The Richmond Indiana palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1854-1855, 1855-11-08

writes for your paper tells you just what he would,
were he sitting at your fresde, in social conyersa
tien, and his remarks ought to be as implicitly re-
lied on The lawyer has his books-the merchant
qualities himself for his business by the study of
books-the mechanic has his publications. In
them they all find the history of the past expert
ence of the world, and all who have gone before
them, and those who are now operating il their re-
spective occupations. The lawyer enters the
study Of bis preceptor and has placed in his hands
the elementary expositions of the common law
common Justice. He learns what the world re-
CARDS as the basis of law. He then reads the ex-
positions of this basis recorded by the ablest
minds of the profession at the day in which they
lived He then learns the decisions which the
courts have given to these statutes, and commen
ces his profession with his mind stored with the
knowledge of the minds which have preceded his
in his profession. He knows the result of all past
experience, and he is thus prepared to take hold
of his profession fully posted as to the course to
be pursued which will insure success in a just
cause. But how is it with the farmer He re-
ceiycs limited education in the common, very
common school--he learns to read write and the
rudiments Of arithmetic. Although it is settled
he is to be farmer in his education there is
an idea in regard to his business. He is not
taught one word in regard to the basis of success
full Agricultural knowledge of the qualities of
| the component parts of the soil upon which he is
| to engage He knows nothing Of agricultural
chemistry. He should be able TO analyze the soil
he should know the ingredients composing the
different kinds of grains and vegetables, thereby
enabling him to determine more definitely and Ger
tainly, the adaptedness o: the one to the growth
and maturity of the other-he should be able to
determine in great measure, the quality of soils
by the common appearance they present and the
natural productions which grow upon them. This
in brief should be the education of the young
farmer. Education of the right kind is essen
tia to the agrculturist as it is to any other pro-
fession avocaton in life and until this education
is acquired, the farmers of this country will net
occupy that high position they ought to occupy
in securing the common prosperity of all, and Of
our free institutions.
Agriculture however, my friends is not spe-
cial theme for eloquence, or the display of rhe
toical pictures. 1t has an Importance that rises
above mere flights of the imagination-beautifal
language, and finely rounded sentences. AS such
I shall treat it; and l shall be fortunate if in thus
presenting myself before you, as the humble ad-
vocate of this great interest, shall be able to
keep from your minds the fact that l am not
agricuturist. We all disposed to look with
distrust upon those who step aside from their or
binary avocations, and attempt to instruct US in
the line of our own business. If carpenter at
tempts to instruct blacksmith, the latter rejects
such course with derision. If a lawyer should
presume to advise physician as to the treatment
of fever, he would be treated with contempt
| am aware of all these prejudices but notwith
standing their existence, hope to be able to give
you few thoughts which may not be Improbable,
although have not the honor Of tilling the soil.
Politicians may speculate upon the influence
which free Institutions or partizan administra-
tien, may have upon the prosperity of the country
commercial men may eytol the advantages of an
extended foreign commerce-manufacturer may
claim pre- eminence in conferrng independence up
on their country and literature may the
exclusive credit of rendering a community
lightened and polished-yet after ALL agriculture
constitutes the broad basis upon which the whole
superstructure Of society depends for support. If
that languishes, either from want of protection
patronage from the constituted authorities,
from the inattention and lack of intelligence in its
rural population, the government becomes embar-
rassed-commerce crippled, and manufactures
paralized.
But agriculturists are arousinc from their long
sIumber, and are awakening TO their interest, and
that of their common country-science and enter
prise are forcing them to select whatever is adap
ted to peculiar soils, locations and climates, and
what will most benefit the cultvator-elavate his
character and standing; and the tine is not far
distant when agrieulturists will take the first rank
in character, as they are now in usefulness & when
young men Of talents and education, instead of
engaging in either Of the popular professions
will devote their mental well as physical ener-
ges TO the cultivation of the soil and find in that
occupation, the road to honor, fame, wealth aud
permanent happiness
But let US inquire for ore moment, whether our
government has performed its duty in fostering
and promoting this great and important interest.
The legitimate object of government is 10 protect
the rights of the governed, and to develope the
sources of the country by wholesome and salutary
laws. and by all the in its power promote
those great interests which the basis of oug COM
mon prosperity. Our government sustains navy
at an expense of millions Of dollars every year
1t keeps up an army at an expense OF more than
$4,000 600 each year. With the farmer it pro-
tects our commerce upon every sea, + I would not
detrac in the slightest from the honor it has con-
ferred upon our country, wherever the starry baa-
ner Of land has been unfurIed; aud by the
latter, although at the sacrifice of thousands es
lives and the expense of great treasure, our arms
have extended our territory and political power.
But lock at the vast appropriations made by Con-
"a -haSa
I OF lhs goFeFnment,-amounting to an annual sum
Of not less than S30,ooo.o00 Then ipouirs what
that same government has done to advance or pro-