Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1871-10-27
THE WILMINGTON JOURNAL
EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE.
RALEIGH, N. O., Oct. %, 1871.


Raleigh has resumed its wonted compos-
ure. OF course the Fair does not please
everybody. Some find fault with one thing
and another, and draw invidious comparl-
sons. In my opinion it has been most
gratifying success, and reflects credit upon
the people of North Carolina, and the
President and officers Of the Fair. Presi-
dent Battle, Marshal Lewis, Srperintcnd
ent Litchford and their various assistants
deserve the very highest credit for their
efforts. The shortcomings, whatever they
may be, arc in no wise chargeable to
them.
Fault-fnd crs forget the poverty Of the
people of North Carolina, and the condi-
ton of civil and political affairs in this
State When people are struggling TO
support their families, too poor even to
enjoy the ordinary comforts Of life or to
send their children to schoO., it cannot be
expected that they can spare either the
time or money TO attend State Fairs and
exhibit their wares and products. The
finances Of the Society do not justify the
Offering of such premiums as would make
them objects to be contendcd for rs pc
cuniary recOmpense for the expenses at
tending the exhibition. In time to como
we hope that the premium lst will itself
draw articles and animals from every
county in tho State, and then we can show
the world what North Carolina can really
produce Until then our Fairs here and
elsew here in the State must depend
rather upon the pride and patriotism OF
the people than upon any substantial re-
turn in the way Of awards.
If these people who find so much fanlt
with the quantity and quality of the arti-
cles exhibited; the awards OF Committees
and the general management of our Fairs.
would put their own shoulders to the wheel
and aid in all these things, it would be
better for all parties. l find that those who
never exhibit any thing, and always refuse
to serve on committees, are tho loudcst in
their fault findings,
Among the most attractive features OF
the late Fair was the exhibition mado under
the supervision Of Professor Kerr, State
Geologist. The specimens from his Labo
ratory and Museum we've numerous and
valuable. Gold, silver, lead, iron. coal,
marble granite. and almost every other
mineral and stone valuable to commerce,
were to be seen. I was especially pleased
with specimens Of yellow marble from
Cherokee county, Of the most beautiful
cOloring and Of the finest texture. think
il Ia the handsomest marble for ornamental
purposes ever saw. The completion of
our railroad connection with that country
will enable its Introduction TO the markets
of the world. spotted stone from
MeckIenbnrg, was also an object of much
attraction. 1t can be as highly polished as
marble, anu 10 fine fUI UrnAnacntttl purposes.
These quarries must ere long be most valu
able to their owners.
Professor Kerr had also on exhibition
somo twenty odd specimens of wood from
the Black Mountains, all Of which can be
used for the manufacture of furniture and
other purposes, requiring the finer tex
lures. l was glad to become acquainted
with these new resonrea of the wealth of
orr MouL tains.
In this department, also, [ was struck
with the botanical exhibition by MIR. Moore.
of Caldwell county, OF upwards Of fifty
specimens of flowers, leaves, roots, herbs
and berries, collected in that county, and
prepared for market Every one of them
is valuable and meets With ready sale.
Hundreds of the people CT that section find
profitable employment il gathering these
articles, and their sale is q source Of con-
siderable and profitable business.
We trust Professor Kerr will favor our
section of the State by exhibiting his col
lections at the Cape Fear Agricultural
Association Fair next month.
1 have not previously mentioned the
parade of the young gentlemen Of Bing |
hams school on Thursday last. Upwards |
of sixty cadets were in rank, under COM
mand of their accomplished teacher, Col. |
William Bingham. Their drill was very
fine, but | was even moro pleased with |
their gentIomanIy behavior after they
broke ranks. Throughout the entire day,
/ am satisfied that there was no instance of
misbehavior or INDIGENOUS conduct. Such
discipline speaks we'll for the school
The shooting match on Friday camo to
IN awkward halt by the pigeons becoming
exhausted. -Four gentlemen, who had |
each killed two birds in the two rounds.
will finish the match ncxt Thursday. The
prize Is q valuable breach loading shot
gun.
The trotting throughout the Fair was
rather Indifferent. The same horses and
drivers as last year; the same speed; the
same side-betting, the same Harvie, Pax,
son, Tim Lee Il Co., hove rather worn the
sport out. 1t seems, however, to form an
important part Of the amusements of our
Fairs, and it must be borne with, L sup
pose. 1 am not one of those who think
amusements should be discarded from
our Fairs. On the contrary, [ believe they
are essential to give variety and life to
the exhibitions which really add SO much
to everything else. Ii we want crowds.
and Fairs without them are tame indeed. Il