Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1874-12-04
The Wilmington Fair.

Col. Lilies, il the Wadesbogo Herold
thus calamity espouses the cause Of
those gentlemen who have labored 81
ong and SO earnestly to establish @
! successful series of Fairs here and
who have not only given their time
and their talents but have also beer
/ lavish in tie donation of their OWL
/ private means to the enterprise. He
! says:
! Many persons have come to regard
! the numerous (so-cailed) "Agricultu-
raj" Fairs as but little better than
/ hceuse gambling and author zed
cheating establishments; as untaxed
shows" for educated hogs, big
snakes, deformed men, big women,
precOciOus malformations, vlllainous
i1gglcry, swindles and tricks without
number to fleece the verdant, &c, &c.
To the exclusion of what the work
ing men-the backbone the pill
lars Of oar social and political fabric
desired to see, aud from which mutual
benefit to manufacturers, producers
aud consumers was expected to result,
such "shows" as those mentioned,
with others less reputable, have in
many instances occupied the most
prominent places.
This has not been solely the fault OF
the managers of our fairs. Indeed,
somewhat intimate acquaintance with
some leading men in these "agricul-
tural" associations, and with their
views and wishes, authorizes the asser-
ton that they have been equally dlsap-
pointed and Disguised ct these things
with the people at large.
But those gentlemen had invested
their money; had built houses and
enclosures; had devoted much valu-
able tina to the laudable object in
view; and when they saw the apathy
and Indifference of those most inter-
estcd, when it-as was often the case
became evident that the mere gate
fees or tickets of admission would
not begin to meet Expenditures and
outiays, they were forced to admit
almost any applicant. however decep-
tive his promises or disreputabie his
" show or calling.
Hundreds, thousands would go to
see, but few to exhibit. Our farmers,
merchants, artizans, mechanics, naru-
iacturers have been alike derelict. The
trout BE, the trifiing expense, or other
considerations deferred them from
entering" articles for exhibition and
q generous, fair competition with their
friends and neighbors for premiums.
Often while examining q pumpkin,
tlrnip, potato, cabbage or car OF corn,
w lave heard the remark "Why, l
could have shown better than that :
Why not do it then d.? Why not
fli up orr Fairs with home pro-
ducts and thus drive out stroiling
swin3lers, cheats and gamblers ? |
Let our people now take this matter |
into -, II own hands. They can make |
the approaching Wilmington Fair a |
grand success and permanent and
beneficial institution if they will. On
the D op!c Il Ansou, especially do We |
2a?l; we ar almost tempted to mention
Games; and urge them to not only so, ,
ont carr their fine horses, cattle,
g0atS, hogs, sheep-their works of skill
nd hanIicraft-their home products
tile results of garden, farm, house
lold and shop.
We have IN our county, farmers,
stock -raisers, mechanics, women equal
o :lose Of any seetion-to all OF whom
80 appeal.
Bls;ir your elves then Let the
people Of other counties see what Old
.nson is and what she can do Hnr
mineral resources, too, are magnih-
,ent; let them be shown and such ct
cntion called to them as will result III
heir early Development.
Let ALI carry or send something, |
ma reap the benefits SO Justly due US.
1t is OF go earthly Tor uneartb'y1 Pc
mn lry interest to the writer that An
on be represented; but it is TO him,
nd should be to every citizen, mat
er q pride and Of duty that the pee
Dee country should do her part to
5nder it such.