The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1876-01-12
The sta1e ROAR Of AgrieuIture.

Several aspects OF the situation unite TO
make the policy of the Indiana State Board
of Agriculture at this time of great i'm
portance to the whole state. This body has
now attained position which commands
attention and arouses expectation. The
state fair has become established. The So
ciety's property amounts to over 100000.
it has held three notable exposjtions and
taken its place by the side OF similar orgsni-
cations in other states, representing the sg-
ricultural standard of Indiana. 1t can
not now recede from its promi-
hence without disgrace, nor can 1t
stand still. 1t must go forward.
Other important duties are presented to this
society which can not be disregsrded. Indi
ana has begun the Purdue University,
which is now struggling into place and ap-
pesling to the state for countensnce, sup
port and such aid as every institution must
have, not of money, but influence, students
and respectful recognition. The state board
have responsibility in this direction, as
we'll as the greater duty of urging on the
progress of the farm interests up to
the front with every other concern
OF the state. More is expected of it
than what has been done in the past,
gratifying as that is. Again, it can not be
disguised that the last expositio was to
some extent a failure, so that new policy
should be considered for the future. There
is an important crisis impending which will
require the wisdom, energy and devotion of
the board to turn the result on the side of
future success. The members of the board
are among the best and nost intelligent
farmers of the state, but they can not give
their whole time and attention to the So
ciety. In one word, the work and enterprise
of the society must depend upon its officers.
president. secretary and other officers are
to be chosen. For president the board
should select with care, and choose
their best man. He should be qualified by
experience and sound judgment, to which
it is important that decision of character and
will should be added. But no less i'm
portant is a competent and efficient secre-
tary. In all societies OF this kind the real
work must be done by that officer.
If he be qualified for his duties by edusa-
ton, industry and ability, he will carry for
ward the purposes of tie board to success
RAOSOONsn6's -
patent to all that hitherto there has been a
defect at this point. The annual reports
have not been such as to do credit TO. the
state when sent abroad, nor to awaken in
terest at home. While the business of the
society has been honestly performed aud
with the best Intentions it has been
wanting in those elements which place the
board and the state itself in proper light
before the country. The public interest and
general sentiment both demand change al
this most vital point, where all the best eff
forts of the board may be counteracted by
incompetency. The work of organization
which Is on hand to-day, is OF the highes
moment, and the board should use judg
ment and act for the welfare of the state
They must know that with sucl
quality OF service as they have has
in the past any very marked progress l
impossible. The clerical and documentar.
} exhibits of the society go very Tar in deter
mining its influence and the respect paid Z