The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1855-07-20

preservation Of land which they expect to
abandon Anxiety to movc-even if it be,
like the terrapin with all his wealth upon
his back-becomes the predominant feeling,
and the good work stands STILL 1t should
be our province to convince the people OF
the State that all our lands are valuable, and
II we do this the work Of improvement will
then manifest itself. Are not all the lands
In middle and upper South Carolina val
ua1le! Compare their enhanced price with
former valuation, look at the comforts enioy-
ed by our citizens, where they have health,
pure air, crystal water-and contrast these
with the bayou, mosquitoes, cholera and
yellow fever, which scourge the Southwest !!
Look, too, at the facility with which the
rapidly multiplying lines of railroads here
convey the products of the soil to market
and think Of some of our old friends out
West, who, because their magnificent riv-
ers don't happen "to rise," suffer for the lux
unes, and even the common necessaries of
living. Are not all these things worthy to
be weighed in the balance Of life? When
llte, too, is so short, and its rational pleasures
1T best, and under the most favorable cir
cumstances, may be compared to cup Of
bitter waters, swcetcned with but few indul-
genccs and little satisfaction. Here, where
every man is hear to the highways Of the
world-wherc business or pleasure finds an
easy transit to distant points-where hon
csty is still respected and virtue admired,
rcvcrcd and cherishcd-hcrc, say we, is land
in which to build and bcautify homes-here
to cherish those we love-here to do ones
part in the brunt of life's ever active battle
here to lay our bones beside the honored
graves Of onr fathers.
Yes, gentlemen, we beive that the insti-
tuition YOU propose, will in ;i>grcat measure
controvert the evils and injuries done to the
State, from the causes advcrted to above
but to do this successfully, requires great
energy, labor and foresight Our old State
| Agricultural Society was ridden to death,
in connection with aspirations for Office.
Poor old horse-and rider too-may you
rest in peace. We have no purpose which
the resurrection of your now almost forgot
-g:, existence would serve. 1t was gas So
ciety,, ,which-like all existences of allotted
perods--livcd its time, and was no more.
The ojccts of a State Agricultural Socie
ty should be Of a higher aim than to elevate
any one connected with it-save in the le-
gitimate pursuit of an industrial calling.
10 merely benefit the recipients of premi-
ums, is not alone the object for which such
rewards are offered. The premium is only
the active agent which puts vitality into
execution, and inducing competition-thus
elevates the mass Of observers to the same
perfection in theory and principle, which
the successful exhibitor has attained and de-
Yclopcd to tho satisfaction of the country.
Its influence does not stop here-but observ-
ers take home the lessons which their eyes
have stored up, and conversations and dis
cussions will follow, setting inquiry on foot,
and bencfitting ultimately scores who never
visit such rural jubilccs.
Here the hest breeds Of animals can be
inspected, and the proper selections made
without running the risk Of venture, which
might be unsuited to our climate and modes
of feeding. The most valuable and best
adapted grains and vegetable products, with
the most successful and economical modes
of culture, would be before the eye of those
who wished improvement in this line. The
exhibition Of the domestic and manufactured
fabrics of the State, would give lessons to
the different sections, which could not fail
. in being profitable. The neat handwork
Of the fair sex, always gracing such cxhibi-
tons, like the light clouds which veil heav-
en- from our gaze, are great examples, and
the tasty patterns are speedily disseminated
into the most remote hamlets and rural
homes. The arts in taste, mechanics, and
every class of ennobling toll, will bring their
useful specimens, and labor-saving implc-
ments and machinery will be ready to aid
the toiler to enlarge his operations, with re-
munerating influence. Not to such things
alone do we look for all the improvement
but society properly regulated, soon dis
seminates a mass Of information, which will
be reliable texts upon which to predicate
future action.-The general intercourse be-
tween all parts Of the State-the instructive
interchange of opinions upon all matters of
industrial improvement and progress
would alone compensate for the erection of
the proposed association, independently of
the solid advantages which would accrue
to those who went into it, in order to benefit
the country, whilst they inform themselves.
The management, details and arrange
ments of raising the means, proper location,
and other incidentals, are important mat
ters to be looked into but would extend
the limits Of this communication too far,
were ! togiye you my particular views upon
these things. My whole heart and exertions
shall .be%with you, and Ihope to see the true
4 4 abons and sinewn Of the State in the Capitol,
on the seeond. "Wednesday Of August next
4 let the epeople from every, nook and corner
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