Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1866-11-22
Virginia Agricultural Convention.

In accordance with call made by the Presi-
dent of the Virginia State Agricultural Society,
for a Convention Of the members of that body,
and of the farmers generally throughout the
State, to assemble in council, for the purpose of
dcvising measures for the development Of the
agricultural interests of the State, and the ad
yaucement of the farming interests generally,
large number Of representatives OF the above
classes, from all parts Of the Commonwealth,
assembled On Tuesday evening" at Virginia
Hall, in Richmond The attendance of strangers
and citizens was quite large. Among those on
the speakers stand was Ex-Governor William
Smith. -*..e e.. r. ...@ .'
The proceedings were opened with prayer
by the Rev Dr. Read, Of the United Presby-
terrain Church, who invoked the blessings Of
the Almighty upon the deliberations of the
Convention. -uC 49,
Hon. Willoughby Newton, President of the
State Agricultural Society, then came forward
and delivered an address, which is published in
the Richmond papers, in full. The Richmond
Times says: ...z.H ...s....r..
1T is manly thoroughly Virginian speech.
Politics arc wisely escheWed. The WILL deserV-
ed panegyrIcs upon those prominent FlrglnlanSS
and distinguished agrlcuturasts, Edmund
Ruffn and Philip st. George Cooke, will meet
the hearty a, probation of all classes of our Cit
liens. The greater, and by no means the least
interesting, portion of Mr.. Newton's remarks
is devoted to the expedency of the adoption in
Virginia of the small farm system. He is Il
thorough believer in the English systematic
cultivation Of large estates by the proprletors
with the aid of machinery-as the only one APP
plicabe to the condition of our State. He,
however, recognizes the great obstacle to Its
successful adoptiOn-the absence OF capital
but still, counsels hope and against q sacrifice
or subdivision of lands The whole address
breathes bold and cheerful spirit, and is cal
culated to have wholesome and invigorating
etfectupon our people. a "s
Mr. B. H Magruder, of Albemarle, moved
that the thanks of the Convention be rendered
to Mr. Newton for his able and eloquent adj
dress. . -.......- .... ...- ...rJ .
The following resolutions, offered by Mr.. R.
w. N, holland, were unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That the subjects discussed in the
Presidents address be referred to appropriate
committees, to be chosen by the President
lst.' A committee to report upon the best
mode for supplying capital and means to enable
owners of land to employ labor, and success
fully cultivate their farms.
End. A committee to report upon the most
profitable management OF Virginia farms, un-
der existing circumstances-Whethe to work
the whole with hired labor, Or on shares of the
crop, " by subdivision into smaller tracts with
view to the sale of a portion, or renting out
or leasing for term OF years. 1-3s 1.'.....
3rd. A committee TO consider the whole
subject of labor, white Or black, native or for
eign. E@-5 LElL1-
4th A committee on The possibility of pro
curing emigrant labor. - 81. l.l
Ex-Governor VIM Smith, who was loudly
called for, addressed the convention in some
appropriate remarks. He was followed by
Jno R. Edmunds, esd, and Hon. JAS. Lyons.
Resolutions Of respect for the memories Of
the late Edmund Rufin and Philip St. George
Cooke, former presidents Of the State Agricul-
tural. Society, were adopted unanimously. '1iaz
After which the meeting adjourned, to as
semble again yesterday evening, at 7 clock: at
the same Mace Us =. So