The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-01-14


assistant treasurer and Of the committees settlement of
accounts have just been received but considering the
large expenditure for local structures il Is doubtful
whether any balance, resulting from the sale Of these
will eventually DO carried to the credit OF the society
FUTURE
In the infancy of this society it deemed necessary
10 its establishment and success that il should hold an
annual exhibition In this department of labor it has
the last year performed double service imposing upon its
officers demand for unusual amount OF labor respon
sibty, and expense Highly as appreciate these gath
erngs and important verify believe them TO the
Of agriculture yet they have been held in the eastern
the northern, the central the western, and southwestern
sections OF the country These have increased the popu
laty aud efficiency of local associations they have
tended the area Of friendship, and promoted more
general intercourse among cultvato in all parts OF the
republic and have encouraged the national government
by interviews and meetings IN this city to lsudable
endeavors to enlarge its sphere OF usefulness They have
given name and favorable position both in this
try and in Europe and would government grant to
the fostering hand that the States extended to
agricultural associations within their respective bounds it
would be deemed both udiciom and practicable to
tnue to hold at least exhibition every year But for
the of that aid and in the present financial crisis
respectfully submit whether this for the present year be
expedient and would recommend that all applications for
the next exhibition be transmitted to the secretary and
the question of time and place be submitted to the
tive committee, with full power to act in the premises
In exhibition should be held the present year the
secretary would in tho tme have opportunity
to bet0w moro attention to the business OF his Office
conduct the correspondence with increased efcacy and
from these to gather materials for annual volume
which may be issued either monthly quarterly Mt the
end Of the year. expedency and the welfare Of the
ISOLATION require In this interest might
also be given to this volume by elaborate articles from
the pens Of distinguished scientific and practical agrcul-
turiss subjects previously assigned and which would
be Of great and general utility.
DEcEAsED OFFICERS
Among the occasions for gratitude and joy, recognise
the fact that meet here today many who took
tive part in the formation of this society and have
santly contributed to its progress by their presence
operation, and wisdom. But all not here We are
particularly impressed by the absence this occasion of
Thomas j. Rusk and George Washington Parke Custis
vice presidents of this society and active from its foma
on both of whom have been removed by death the past
year.
General Rusk emigated from Maine to Texas previous
to the revolution which dissolved tho allegiance of the
latter State Mexico and in which he performed active
and honorable service After the admission of that
public into the Union he represented Texas two terms in
the Senate OF the United States and at the time of
his death elected for third He evinced in remarka-
BILE degree kindness with decision urbanity with fc
tude chasts expression with wise counsel and thereby
secured great popularity with his constituents and the
high esteem of his associates and countrymen He
staunch friend of this association and of American arcu
ture and those of who have met him in this hall will
not forget the influence of his presence and the
tGnon and respect which his voice commanded In our
deliberations Long will bis name BIO held in grateful
membrane
The venerable Mr. Gusts well known to us as the
q Farmer of Arlington, honorable title conferred
upon him this platform by Daniel Webster at the
ganization of this society, and by which his name
will descend to posterity He present at each of its
annual meetings. occupying seat the right of the
chair and at the close of each pronouncng by my
quest farewell address and benediction BY his DEATH
the last representative member of the immediate family
of the immortal Washington has passed away. His po-
eness suavty his generous hospitality his addresses
and literary productions, his historical paintings of pro
nen in the life and conflict Of the Great Chief
ain his rural taste and particularly his devotion to
this society," all these embalm his memory and give an
unfading lustre to his fame. The following were his
touching and prophetic words at the close OF last
meeting:
ssIhe time has come for me to say--Fdrac<H! And
when man, whose head rest the Of seventy
six winters bids you farewell the probabilities that
it will be long farewell You will return to your
homes with hearts checred and hands strengthened
by this mutual communion and this brotherhood of farm
from all parts of great country. And You viii
up to national capital another year, each
with fresh Of encouragement for the rest each
with information, the result Of the year oscrva-
ton and abors which he will interchange with his fell
lows and thus scatter broadcast the land And
you up from all portions of the countryfrom those
classic grounds where our fathers diedlet your hearts be
invigorated by their patriotism and your hands labor
for the prosperity of the country they bought with their
blood.
'And now gentlemen of the United States Agricultural
Society Farewell Go back to your homes and tell your
of agriculture and encourage them you have been
couraged. Continue your devotion to this buwark OF
country, continue involae great constitution
obey selfimposed laws preserve blessed Union,
and our republic will be IMMORTAL =
RESIGNATION
GENTLEMEN THE SociErr Men die, but institutions
live Several of the founders of this association have
already passed away and their departure calls upon
for renewed diligence and activity have most cheer
fully endeavored to bear my full share in these laors and
responsibilities For six successive terms you have hon
oed with your confidence president Of this assoca
ton Office which esteem of the highest and
most honorable that could be conferred upon me- For
each of the last two years have rendered you my rcsg
nation but have yielded to your urgent solicitation and
have discharged the duties the position great per-
sonal sacrifice and to the best of my ability
Among the considerations which have prevailed with
desire to recprocate your kindness and to
form my action to your udgment-that my official SER
vice important to the establishment and success of
society These objects have been accomplished
The United States Agricultural Society recognised ma
tional institution, cooperating hamonously with the
other agricultural associations of the country, and cher
ished by the warm affections of the American people
Wherever its exhibitions held to meet not
only gentlemen of all professions but thousands of
intelligent ycomanry The society has attained
standing that will insure its psrpctuity and usefulness
and that will descend to future generations Ny
resignation, therefore, which for the third time
tender you cannot be preudicia TO its interests. New
and imperative motives urge to this As the
financial partner of large commercial house. cannot
the present abstract the time which have heretofore
devoted to your service and yet faithfully discharge
multiplied duties in that relation Besides cannot dis
use from you the fact that my health has recently been
seriously impaired and my life impered by the
duties Of numerous official POSITIONS superadded to those