The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-11-21
Proceedings of the Convention.

The convention of the farmers of Virgi-
MIA met at Virginia Hall last evening at
halfpast seven, o'clock. The attendance
was very good, being equal to the expecta-
tions of those most interested. Among
those present we noticed Ex-Governor
Smith" Extra Billy "-who was looking
well, and was received by those present
with applause.
The convention was opened with an elo-
quent prayer by the Rev. DR.. Read, of the
United Presbyterian Church. Hon. Will
loughby Newton presided, and opened the
proceedings with an address.
Mr.. NEwTON's ADDRESS.
The following is the address:
Gentlemen of the agricultural Society Of Vr-
qinia and FsHo,e- Citizens:
More than six years have passed away
since our last great agricultural exhibition.
During that period the curtain has fallen
on a drama of far different character.
1t is not my purpose to revive its harrow
ing scenes, but upon this first occasion of
our reiinion it is meet and proper to recall
the memory of the many members of our
society whose seats are now vacant, and
whose welcome voices will never more be
heard in our councils. The kindly in
stincts of our nature, too, will revert to that
host of noble youths who, if living, would
gladly grace our meeting by their presence,
but who now quietly sleep in graves be-
dewed with tears and decked with flowers
by the lovely women of Virginia. And
should Justly incur your marked displea-
sure if failed to treat with becoming re-
spect the memory of two distinguished
gentlemen, my predecessors in office, whose
names have been intimately connected
with this society from its foundation, and
have now become historical.
Philip St. George Cooke was the soul OF
chivalry and the type of the true Virgi-
mia gentlema He entered upon the dis
charge Of his duties as president Of
this society with all the ardor and
enthusiasm of his nature, and 10y his
princely munificence and enlightened
zeal was chiefly instrumental IN securing
the brilliant success of our nrst and
most magnificent exhibition. His sensi-
tive nature felt too keenly the troubles OF
hi. country, and he died martyr In her
cause. The purity of his character ana
the benefcence Of his actions were sucn
that, il he must die, he left his friends but
one cause of regret-that he had not fallen
on the field of battle, where he courted
death in defence of his native State, which
he so dearly loved. ;.
Of Edmund Rufiin what shall say! A
character of contrasts. BY bis stern integ-
rity and his kind, genial, and sffectionate
manner to his friends, he secured their
highest admiration and wafmest regard.
By his occasional acerbity Of temper,
which no one more regretted than himself,
he sometimes incurred the lasting displea-
sure of gentlemen who, If they could have
known him better and had approached him
under different auspices, would have
learned to love and respect him for the
sterling traits of his character. lie was
man to have warm friends and bitter enc
mics. But the grave covers all animosities.
AS an agrieulturist he was without .
rival. He opened Q new path to agricuL
tural improvement, and boldly led the way.
His writings are monument OF the acnte-
ness and comprehensiyeness Of bis intel.
lcct. of his great research, and Of the zeal
and energy Of his efforts TO improve hii
native State. Posterity win regard him q
man 1.s .-.~-s- l. a. IA which ne