The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-11-01
For the Dispatch.
State Fair.
OCTOBER 90, 1877.

OCTOBER -, 1871.
Dear Sir,-Believing you disposed to re-
'cognize the fact that the welfare OF SocIety
depends for its pcrpetuity and Improvement
on the interest and prosperity OF the sub
soil e., the farms and farmers-and that
their prosperity depends upon the amelio-
rating and elevating influences which must
penetrate them as body, and thus bring
to them light. and warmth, and energy to
rouse them to productive and profitable ac-
ton. I write to ask space in your paper to
place few suggestions before the public,
hoping through the public to influence the
members OF executive and judicial commit
tees Of the State Agricultural Society.
| am impeled to this effort by desire to
see this Society not only an ornament OF
which our State may be proud, but also q
power which may be felt for great good in
every county and in every farmers house.
hold i'm our State; and also by the consider.
alton OF some facts recently brought to my
notice which render it doubtful whether the
Society is realizing such worthy purpose
or even aiming at so noble result.
To accomplish such purpose, to achieve
such result, this Society must not degen.
crate into ring seeking solely Its own ag-
grandiZement; nor must any system OF
fayoritism obtain by which ignorance or
fraud or presumption shall be allowed to
triumph over plain, straightforward honesty
and merit. For If these things are found to
stain its records it will cease speedily to be an
exponent or representative OF the people
OF Virginia, and will be recognized as SIM
ply close corporation, holding its annual
Fairs for its own emolument and the aggran-
dizement Of favored few. Now, bear in
mind, do not wish to be understood rs
making m attack upon the Society. ! do
not charge that such thing has ever sug-
gested itself 10 any considerable body OF
the members OF the Society. Its member
ship is too numerous, and should hardly
expect to lind elsewhere among the same
number OF mon as many high-sohled and
honorable gentlemen. But do say that
there is danger in the facts have recently
learned that these honorable men will have
odium cast upon their fair fame by I'M
worthy servants il such things happen.
The Society must see to it that the
things / shall mention shall not happen
except in such way that the responsible
party cannot commit such an offence against
Justice save ut the certain price of his honor
!. as a man Or his intelligence as farmer.
This can be accomplished by requiring COM
mittees OF judges to examine critically, eX.
] actiy, and thoroughly; SO as to ascertain
whether articles are what they are repre-
i sented TO be. .sl. ~ HI.
Now for facts: Two years ago a commit
tee on sheep awarded prize to pen OF
lambs. The losing exhibitor, a man whose
knowledge Of sheep is not excelled by
that OF any man in the State OF Vir.
ginia, was struck with the appear
ance OF some OF these lambs. He got
1pto the pen and examined the mouths
OF these so-called lambs, and found
yearling's teeth in their mouths. BY the
laws OF the Society this pen should have
been ruled out. By the laws OF honor !,
gentleman would have Withdrawn them
when the fact was made known to him
The fact was stated to a member OF the
committee, and q protest made against the
award. He replied !" Obi we cannot GO
behind the word OF q gentleman!' Nov,
leg The requirements Of the examination By
B Ine committee be SO rigid and exactine