Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-04-09
THE FAIR GROUNDS.
Annual Meeting of the Stockholders
of the Agricultural and Mechanic
Association.

of the Agricultural and Mechanic
Association.
The annual stockholders meeting of the
Tennessee Agricultural and Mechanic As
ISOLATION was held yesterday. Geo. R.
Purvis being called to the chair. The OBJ
iect of the meeting was the election of
directors and to take such measures as
would relieve the Association of its present
indebtedness. On motion the election of
directors was postponed until the first
Saturday in May. Several gentlemen
spoke in relation to the administration of
the outgoing board and in their remarks
commended the fidelity and earnestness of
the directors, both as individuals and as a
board in behalf of the Associations inter-
est and welfare.
The Secretary made his report, showing
the financial condition, amount of subscrib-
ed capital, with expenditures for improve
mentss and current expenses, amount paid
out, etc. From the report we CLEAN the
following figures, going to show the status
and workings of the Association, which
we do not hesitate to say has been con-
Quoted in a much better manner by the di-
rectors than is supposed by parties not con-
versant upon the subject. The amount of
the Associations stock, without itemizing,
in money and labor, amounts to 500, 800,
while the amount Of subscription unpaid
and not available is $500. The real es-
tate with all Improvements, which we may
add are most desirable in many if not in
every respect, is S97,253 Is. The As
ISOLATION in the last three years has paid
out $4,000 in premiums, although COM
mencing on paid up capital of only about
$4,000. The present Indebtedness of the
Association is $4,000, for the extinguish-
ment of which active measures have been
taken, and we see no reason why they be
not attended with desired results. Taking
into consideration the shOlt term of its eX-
istence and looking at the vast and beauti-
full improvements made, TO say nothing of
the $4,000 distributed in premiums, we
think the Association has accomplished a
great deal and we see no reason why its
future should not be brilliantly sue
ceSsful, provided proper assistance,
that which is needed and row
asked for, be given. The Association
has moreover paid the expenses of each
fair, an argument which must be admitted
as showing how far beyond doubt will be
its future career when freed from the finan-
cial obligations that chained it down and
against which all chartered bodies of like
character have to contend. There is con-
nected with the grounds of the Association
eighty acres of land, which, if not already,
must necessarily in few years be valuable
and profitable for the amount previously
invested by the Association. Its site
is quite eligible, and being susceptible
of better and larger improvements than al
ready adorn it, is destined to become one of
the most beautiful fair grounds in the
State, inviting competition from every see
ton of our country. As to the beneficial
results arising from associations of this
kind, developing as they do, by fair and
legitimate encouragement, the resources of
the State, there can be no ground for doubt.
All must acknowledge the good derived,
and all should therefore assist in giving
power to and maintaining the cause Of this
good.
Nashville, whose proud social cultivation
and enlightenment have rendered her re-
nowned and well spoken among the people
of other cities, can be benefited very much
by an Agricultural and Mechanic Associa-
ton. Atlanta, Memphis, and other sisters
of the Southern cline, have a garden in
which to look upon natures productions;
each a shop in which to view their works
of skill and industry, of art and science; a
place at which to exhibit stock, cattle and
agricultural implements; school, where
practical experience has garnered its truths,
and displays in wisest lessons the merits,
and the nature, the usefulness and the beauty
of long and well directed observation.
Louisiana, Georgia, Missouri and other
States in the South have demonstrated the
benefits of these associations, and have an
nual exhibitions that do much, perhaps
more than any other agency in diffusing
that interest and spirit of emulation among
the agriculturists, mechanics and planters,
that arouse the truest energy and enter
prise and develop the wealth and resources
of the land. Even county towns and vii
lages removed from a near and
better access to the more potent
influences of civilization and commerce
than is Nashville, have annual fairs con-
Quoted in a satisfactory manner and credit
able style. Then why is not Nashville, the !
capital city, admirably located, with railroad |
to every important place, and |
river communication besides, eminent in |
this respect, and at least up with, if not be- |
fore, her younger, though, we must say, |
more energetic sisters? Has she stopped to |
pick up the golden apple from some glitter
ing hand of prejudice, or is she dallying |
with the charms of social and commercial
luxuries? Why linger dreaming mid the
twilight of the valley, when the light Of duty !
is beaming welcome smiles on the broad
highways of energy and enterprise, leading
TO prosperity and wealth?
After an interchange of ideas as to the
most feasible plan of raising sufficient
money to discharge the present indebted
ness Of the Association, Mr.. Hays moved |
hat a committee of ten be appointed to so
Iieit additional subscriptions to the capital |
stock-carried, after being amended by DIR.
Atchison that two be appointed in each civil |
district,
Gen. Jackson moved that the chairman |
be added to the committee. Carried. The