The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1872-09-13
THE OREGON STATE AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETY AND IT'S MANAGEMENT.

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THE OREGON STATE AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETY AND IT'S MANAGEMENT
Mr.. EDTroR.-I have for a long
time been aware that a majority of
the public (for the reason that they
have never taken the trouble to in
quire) are ignorant of the plan of the
organization of this Society and of
its management, many sopposing it
to be company formed for the pur-
pose of money-making solely; others,
that it is in some way under the con-
troll of the State; still others, that
the property is held in shares, which
can be bought or sold, like those of
other interpretations; that those who
receive the large sums of money at
the Fair and in no way accountable,
and that many make "a good thing"
by fraud, &C., &c. Please allow me
space to correct, if can, the wrong
impression gained. which tend to
keep many from becoming members
of the Society, or from aiding in its
management.
The Oregon State Agricultural So
ciety is an incorporation, made such
for its own protection solely. Ifhas
no shares which can be bought or
sold-no dividends to declare or
profits to divide, but holds its prop
erty and improves it for the benefit
of its members aud The people Of Ore
gon. Its officers are elected annu-
ally, by ballot. and every member is
entitled to vo,e. The officers, so
elected, meet in January of each year,
make rules for the annual Fair, and
adopt list OF premiums. There are
no other meetings, except during the
FAR, but at that time the Board
meets every day, and the Society
every evening of the week. The
Board OF Managers have almost un-
limited power, To make such regula-
tions as they may deem best, not
contrary to The oppressed Instructions
of the Society. They cannot, how
ever, sell or transfer the Society 5
property to others, but it must re-
main for the uses and purposes of the
same, TO wit: Ito foster every branch
of agricultural and mechanical indus
try, mining interests and the fine arts,
and to add to the happiness of home
life. All meetings of the Soeiety
and the Board. are public. and all
proceedings are published, including
receipts and expenditures of the
year, SO that those who desire can
easily ascertain the progress the So
ciety IS making.
NoSETs RECEIVED BY GATE-KEEPEgs.
Much has been sail in regard to
the opportunity for gate keepers to
appropriate the funds of the Society
at the annual fairs. On this point, L
deem it proper TO say word. All
gate-keepers receive their tickets
from the Secretary, who charges
them with the same, and on Satur-
day OF Fair week they are required
to settle their accounts, and return
the tickets charged, or their value in
money. Oc each evening of the
Fair, the Treasurer calls upon the
ticket venders, and receives such
amounts Of money as they may have
from sales of the day, giving them
q receipt for the same, which Is
passed to their credit on settlement.
All persons or officers in the employ
OF the Society who in any way are
allowed control Of the funds the
sane, are subject to similar rules
The Secretary and Treasurer of the
Society are required to give bonds for
the faithful performance OF their du-
ties, and those bonds are held By the
Society, through its President, until
their accounts are examined and APP
proved by the Board of managers
and Finance Committee at the Janu-
ary meeting, SO that fraud is next to
impossible if any were designed; be-
sides, those who sell the tickets are
selected with reference, first of all,
to their honesty and general charac-
ter. I do not believe that S. was
ever lost through the gate-keepers,
but an firmly convinced that if the
money was in the Treasury which
has been taken from the Society by
passing tickets and badges through
the enclosures, and in various ways
I could name defrauding it of It's
means, there would be no account of
Indebtedness against the organiza-
ton to-day.
tIOSEY IN HANDS OF THE TREASURER.
Premiums and expenses of the
Fair, (paid before its close) general
ly leave about 81, 500 in the hands of
the Treasurer on Monday following
Fair week. This sum IS in few
days reduced by payment OF bills
and premiums, until 5000 or $500
only remain, and small outstanding
accounts and premiums generally
find the Treasury nearly empty be-
fore the January meeting, 80 that
often there is barely money enough
to pay the mileage and per diem of
the memLers of the Board; but
while this is true, it must be forgot
ten that from 81 500 to 81 800 is an
nually expended for improvements
on the Fair Grounds, and paid for,
which leaves the Society, at the close
OF each fiscal year, better prepared
to meet the demands of the public.
WORK PERFORMED BIZ CONTRACT.
Many suppose that few favorites
receive all the work To he done on tho