Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-06-16
Industrial Exhibitions and Fairs

We have received the circulars an
nounoing the Cincinnati Industrial Ex-
position" which is to be held at Cinein.
natl, . in September next, commencing
Wednesday, the 21st. The arrangements
are being made under the auspices of the
Chamber of Commerce of the city, the
Board of Trade and the Ohio Mechanics
Institute. We notice in the standing
committee the names of many of the prin.
cipal business men of the city
We are glad to notice the increase in
the number and variety of these e1hibi-
tons in late years, and are pleased to see
that they meet with general encourage
ment wherever held. Their success i:
not to be questioned. If pecuniary sue
cess is not achieved, much benefit is de.
rived from it by mechanics, inventors and
the public in general, by the display Of
the products of national industry and
talent But it is not only In our own
country that these are increasing; in
Europe, Australia, and even South Amer
lea, they are being held and meet with
the praise which they merit from specta-
tors. Such exhibitions encourage inyen-
tors, stimulate home talent, and elevate
the general standard of art and industry
of country. With these exhibitions
new era is commenced, and we hope 10
see the plan followed up with favorable
returns.
In this connection we may mention the
fairs which for centuries have been held
at stated intervals in various cities and
towns of the Old World, and at which
congregate merchants and traders from
all countries; but they are vastly differ
ent from the industrial exhibitions which
are now being inaugurated Throughout
the world. At one sales and contracts
are made, which enables the expenses Of
exhibition to be partly, if not wholly.
returned to the exhibitor ; while at the
other articles are exhibited only,
and the owner thereof is compelled 10
bear an expense for which he hopes to he
reimbursed by future sales.
Our county fairs and cattle shows are
but a grade lower than these. In Eng
land fair-day is a great holiday, aPPren-
tees are bound, men and women are
hired, petty shows and theatres are held
and sales of stock and local products are
made. In this last particular do they dli'
fer chiefly from our own fairs. No sales
are made at ours, which we think to be 8
mistake Most farmers have surplus Of
stock, or perhaps farm and household pro
ductions. which they would eagerly sol
If the custom were once initiated. We
have seen at various fairs recently, sales Of
stock made on days subsequent TO the
close of the fair, and such were always
successful. That custom is the chief at
traction at fairs in all countries but our
own. We don't know how or where the
present manner of conducting our fairs
was originated. "CountyTair and Cattle
it sounds What an odd
connection! They are "shOws" only, not
''fairs" A fair is where people meet to
barter or trade on stated. days. Let u
have the one or the other, or let both coz
tinue but let us have genuine far.
We have no doubt that these views Will
be entertained and seriously REFLECTED
upon by our farmers and stock-breeders-
No one can fail to see the benefit of sucb
a novelty in our country. We think !.
will be much better for the improvement
of stock than horse-racing.