Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1873-09-19


Mr.. NURRAY's ADDRESS.
The earlier part of the closing day OF the
New England Fair was devoted TO thead-
dress of the Rev. ". II. H. Murray, which
was delivered from the grand stand, and
was listened to by large eoncourse OF
people. The address was valuable for its
yindication of the higher utilities Of farming
in New Englands rather uniriendly climate
and comparatively sterile soil. 1t was an
able and eloquent effort throughout, but the
concluding portion which is given below,
was particularly so
look forward. then, to the time as by no
means distant, when, as people, We snail
return TO simpler and healthier habits OF
life. physically, to a less feverlsh and more
conservative order Of industry, and 10 FAR
more innocent ambitions; when the rival
ries that now divide and antagonize men
will give place to those friendly competlt-
ion- which spring from cultivation otthesoll,
and which have no more hostile exhibitions
than find their manifestations on these
grounds, to-day. Then, American life Will
be truly American, benevolent in its action,
and honorable to the actors; and that
peace on earth and good will TO men
which were predicted by angelic voices
at the birth of the Saviour shall come
in the fall measure Of sweetness and
comfort TO all men. | cannot, before /
close. resist the inclination 10 put on record
in this connection my strong protest against
the conduct of certain people, who, by slurs
and innuendos and Misrepresentation. seek
10 bring into popular disgrace the most de-
lirhtful and elevatlng branch OF American
arriculture-the breeding and training CT
fine horses Such behavior Is both disgrace
ful to themselves and, so lar as 1t has any
influence upon the public, hurtful 10 Inc
best interests Of the country. As pranch
of business it represents an enormous
amount of capital, as the national statistics
show-of capital. too, contributing actively
wear bv wear. 20 the commercial prosperity
ofthe land, and also largely and directly TO
the health and happiness OF its inhabitants;
WHY an animal SO noble by nature, and
uscfni 70 rs all. should be singled out for
reprobatien. or to engage IN his propaga-
non and training be stigmatIzed as low
and vulgar pursuit. passes my cOmprehen-
sion For one. / acknowledge debt oil
Gratitude 10 those who, by importation OF
blooded animals. or careful attention
to the principles of breeding, have con-
tributed 90 the improvement OF the
American horse. | love, with an attach
ment which increases with the passage OF
wears. my native soil and hold that IL cui-
fiyation and employment IN those pursuits
connected with it, Is most conducive 70 the
practice of those virtues which ennoble man
and minister 10 his happiness. l love me
earnest. honorable industries OF the held
and the stimulating companionship OF the
/ -,irited dcuizens of the stable Enough fol
me III when that crowded life which live,
+ In citieS. and To which am now teacher
shall have forgotten meas II surely vii
/ II may sill be- remembered IN the scatter
I ed hamlet~ OF the country, and be occasion
/ aliv mentioned by the farmer hreside as
/ having been a friend of the farmer and o
the farmer best triend-the gentle, service
/ able animal the horse.
We cannot afford. gentlemen, o. allo"
agriculture % pass into decadence- W her
the farming class shall be considered a az
/ inferior class we have revived the dlsastrou'
distinctions of the Middle Ages. Ii Is be
cause the New England farmer has not beer
/ O serl or peasant that New England has be
come what she Is ! doubt II a republic
could endure in any country where asricu.
turc is not the prime industry. The land
1 holder In all civilizations has been a noble
7 A part of the country was his his % love
10 improve. To defend. Having rights HIM
self be was easily educated 10 regard TN
+ rights of others. Being a lord himself hi
could not become a slave Calm OF Judg
meut. economic in expenditures. teryld i
his patriotism. bringing To the discussion
every question the essence of ali tru'
scholarship Il j. not on the larn
THAT little children are worked fourteen
F hours each day the year round, deprived %
school and home influence IL is not OF
the farm that men learn o. corner Erea
interests and impoverish the many that I'M
profitable wealth may be added to the lew
No. gentlemen. such men could never haY'
founded a Massachusetts,, nor can such meI
ever perpetuate her honor. But ] Will de
tain Won no longer. and vet / lnger IN clos
inr. a. one whose pen has found a congo
MAJ If not a familiar theme. bey 1nd tn'
walls of this tent. looking over Your head
and fir away. ] behold the hills and vale
of New England We have changed bu
they remain the sane Our faces fade, the
rose withers from the cheek and the lustr'
deserts the eve, but nature seems immorta
in her youth and renews her beauty VIII
the coming of every Spring. There l. some
thing soothing and sustaining IN tins per
I ormauce of nature Lie l. a. shadow
and our ewes ache in watching 1t. so rapidly
does it tiv. but the soil beneath our feet am
F the sky above our head>-these pass not oul
remain and abide a. nOurlshed snd upheld
/ box rhe hand of their Creator.