Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-03-21
For the Yorkvllle Enquirer.
Indian Land Agricultural Society.

1t will be seen that the Indian Land Ag-
ricultural Society at their late meeting, have
adopted premium list The premium is
small, but the funds of the society will not
justify any augmentation. Besides, per-
sons who have really at heart improvement
in agricultural resources, and look to the
welfare and independence Of their country,
will never look to the cash value of the pre-
MUM. The impetus which may be given
to the different branches of industry, is an
ample remuneration, to every patriotic and
right.thinking citizen. He is a philanthro'
DIST and beuefactor to bis race, who can
arouse the energies of his fellow man, and
stimulate to increased industry. Awaken
an interest to the advantage and necessity
of further progress and improvement, which
alone can be effected by increased industry,
and you strike chord which will arouse
the latent energies and bring into action
many hidden aud dormant resources.
The present condition Of our country
presses home upon US the melancholy fact,
that, we have heretofore been insensible to
the dependent position which we have so
long occupied. For lack Of energy, and
because almost all the varities in the me-
cbaic arts can be imported at less cost than
they can be furnished at home, we have
depended upon foreign supply. We have
neglected to encourage home industry
Had this been done long ago, we might
this day receive at our own doors from our
own mechanics and manufacturers, articles
of better, more durable and substantial
kind, than those which we have been re-
ceiving, and at greatly reduced cost
But, because we have long pursued this
system, and because we cannot Immediately
and forthwith realize, what, under other
circumstances we might now have enjoyed,
it is to be feared that we will still pursue
the same old system, and travel over the
old beaten path.
Will not the ladias come to the rescue
of their country? They have never been
afflicted with the sickly sentimentalism of
the sstrong. minded women" of the North.
And whilst they have abstained from inter
meddling with business not their own, can
it be exactly said that they have attended to
their oVn in every respect and to the ut
most extent? Whilst it must be admitted
on all hands that they have done much, still
it is quite likely that they might have done
more.
Thirty years ago, when South Carolina
made the effort to throw off the yoke Of sub
jugation, which she has at last so happily
effected, the young ladies of this District
of this Catawba country, whose homes lit
orally overlooked this beautiful river-took
pride, whilst they graced with their pres
euce the anniversary of their country, in ap-
pearipg clad in fabrics wrought by their
own hands, exemplifyiug to some extent
their character as drawn by Master hand,
"She layeth her hands to the spindle and
her hands hold the distaff."
1t was but the other day that the writer
saw in the possession Of lady friend, those
relics of by-goue days. The young ladies
of that day appeared at several successive
celebrations clad as above stated, each time
in a different, but appropriate costume
An industrious friend (loug since transfer
red to another sphere) conceived the happy
thought of perpetuating specimen of the
different dresses worn on such occasions, as
made by herself, her sisters and some half
dozen of friends Pieces of these various
home made dresses we're procured, and with
great care, patience and industry, were
grouped together and wrought into quilt.
This specimen of handicraft, the relic OF
the past to many, but through kind Provi.
deuce present to few, is now, after nearly
a third of century most interesting me-
mento. A beautiful thought thus to pre-,
serve to the eye of the survivor specimen
of the rustic dresses worn by the ladies on
the banks of the Catawba, during Carolina's
first struggle 1t calls to memory many
pleasant friend and presents her to the eye
as she appeared thirty years ago, in all the
freshness of youth, determined to be free
In the regeneration and emancipation Of
the State then attempted, though only now
accomplished, it is beautiful to refer to the
past, and it is beautiful to transmit to COM
ing ages the evidence of the industry and
the indomitable energies of the daug ghters
of the Catawba.
The specimens on the part of the ladies
at our last exhibition, under circumstances
go unfavorable, were highly creditable.-
With renewed energies and with determi-
nation to persevere, no one can predict the
happy consequences. If each one in the
Society. and all who wish US we'll, will do
but moiety of what they are capable, we
need not despair of success. Whilst We
know and feel whence cometh the increase,
we also know that when nothing is sown,
nothing will be reaped.
1t is a source of regret that there has
been some remissness on the part Of mem
bers in the payment of their dues 1t arises
of course from forgetfuluess. Yet the good
sense of every one will teach, that the want
of punctuality is matter of Injustice to
himself-of injustice to those who are
prompt, and utterly subversiVe Of the in.
terests of the Society.
1t is also to be regretted, that the whole
business of the Society is left to devolve
upon few. Whilst the Society numbers
over fifty, the faces of more than one hal
are never seen, except on the anniversary
and not then unless the day be peculiarly
L. h.. ham NTH ha ntr, 20