon la
Dor or innocent diversion, we bave fewer hol-
days than any portion OF the civilized world.
Such gatherings are useful, in social aspect,
aud with our present knowledge OF their prac-
tcal Importance, the only matter OF surprise IS
that societies like yours were not carrier estab-
lshed, and that they not now more gener-
ally encouraged. Men engaged in the other
great Interests of commerce. and manufactures
are, from the nature OF their pursuits, brought
/ together in cities aud dense communities, and
independent OF their chambers of commerce
and corporate arrangements, have almost daily
and hourly Intercourse. There is with them
d continual communication OF thoughts and IN
teIchange of sentiments and opinions. Mate
rial facts are elected and communicated with
trIegraphc rapidty. Are not these advanta-
geS most important 10 the two great national
interests TO which ! have adveFted! Could
they thrive without them2 Are they not,
indeed, Indispensable What but this inter-
change OF thought, rivalry, if you please, OF
genius and invention, has whiened every sea
with your canvass What but this, let me
ask the distinguished gentleman turning to
Hon j. P. Kennedy standing near me upon
the platform, who recently presided over the
Navy Department, has made your ships as
4 staunch aud swift as any which plough the
waves OF the ocean What but this has given
a velocity to your shindes and a perfection to
Your fabrics, which enable American manu-
factureS to compete successfully with the CIV
iIized world Ana yet, let 1t be remembered,
your pursuit OF agriculture is the basis, the
foundation, the only sure support oi both the
others. Without 1t, their ShuttleS would Cease,
and their ships would decay at their moorlngs.
A very short crop throughout America for a
single year would not only cripple all the 9th
er interests, but ii would seriously affect the
commerce of the world. The agriculturaists
literally feed and furnish the material of cloth
ing to our busy millions at home, and basten to
supply the urgent wants of suffering muItitudrs
abroad when the voice Of humanity comes &c
YOU over the ocean.
The cultivator of the soil who does not real
ize these things, lives unconscious OF the true
dignity Of his calling.
What agricultural societies have accomplish
ed cannot be computed, but think II safe tt
say that in examinations and comparisons instr
tutpd on such occasions as the present, IN res
pect to the cultivation and gathering OF crops
the wants Of the farmer have been clearly dis
closed, invention has been stimulated, aud tht
needed machine, process or chemical conibIna
ton, has been discovered and produced TO sup
ply the want. La proportion to the number
occupied, the science Of agriculture is doubtles
better understood, and the art more skilinl,
practiced in some parts of the old world thar
in this, the new but we are on the march
lnpeiied by the energies of young and ire
people, with State agricultural societies leadin:
the way, and they who will maintain the au
vance must content themselves with no soV
movements. Meanwhile, we may regard wit
Just satisfaction our improvement IN machiner,
and utensils applicable to husbandry, some q
which have gained such distinguished consid
Grafton at the great exhibitions in England an
France.
Your vast territory, your central position
your climate, your soil, your facilities for reach
ing The great commercial marts, the boundes
resources of your mineral wealth contributin
7 to your general power, impose upon the slei
: ling population Of the Keystone State the dnt
i of taking the lead in practical huSbapdry an
in agricultural art aud science.