The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1863-04-03

Gentlemen In accordance with res,
oution passed by this body, that "each
and every President, or leaving the chair,
shall deliver valcdiciory address before
the Club" | now attempt 20 obey the
mandate. Not that flatter myself that
j shall be able TO produce anything which
will be Instructive, interesting or amusing.
1t will be my object, in this address, TO
speak of the utility Of this Institution
the "Farmers' Club"
There are many associations of various
kinds in community, designed for the ben
eff! OF their members particularly ; hence
they are "Secret societies and require
grips, signs and passwords, as qualtica.
lions oil admitsnce into their lodges, which
proves, Of course, that they are selfish,
and, il beneficial at all, only so to .he mem
bers themselves, to The detriment of all
outsiders. II is supposed that members
ot secret associations are bound under q
most solemn oath TO prefer, protect and
benefit members of their order, even 10
the sacrifice Of those who are equal or
even superior in talent to those belonging
to their secret organization. Hence, in a
community wherethose secret associations
abound, an individual who, notwithstaud- =
ing he is superior in talen: and genuine
worth, stands no sort Of chance-to rise in
the world, unless he belongs to one of
those secret societies. II is not so with
this institution. 1t is bold, open, free,
generous, mutual, communicative, i'm
parting knowledge and wisdom gratui-
tously 10 all, whether members or not.
All are invited 10 share in the knowledge
gained by the close observation OF each
individual member, in reference to apri.
culture, and many other subjects which
promote the interest and welfare OF the
community generally.
The benefits derived from this associs.
tion are manifold; particularly 10 its mem
berr. l: is only about two years since
this Club was spoken into existence. Its
success is manifest. It's numbers have
increased, probably four fold; its finances
have been equal TO It's wants small H.
brary has been procured, and several of
the most popular and approved works on
the various branches OF agriculture, and of
domestic animals, are in that library, and
are read by any who desire to do so n
friendly and obliging spirit has sprung up
among US; cold, formal restraints Fave
beon, to great degree, overcome, and we
have become intimate, sociabIe, and inter
ested in each other have become. one
family, ,as il were, whiIe,a the same time, |
we have evidently improved vastly in the
science of Agriculture.
This institutioa.may be said 10 be agri-
cultural, but the benefit derived in this
science is only one among many which
we cannot fail to receive, while the busi-
ness oi our meetings is conducted ir the
friendly and orderly manner which has
characterized all which l have attended.
The decorum which has always prevailed,
and the willingness OF all the members TO !
comply With the rules of the Club, (which !
are supposed TO be parliamentary, can
not fail to familiarize its members with
the manner OF conducting any public meet.
ing, which is not only desirable but very
useful to all. There is another benefit
connected with this association, which
nearly all similar organizations do not er-
Joy, 10 w.t.: The Ladies' department - ,
This department does not fail to spread
It's benign influence over all who come in |,
contact with it. Who Of. us does not feel
that he is greatly benefited that the
rough edges, (Which men naturally carry
about them when deprived of the society
OF the softer sex, are, TO great degree,
knocked of, after having attended one OF
our Club mcct;ngs"-especially when
the ladies' arc permitted 10 mingle and
associate with us in our discussions o
Female influence serves as much perhaps,
to soften the feelings and department OF
men OF our age, as it does those who are 1
more youthful. Experience has taught
us that the ladies' department of our Club
is Indispensable. Associations composed
entirely OF men are usually cold and for
mai, and pariake mostly OF a business
character while, at our Club meetings,
alter having discussed proposed questions
for while, the monotony is broken into
ny the announcement that "rea is ready" !
when we are presented with tea, coffee, |
and all the most delicious varieties Of eat |
ables, gotten up in the most approved ,
style OF cooking, which cannot fail to {
tickle the appetite Of the most laslidious |
All this, gentlemen, is owing to our good
fortune IN having an supper house" con-
nected with our Club. am of the opin-
ion OF a certain bachelor with whom | am
acquainted, who, on accoun, of bis diff
dence, was not very sociable with the
ladies, but who always admired them,
and who in reference to their influence
upon society said "This world would
be cold, dreary place to me, were il not
fer the ladies'" In connection with this
subject, allow me 10 suggest to the Club
the importance OF mingling more with the
female portion OF our Club, especially
while we are partaking Of our refresh
ments. have regretted frequently, after
having attended a Club meeting, that [
had scarcely recognized ary Of the ladies'
present.
The benefit derived from this association
are apparent 10 all who come under its
influence. Who among us have not
changed very molerially our course OF
farming, the manner Of treating our stock?
Who, after having attended our Club
meeting, has not felt more confidence in
himself, as to being able to ascertain tho
best kinds OF grain adapted TO particular
kinds Of soil also the best time and man
ner of blowing; the best time 10 sow; the