The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-03-30
The State Agricultural Society

The State Agricultural Society
We bave felt very deep regret IN co'n-
mon with the general public OF 1p's ...n
and we conjecture of the State az ~ c.
n learn that the, State Agricultural '.o-
c;s,v had through its Executive COMM
So decided that they would not hoG an
a.ricp,tural fair and show this year. we
ss :, 80 a very great Mistaken act
.as;.b much good that might be done
w. holding fair will be lost to the State
- time of all others when she stands
most in need Of any help, any encourage
ment that may be given.
The Society did an excellent thing when
It purchased the Central Fair Grounds, and
the general inference from that indication
Of restored vitality was that 1t would pro-
ceed with energy and hope to prepare for
q fair in the fall. The expectation in
spired very general pleasure and very
gratifying anticipations. 1t is pity that
these should be repressed and blighted by
the unfavorable conclusion to which the
committee, as we are sure ipjudiciousiy
and unfortunately, arrived.
It is now, we believe, near eight years
since there was an agricultural fair OF the
State Society. Four years OF the perloo
were devoted to war, and though the state
Of things since the war has not been
favorable to industry and thrift, most as
suredly events have not been SUCH as 10
forbid the reassemblng of the farmers 10
consult about their interests ana in'es'i-
gate the improvements affecting their puf-
suits.
Grant that tho depression and prostra-
t;on in the country has been unprece-
dented-that we ore yet not free-not per-
mitted to manage our political affairs IN
our own way. We argue that this but de-
mands an extraordinary display OF the
virtues of hope, constancy, and energy
hone in the future, constancy in faithful
ness to the common interests OF our peo'
ole. and determination to stand ny the
State in all her perils, and energy III de-
voting our inteliects and our industry to
repairing our own fortunes, and in that
way the general well-being of our Com
monwealth. In this way we may mitigate
adversely tighten the weight of oppression
and cheer the public spirit.
AT such a time it would be peculiarly
beneficial for the manly and resolute farm
ers of Virginia to meet again, the more
especially after the lapse of 50 many years
It would be Of uncomfortable advantage 1ol
them to assemble together, and for time
to divert their minds from the temporary
political exigencies of the day to the inte-
rests Of their noble vocation.
1t would cheer them on and strengthen
their resolution, and they could behold with
a clearer vision the light which brightcns
the vale beyond the dark mountain which
we are about to pass.
The farmer has much to learn. I'm
movements have been numerous since the
last fair. he would be amply paid By
trip to Richmond. A general meeUne o.
this class would ditfuse amongst them all
great deal of information especially valua-
BILE Just now-information concerning I'M
provements immigrants lands offered tor
sale local wants and necessities, and the
means of supplying them; in short, con-
corning the entire range of Interests, lndl-
vidual, neghborhood, sectional, and State
Such a fair should have been held last
year-it could have been held. We
say it can be held now. We are convinced
the money for the premiums can be raised.
We trust that the State Society will
change its mind. The times demand al
imposing meeting of the true men of Eir-
ginia. Their convocation would have
moral and physical benefit that nothing
else in our power can now exert.