The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1872-10-24
THE raIK.

u
The Fiftk AAaEual exhibition of the Au-
gusta County Fair is over. 1t was not all
that was expected, jet it may be regarded,
comparatively, asa success. Diselaimibg any,
thing like a fauit-6nding disposition, we de-
sire to call the attention of the management
of the enterprise to fow common sense sug-
gestions Fit is desired that this Fair should
DO permanency, aud grow in Importance
and enlist the interest and confidence of the
Agricultural and Mechanical clements of this
section, there will have to be more attention
directed to the useful, and less to the orna-
mcutal and sensational. 1t is generally ad-
mitted that, the representation OF stock, agrl-
cultural implements and products, and ma
chinery and mechanical Inventions, was infes
ror to former years. while the Hurdle race
and Tournament held their own pretty we'll
if we understand the meaning and design of
Agricultural Tairs, they are to stimulate the
improvement of stock, the enlargement Of
Agricultural knowledge, familiarity with the
most improved machinery for all purposes,
and bring the representatives Of these various
departments Of industry together to inter-
change views aud compare experiences. To
accomplish these purposes sufficient premiums
must be offered to induce persons to bring
articles Of this description to the Fair. 1t is
no light business for persons from distance
to convey stock and heavy machinery and
agricultural Implements to this place for ex-
hibition There should be at least reason
able iLducement. While we have no objec-
ton to urge against the moro flashy exhibit
tions nor to tournaments, hurdle races, balls,
and gay and attractive exercises on the green
sward these should be made secondary con-
siderations the dessert of the occasion, aud
incidents of the Fair The substantial and
enduring benefits should first be regarded
that is, the improvement of stock, tho best
system Of farming, the best quality OF grains,
and the most useful l.bor-saving machinery.
Another defect that attracted our attention.
The awardmont Of premiums was delayed too
long This should be done the first day,
whether tAere are few Or many in attendance.
The primary business of the various commit
tees oush. to be to determine their award
msnts OF premiums as early as possible, SO
that persons wishing to examine and consult
as to the merits Of the favored articles, could
have the other two days to do so. This
those who attend the Fair for practical pur
poses.
Some effort should be made to enlarge the
scope OF ihe f-.lr-that is, ondcavor to induce
sone of the adjacent counties to join in with
us, aud constitute it a District Exhibition
Rockingham was pretty fairly represented Oh
this cccasien,- not only in stock, but by some
of her most enterprising and substantial CIT
izens They scanned to take an interest in it.
The Railroad will be completed, before an
other exhibition. through the entire length of
that county aud Augusta to Stauntoa. This
will draw the commerc al and social citations
of the two great counties close together. 1t
would b. mutually advantageous in many re-
spects were that county to unite with US
The same With Abemarle and Nelson, also
Highland. Bath and Allegheny. \ number
of representative men were in attendance last
week from all these counties, aud more espe-
b,,t th,vh had hut nA
numbers Of stock to exhibit.
We would suggest to the Executive Com
mittee the propriety Of at once opening cor
respondence with prominent citizens of these
several counties, with a view to the consum-
nation of some arrangement by which deep
or and more permanent Interest would be
manifested by them in these annual exhibi-
tions.
Rockbridge has county fair, bur it would
that county, to join efforts with Augusta and
the counties we have named, in inauguratng
great Valley Fair. The exhibition for that
county, was held at the same time that the
Augusta Fair was going on. We do not
know how this happened, but hope it will not
occur again There can be nothing lost, but
much gaired, by mutual assistance, comma
nifty of feeling and oneness Of purpose to push
forward and develop all the great interests of
the State and Valley.
An editorial article in the last VIRGrNIAN
under the caption of the the Two Records"
seems TO have had the effect of botnbshel
among the extreme Greeley men. We only
stated the truth. and that should not offend
any one. But soma. Of these geutlepen, anx-
ious for our personal welfare, we understand
raised question as to orr nsotiUe. Well, we
will tell them. although they ha@ not applied
to US directly. We intend to et the people
know. to the extcnt in our power, what kind
of a man they are endorsing when they vote
for Greeley. We want them to do so with
their eyes open. We want them to know
that they are endorsing the slanderer of