The Grange advance., 1874-09-02
The State Fair,

St. Paul, and have intended to write
more at length with regard to the pre-
MUM list, but each time we have found
so much worthy Of mention that we
have hardly known where to commence
or where to stop, and have contented
ourselves with the idea that the premi-
um list had probably been we'll circula-
ted and would speak for itself, and have
suffered the matter to pass in this man
ner We took occasion to notice, at
the time the action was taken by the
Executive Committee, that the Fair was
to be no longer made merely place for
horse racing and the attendant betting
and gambling. We have since recog-
nized throughout the whole premium
list, by the classification Of premiums as
we'll as by the iberality, as compared
with other fairs, in the premiums offer
ed for those articles most valuable to
the farmer, tendency to put forward
that which is of most interest to the ac-
tual farmer. We think there is a grow
ing inclination to make these Fairs more
useful and instructive, rather than
merely amusing. In this we rejoice.
Not that our people do not need amuse-
ment, but that they need knowledge and
genuine instruction much more. Be-
sides, that amusement which has ten
dency to corrupt the morals, and lead
men to place false values on things Of
little or no value. and that awakens a
desire to seek money by reckless bets
and ndventures is not the kind to encourage.
1t is false idea that recreation and
amusement only comes through that
which is frivolous or immoral. The
highest amusement comes from that
which is most useful and the most in
structive. Amusement coming from
this source is ennobling, strengthening,
and elevating, while amusement coming
from the excitement of the race course
is enervating and leaves restless un-
easiness that units for the hard work
of life.
To make the Fair place for obtain
ing wisdom, for finding out more Of the
ways in which nature aided by art may
be brought to produce the best results,
should as We think be the object always
placed first. 1t was with a view Of do
ing what little we might in this direc-
tion that we have offered the two prizes
for the best essay on Stock Raising,
and the best essay on Wheat Raising
in Minnesota. To look at splendid
stock, or wheat, is pleasure, but to
know how this best stock was raised,
and wheat produced is not only pleas
ure, but something of untold value.
The party receiving this knowledge
has the means Of adding to his comfort
and pleasure during life.
We believe that men can afford to
compete for premiums at the coming
State Fair, and we hope that every
farmer will be on hand with his best
products.
There are two classes of "Sweep-
stake premiums to which We wish to
call special attention. These are the
premiums offered to the county present.
ing the largest and best variety of vege-
tables Of any county in Minnesota
LIST premium, SIS; I'd, $50; Sd, $25;
and to the county presenting the largest
and best::variety Of grain: LIST premium,
$50; I'd, $25.
At the last State Fair there was
nothing that attracted more attention
than the displays made by the different
railroads of products from their lands.
Certainly each county in the State
could make display that would not
only confer credit on the county, but on
the State, and some of our older coun-
ties could make display that would
make their inhabitants proud.