The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-09-06
ADDRESS OF
HON. MARSHALL P. WILDER,
ifF PRESIDENT OF THE rssl ss
AMERICAN THEOLOGICAL SOCIETY,
At Its Thirteenth Annual Session, held in this
City, September 6, Z, and 8, 1871.

Geastlemen and Friends Of the american Ponologi
cal Society:
the organization of this Society, in the city of
New York. Held as our meetings have been, in
different and widely distant parts of our country
deem it proper very briefly to allude to its his
tory objects and progress. Especially is this de-
sirnble MS means of information to such South
ern portions of our Union as may not have been
conyersant with the proceedings of the Society.
It's object is to advance that most interesting and
delightful pursuit, the cultivation of fruits to
promote and perpetuate a cordial spirit of inter-
course between pomologists to compare fruits,
and opinions concerning them; to settle doubtful
points in pomology, and TO establisha standard
Tor every section of this great Western Cont
nent How well this has been done, the Society
need no better testimonial than is furnished by
Its published transactions, the widespread infiu
ence it has exerted not only in our own, but 9th
er portions of the world, and especially by this
grand assemblage of American fruits and Ameri-
can men. Many of the noble men who aided in
the establishment of this Society have ceased
gen, Hodge, Underhill, of New York !; Brinkle, of
Pennsylvania Walker, French, Grape and Low
EFT, Of Massachusetts; Monson, of Connecticut /;
Ernst, of Ohio Hancock and Held, of New Jer-
land White, of Georgia; Pierce, of the District
Of Columbia. These and otherassocates of fair
fame, have gone to their reward, but we rejoice
that some still live Who from the earlier years OF
our history, have distinguished themselves as the
untiring friends Of our institutions who, by their
efficient services and wise ,eounses, have contri-
=
to-day to rejoice with us in the progress of opr
science and the perpetuity of our Institution
Nor would we forget the eminent services and
devotion of others of later days, to whom we are
under equal obligations for the extension and in
huence OF our Society, whose efforts have brought
together the cultivators of fruits from the most
distant portions of our country, thus making our
institution what it was designed by its founders
TO be-a truly national association, where the
an association that should constitute a compenl
dunn of experience, and where, without regard
to religious creed or sectional prejudice, a COM
munity Of interest, enterprise and action might
be established for the promotion of great source
OF national wealth and human happiness.
In order to promote the convenience of all, to
distribute It's favors ana increase its influence,
the Society has wisely held its sessions in differ
emit and distant States of the Union. New York.
Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts and, Misseu-
ri have extended hospitalities to the Society," and
some of these States have been repeatedly favor
ed with the presence of its members, and the
privilege Of listening to their discussions. And
now congratulate you most sincerely upon the
suspicious circumstances which enable us to
meet in this city, among our Southern brethren,
who have honored us with so cordial a welcome
and SO large representation of her men and her
resources, here, In the capital of Virginia-a State
renowned as the mother of presidents, and the
home of some of the most distinguished patrons
of American agriculture, among whom may. be
named Washington, Jefferson, and Others Who
will ever be remembered as benefactors of their
race. r. sI
1 have so often addressed you on topics connee-
1t can scarcely be anticipated that i should have
anything new to offer for Your consideration, es-
pecially in the presence of so many whose re-
search and experience is fully equalto my own
know, too, how precious our time is and
should not attempt 1t were it not n duty enioined
by the constitution of our Society. This duty,
will be performed in as brief q manner as its i'm
portance will permit.
would therefore suggest that it is desirable
for us 10 gather up for future use the lessons
which have been acquired by the experience of
the past. We have been SO busy i'll accommodating
knowledge in the various branches of our cui
ture, that we have had no time to look back and
10 systematize the differences and deductions 10
be drawn from our operations. But we believe
the time has now come when we should panse, 4
and survey the field and make review of the
lessons which science has taught; for science is
but n statement OF these lessons--exper ience svs
tematized and trained for progress 1t Is the
grains OF sand that roll up the mountain. the
drops Of water that make the ocean and it is
lesson upon lesson, fact upon fact, which must
build up the science we wish 10 create Nothing
In the present age asfonis hes us more than The
wonderful power of association-the centrniiza-
lion OF thought and action for the promotion OF
particular objects, thus collecting the experiences
" individuals, and diffusing this knowledge for
the benefit of the world. How clearly Is this
seen in the operation of our own Society, how
great the changes, and how rapid the progress
aimee It's formation Then its list of mem beers
was lD7; now its roll contains the names of 8Il
persons. Then it's sphere OF operation was Iimi-
ted by the boundaries of a few States; now its