The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1874-10-28
COLUMBIA, s. c..
Weaneaaay Morning. October %, 1874
The state Fair,

Inesday week the state Fair WILL open
in Columbia. Are the farmers. farm
era wives, mechanics aud merchants
preparing for this anticipated gala
week2 The proper authorities are
taking time by the forelock. and uro
putting their house in order for q
grand success. The grounds are being
prepared, the main building is under
going repairs. the stable and stock
sheds have all been overhaulod, the
Sacretary's Office is receiving coat of
paint, and the dilapidated fence on the
street is being replaced by a new one.
Everything will soon be in rediness for
the reception of contributions. Is
there farmer or mechanic in the State
who has noe something that he can ex-
hibit, that will be interesting either
from merit or novelty? If 80, let him
bring or send it to Columbia for the
fair. Then. again, is there farmer,
mechanic or citizen of the State Who
does not feel sufficient interest in the
success of our fair to attend at least
one or two days during the week?
Come one, then. come oil to Columbia,
on the 10th November, and let US have
magnificent success. The railroads
will bring you here aud curry you
home for one fare; the hotels will feed
and lodge you comfortably and
cheaply, and everybody will be glad to
SEQ you. So come to the fair and en-
Joy yourself at least one week during
the year. Read what our correspond.
ent, "a Visitor" says about the recent
Abbeville Fair. II half the Counties
OF the State would each do half as
much for the State Fair as Abbeville
did ior herself, we would have the
grandest display on the 10th Novem-
~5er that was ever seen in the South.
And why can this not be done? It can
be, if our people only half try. Then,
we say again, come and bring of your
effects, aud let the world know what
ARC the products of the mechanical and
Agricultural skill Of South Oaroliniaus.
We have often had occasion to re-
mark upon the advantages to farmers
Of meeting each other in general con-
ference once or twice year. They
not only show and compare their pro-
ductions, but they exchange ideas and
experiences. These reasons for sup
porting fairs derive additional force
from the circumstances of the times.
The agricultural interest is more af-
iecsed by the social and political revo-
luton through which We are passing
than any other. It has need to study
and learn the best policy, the most ef-
fectise means required to meet the try
ing exigenoies in which it is placed.
And not only will enlightenment come
from fraternal intercourse. but encou-
'fagenfent and stimulus. The policy OF
diminution of the area put in cotton,
and increase OF that in cereals. the i'm
portanoe Of making on the farm every
thing in the way of meat, bread and
CHE. food. and Of clothing. of raising
stock. vegetables. fruit, of improving
and adorning the homestead, Of be-
coming really and truly independent.
is one of pressing interest to consider
in the light of comparative experience.
No scene is 80 fit to afford instruction n
npon these and kindred points as the
fair. where variety of products, the
Inventions of mechanical skill, The ys-
zying opinions and practice of exhibi-
tors and visitors, all blend in happy
harmony. and make q study Of the
highest interest. The social oharms
oi suoh an occasion, at the present de.
hghtful season Of the year, are not the
least attractive reasons for desirins
that we shall have fair worthy of the
State and people. and which will b an
honor to the noble pursuit OF agrioul-
tnre and it's equally noble allies-the
mechanical and the fine arts.
The New York Times, of Saturday,
has an interesting letter from its spe.
eial correspondent. q strong Republi-