Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1862-10-17

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arising from the labors of the State Society,
and the advantages resulting from the hold
ing of such Fairs, and the effect upon the
material element of wealth and prosperity
when operated upon by mind developed and
enlightened bp the intercourse and expert
ence obtained on such occasions. In agrl-
culture every animal and every crop are so
many existences added to the sum of all and
makes pursuit thus the basis Of all produc-
ton and all wealth.
! This portion of the address tended to show
that a lofty and commendable emulation
among farmers elevates the standing and
character of their occupation, and the earn
est support of their State and County Socie-
ties will increase the diffusion of practical
knowledge, securing more successful and
intelligent culture Of the soil as predomi-
nant requisite to still greater social progress;
and that an advanced state Of agricultural
science is censonant with and productive of
higher state Of the other sciences and arts.
When Egypt was the granary of the world
she was at the same time the parent OF the
noblest sciences and the highest arts, and
the mythology of other nations of the ancien.
era contained the great thought that the
earth is the grand material store.house Of
every thing valuable.
No government ever achieved true nation
al greatness that neglected to foster and en-
courage the industrial Interests Of the people
or to encourage the masses in acquiring
knowledge Of the natural laws essential to
rapid development of the riches buried in the
life supporting SOIL 1t is an adage that
/" The best agriculture makes the greatest
State, and the greatest State makes the most
of her Agriculture"
Theoretically, our nation has always seem
ed to appreciate these truths Bat il vas not
until recently that agriculture secured sep
arate bureau and distinct portfolio At our
National Capital, and not until within few
months hes portion Of our national domain
been granted to endow an institution in such
State where agriculture viii be taught as a
sciences.
He made some valuable suggestions in refer
cnce to the organization and management of
an Agricultural College, and portrayed the
immediate and consequent advantages res
ultng from such an institution.
In reference to the progress Of our country
he said the history Of the world may be chal-
lenged te furnish anything like a parallel to
our rapid material advancement within the
last ten years. Statistics snow a decennial
increase from 1850 to 1860 Of about 20 per
cent. in wheat, over 40 in corn and hay, in
slaughtered animals over so, in fruit more
than $50, anG all other products in as large
proportions. And yet this astonishing ad
vance will be greatly accelerated as agrcultu
raj knowledge becomes mere generally diffus-
cd-as We multiply labor saving machines
and learn more of the different properties of
the soil.
Near the close of the address he alluded
to the present distracted state Of our coun-
try, and said, a" We should not forget that we
have mourning in the land-that we arc
weighed down with heavy national calami-
ty, and that while contemplating our materi-
al resources, we should ask, what Of our pc-
litcal future. Are we to be again united
people? Are all the thousand ligaments of
mutual interest," which in times past have
held US together, to be severed and our ma
tiona unity destroyed? Is the paroxysm of
frenzy so great, is reason so far dethronsd,
and have discord, mad ambition and anarchy
such supreme control as that tesolation and
ruin are to be scattered over this once smil-
ing and happy landT | answer, never, new
er never.
We shall be again fraternally united. God
designs and will preserve us for nobler end
than can ever DO reached by divided ard frag-
mentary States. TO accomplish this hi-h
destiny the ordeal is already terrible and may
yet be vastly more so.
have somewhere read that "war is the
process by which God weeds in his garden of
civilization. 1t is His method of endearing
heroism above property, and placing virtue
above success. With blood and fire lie bap-
ties progressive races in the new births
which luxury and old lies render periodically
necessary. Our baptismal font is necessary
and fate carries us up to it inexorably." 10
us the present baptism is most sanguinary-
let US hope and believe it will be purifying.
The fire is searching, penetrating, apparently
desolating-let us hope that the pure gold
will remain, only the dross being consumed.
Our patriotism, our love and respect for
our institutions are now brought to the sc.
verest test. Let Us prove true and devoted
to "The Union, the Constitution and the
laws" show ourselves noble, true-hearted,
genuine American citizens, equal to the great
emergency, and We shall rise from the mighty
conflict, purer, stronger, better than ever be-
fore. Let us, as we bend our energies to de-
velop the great material resources of the land,
not forget our beloved country. Let us, while
we enjoy ourselves socially and by observa-
ton and experience at this time, and reap a
golden and abundant harvest from the field
spread before us, continually send up to the
God of nations an imploring petition that he
will vouchsafe to us one flag, enc country,
one Constitution, one destiny, until the whole
earth shall reach that harvest which ia the
end of the world whereof the reapers are the
Angels.