Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1859-04-20


enjoying position in society," to come 10 the conclu-
sion that he must necessarily enter what is called
Of the learned professions; that is, he must he
lawyer, or doctor; or, as some would say MINIS
ter OF the gospel of Christ-a divnc-housh am in
cline to believe that tie last profession named is gen.
orally moderated in the present day 1t is certainly
not overrun with numbers like the professions of law
ard medicine? Well, how and why is this? Is the
fault in the ciildreny Is it to crafty the child?
Does the boy form an attachment for these profess
>ions nstincivcly? Certainly not. Is not rather
because the parents, who anXiously DESTROYS OF
promoting their chdren's interest, form too low an
estimate Of their own position in society, and come
10 the conclusion that their children can never be
promoted in the community unless they belong 10
of the learned professions? In this way the
parent leads his son to form mean estimate of his
fathers calling; indeed to look with contempt upon
it. This false sentiment is to-day doing more inju-
ry to society running and blasting the hopes of more
noble young men, than all things else combined 1t
is daily lowering the grade of distinction in every
profession and department of life bringing into dis
repute the Ugh moral standard of piey that should
always prevail in the ministry, by introducing men
into the professions who have hot the mental energy
and industry, nor the tastes to attain to what ought
to be cminencc in them. and taking them away from
the departments Of life nature intended them to
adorn, and where they might have been emincntly
LESSONS not to make professional men, but to gain
political promotion and popular consideration. If
the farmers of the country and the mechanics will
learn their children how to work, as well as Send
them to school and educate them, they will be much
better able to act their parts in life than many of
them at the present time let them choose what
ever profession or calling they may; and this am
induced to believe they will do If they can but cx
terminate the mistaken notion that seems to pervae
1ltt,c Of ti,rt MN
can occupy high places of trust. Being rrotS
sonal man certainly is no disqualification for posi-
tons Of truSt but then there are men who do rot
belong to the profcsSons-men raised upon the farm
Or in the mechanics SHOP, as well qualified as any
OTHERS. Soire Of the most eminent statesmen that
eier lived have gone lit, the Chair of State, right
from the pillow; George Washington, the greatest OF
American statesmen was 4 farmer, and never stu
died profession Whether on the field of battle,
in the Legislative councils in the executive char,
he stands unrivac;l his achievements on the battle
field are not surpassed by any examples recorded in
ancient o. modern history. As a warrior, he will
bear a comparison with an Alexander or Hann-
hal. Napoleon or Wellington. As statesman,
he was inconiparablv above them all. He had the
wisdom, the goodness and patriotism all combined
to make a RULER, and yet he was Il farmer, and
followed no other profession vocation, except at
the call of his countrvmcn \ Clay, Webster a
Calhoun ard Benton WIRE accu stoned to the farms,
when boys. Other iihlstriouS examples in both an
cient and modern history, both living and dead,
might lie nstanccd Indeed the difficulty is to find
the name of one il,ust:ious in American history who
not taught to labor in the fields in the shops.
Can any one then, say that labor is degrading?
That the polisiic, Young man should never Know
how to work: Surely not. Parents should rather
teach their that it is honorable for Them not
merely to respect the vacations of their fathers bnt
also to assist in and engage in them If by becnm-
ing accustomed to the plow, the plane, the hammer
or other working apparatus, they acquire fonncss
for their use, being well educated only serve to
make them the mere s!,lul in their vocaiions, ard
the more useful rs memle s Of society; and if they
choose to take up ::ith one CT the learned proIes
SONS practical knowledge Of labor can only opcr
ate to their benefit When the farmers and me-
chanics learn these truths and act upon Them their
positions will be respected.
The inauguration of Agricultural Fairs and ASso-
ciations rather modern institution in this country
both County and State, forms bright era in the
history Of American Agriculture Nothing is better
calculated to elevate and dignity labor They should
be foStered kept up and encouraged by all possible
means. They have most powerful and salutary
influence upon the farming interests of the country,
the interests upon which all others depend. BY
means of the Agricultural products, cities, towns
ard villages so up and prosper, the commercial
world is supported. | may, therefore, add, that
these Fairs and Associations have most powerful!
influence upon society generally. Whatever pro-
notes the interest of the farmer promotes likewise
the interest OF the country generally. At these
nual gatherings all classes of society meet together
The lovely 'natrons and fair daughters, for which
Duplin is celebrated come out to witness the tri-
umphS OF the farmer and the mechanic Mutual
congratulations extended from one to another,
ard we all learn something OF relations to each
CHER. An interchange Of opinions takes place, and
we return to our respective homes wiser and better
The trimph> of Agricultural science art and me-
chanlcal skill are SEEM approved, encouraged, adj
inirci put INTO practical and useful operation
friendships are formed and made permanent We
all learn to regard ourselves as members of CON-
mon community, inhabitants Of great and glorious
country whose achievements in peace and war have
astonished an admiring world. We also form some
idea OF our mutual dependence upon each other and
witness the common interest the one feels in the
welfare OF the other. Our legislators have shown
their interest in Agricultural Societies, and very
properly made appropriations for their support For
tins testimony OF their appreciation of the great Ag
rlcuitral interest til" stay and support of society
everywhere. cur legislators entitled to our thanks
by it they nave shown much wisdom and patriot
ism; Tor though the amount given is small, 1T is
sufficient to show that they not entirely regard
lie Of the farmers interest The tiler of the soil is
not altogether forgotten.
On the particular modes of cutivating the soil,
ladies and gentlemen, shall say but little on this
OCCASION Ny own opinion is, that while scientific
information is an invaluable auxiliary in the arts of
cnltlvatng and preparing the soil for its annual
yield, practical experience and observation are in
dlspensable to make good farmer. have known
gentlemen who could converse lcarncdly and elo-
4uently upon the subject of agriculture and the diff
ierent modes of cultivation, who were practically
very poor farmers. Indeed, am thoroughly per-
suaded that it takes an industrious, energetic man
to make good farmer; and such an one, if he has
| good practical common sense will seldom make an
ordinary one. Like every other profession and avo-
cation in life, these qualities are necessary for cmi-
nent success in farming and cannot be supplied by
any mere literary education. When the practical
man visits fairs like the present, and witnesses such
exhibitions as arc here presented, he always goes
away better prepared to make crop the next year.
hat ne sees on occasions of this KIND he appreci-
ates, and improves the opportunities by afterwards
introducing the useful and practical into practice.