The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1859-10-19
To, The Sentinel.

"SwEEPsrAKEslm What does il rneanF What
are we 70 understand by il, especially when used
in reference 10 horses on exhibition at our sgri-
cultural iairs? Does il. or does il not mean the
animal that can suTpass ell others N his paruc
ular class, Whatever may be the test IL drsit
is the test, then is not the horse thatean pull
the greatest load, the one entitled to sweep
stakes?' Or if ftrotling or racking be the test,
then is not the fleetest horse the one entitled to
"sweepstakes?'' If this is not the case what
then does Sweepstakes" mean? My reason for
asking this question is simply this: at our last
agricultural fair in Harrison county there was
class of "sweepstakes'' for stations OF any age or
breed-"size, style, and action TO Be especially
oonsidered'' "in awarding hs premium" as was
plainly stated in the rules and regulations OF
the society. Well, there were three horses en-
tered for the prize-a sorrel horse by MrsShep
ler of Green township, bay horse by Mr.. Rit-
tenhouse of the same township and hay horse
b, Mr. Moore Of Moorefeld all three half blood
Hiatopas, and so far equal. Now the committee,
according to the Instructions given in the pub
lished rules of the society, ad three things to
take into especial consideration, namely, "size,
s,gle and action" The first OF these -size--was
a plain case. for the sorrel horse was much the
largest horse ofthe three, but the 'style and ac-
tom had to be tested. Accordingly the hor-
ses were ordered on the track and the word
given, when the sorrel, taking the lead from the
very start, came round the ring in fine style and
at sweeping gait, leaving the foremost of his
competitors some fifty yards in the rear the first
heat The second aud third heats were atten-
ded with like results, the sOrrel horse thus pro-
wing his bottom equal to his other qualities.
| Now if size means anything, it must mean the
largest horse, and style most certainly means
the horse that has the most graceful movements
and noble carriage and ifaction has any signiti-
cation when applied to horses, it must mean the
horse that has the most speed, otherwise what
is it worth in a race, on pleasure excursion or
Journey? And if this is not its signification
why test them on tbs course"' Why not go
to the stall and apply the goad there, and then
see which horse can jump quickest, kick high
est and hardest? But action was tested on the
Course at our Fair, and as the sorrel horse ex-
celled in every way he was tested, he was most
justly and indisputably entitled to the premium
Of sweepstakes"
But the committee thought otherwise Pos
sibly the committee in this case took "FAT" in
to consideration, if so, why not let the people
know it in time to make preparation? Why mo-
append Il ''9lossqry' to their published rules
stating that Stat" and sweepstakes were to ht
understood as Synonymous terms in their vo
cabulary? Now the question with me is-anC
it should be the question with every man whc
takes any interest in airs--is favoritism right
is it just and honest, and is It carrying out tht
principles upon which they are professedly ba
sed? | answer no! and every honest heart vii
respond in the negative.
The broad declaration is published to tn
people ofthe county or State that the "best an
ma or article" on eXhibiaion Shall receive tht
highest reward in its respective class, and upor
the strength of this declaration the people as
scmble, pay over their dollar, three dollars 0
five dollars as the case may be, thinking thes
published principles will be strictly adhered
and carried out, but alas! for their dupcity an,
artless honesty justice is too frequently only
phantom on hir crounds--an evanescent affair
scarcely ever visible. ,,,n
Iopedale, Ohio, October lth, 1859.
A GRKAT BoRE.--The Artesian Well at CO
lunlbus has reached the depth Of 1923 feet