The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-01-14

| fiRhiNlh blAiE AGRICULTURAL EDCJE-
TY-MEETING AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The Virginia State Agricultural Society
met pursuant to adjournment in the con-
cert-room of the Exchange Hotel last night
The president (Hon. Willoughby Newton)
being absent, the Society was called to
order by Colonel F. G. Ruffin, vice-presi
dent. Mr.. J. Bell Bigger was requested to
act rs secretary.
The roll being called, about four hundred
members-a full quorum-were announced
present in person or by proxy.
On motion Of Hon. James Lyons, the
action of the executive committee in pur-
chasing the grounds of the Central a Agri-
cultural Society was unanimously ratified
and approved.
On motion of Mr.. Lyons, it was ordered
that committee of five be appointed to re-
wise the constitution of the Society.
The election of officers being in order,
Colonel RufIin (F. N. Watkins, Eco, of
Prince Edward, in the chair,) nominated
| for president Colonel William 7. Sutherln.
of Danville, to whose energy and qualf-
cations for the office he paid an earnest and
merited tribute.
Mr.. Lyons would prefer that the election
be postponed until the constitution could be
| revised, although he favored the nomina-
ton just made.
| Major Sutherlin was then unanimously
elected president, and Colonel W. C. Knight
and F. G. Rutiin were appointed to wait
upon him.
The following gentlemen were then elect
ed vice-preSidcnts Hon. James Lyons,
Of Richmond: William T. Scott, of Char
lottc F. G. Ruffin, Of Chesterfield: r. 3.
| IIaxall, of Orange Slaughter w. Ficklin,
Of Albemarle Edmond RufIin, Jr., of Han
over; Lewis E. Harvie, of Amelia; J.
Marshal McCue, of Augusta.
Major Sutherlin was then introduced,
md in few remarks thanked the Society
for the honor conferred upon him. There
WAS work to do, and it must be done. He
promised to use every effort to do his part,
and if he ever appeared to 90 too fast, mem
bers must remember that it is necessary to 90
ahead if we would keep pace with the march
of events. We must 90 on if we would
make those changes which alone can avert
our ruin. We must batter down these walls
of prejudice, or they will crush US, for fall
they must. We must go forward in max
inns and prin ciples and look for practical
benefits.
In regard to the proposed State Fair, he
said the people must be induced to come
here and see "hat is going on in the world.
We say we are great people, but while we
are making the boast, We are sitting idle,
and the whole Of the rest of the world is
in motion. 1t is time Virginians should be
cup and doing"-going to work hopefully,
for they have every prospect of success.
He pledged himself, in conclusion, to exert
aimself to the utmost to make the Society
success, and the fair success, that both
may reflect credit upon the State.
On motion of Mr.. Scott, of Charlotte, the
following executive committee was elected ::
Richard Irhy aud ". c. Knight, Of Rich
mond Il. Il. Dulaney, of Loudoun a. H..
Drewry, OF Chesterfield K. W. n. Now
land, of Albemarle; +. N. Watkins, of
Prince Edward William Martin, Of Hen
ry; W. T. Walker, of Goochland ; Frank
lin Stcarns, of Henrico K. E. Haskins, Of
Brunswick.
Mr.. Bigger, of Charlotte, nominated Mr..
Charles B. Williams, of Richmond, for re-
election as secretary and treasurer.
After speeches eulogistic OF Mr.. williams
by Messrs. Ruifiu and Naryie, he was
unanimously reelected.
The Chair announced the committee to
revise the constitution as follows James
Lyons, OF Richmond; Lewis E. IIarvie, OF
Amelia Edmund Ruiiin, Jr., Of Hanover ;
Richard lrby, of Richmond and T. N.
Watkins, of Prince Edward.
Mr.. Martin, Of Henry, offered the follow
ing; which was laid on the table for the
present
" "EtSolrei, That 4 Federal tax upon agrcuI-
tural products is unwiSc and unjust and thai
the tax upon manufactured tobacco should be
| abolished"
A supplemental report from the secretary
and treasurer was presented and appropri-
ately referred.
On motion of Mr.. Irhy, the thanks of the
Society were returned to Hon. Willoughby
Newton, the retiring president, for his
Jealous and efficient efforts III its behalf
during his term of Office.
On motion of Mr.. Noland, Of Albemarlc,
the thanks Of the Society were rendered to
the Virginia Legislature of 1865 for amend
ments of the fence law.
Thanks were also returned to the rail
road companies of the State for courtesies
TO members, and TO the proprietors of the
Exchange Hotel for the use of the hall on
this occasion.
Mr.. Lyons moved that the owners of the
property of the late Virginia Central Agri-
cultural Society be made honorary mem
bers of this Society. Agreed to.
The meeting then adjourned.