The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1878-12-10


1t certainly is sad to be living in constant
fear Of losing situation; but by the time
the devil retires there will be found
any number of men capable of carrying |
on his business at the old stand. Men
who are now silent partners 10 the concern
will then branch out-N o, Picay1ne.
|
To the Farmers of Rock Island County.
In conversation with member of the
board of supervisors, who is one of our
most successful as we'll as one Of our most
intelligent farmers, and who is well posted
10 the requirements and wishes OF the
class ho represents. we learn that there is,
among the farmers in the upper end of the
county, q we'll defined desire for more
general Interchange of opinion upon those
subjects that relate to successful farming.
The evidence of this fact is seen in the
success that has attended the organization
of two agricultural associations in this
county and the success that has thus far
attended their annual meetings.
Successful farming is the only true basis
of wealth of a county and of state and
anything that will contribute to this result
must necessarily interest ell of our people;
and, for the information of those who de-
sire to take an active part in bringing
about this result, we publish the following
ADDRESS.
~ 4,o Ear,ors of Tho STATE of
On call of the president Of the State
Board OF Agriculture, delegates from
more than sixty counties OF this state met
10 convention at the city of Springfield, on
the second day of January last, to consult
upon the agricultural interests of the
state.
During the convention questions were
presented of such general Importance, and
so great interest was manifested, that it
was unanimously resolved desirable to
form state organization, and the under
signed were appointed a committee to
present the subject to the county agricul-
tural associations for their consideration
and action.
The proposed object of such an organiza-
ton is the promotion of the agricultural
interests OF the state OF Illinois.
The State Board of Agriculture, and
the local associations now existing in nearly
every county, are productive Of incalcula-
BILE good, but is believed that union OF
these, through delegates chosen to a state
organization, may increase their useful
ness by concentration of opinion and
power not otherwise attailable.
Other occupations very wisely have moi
only local but state and national uniUns tC
protect their interests, and why should not
agriculture, lying, as it does, at the foun-
dation OF all the sources Of the success OF
all-the life of material prosperity and
national power2
Unless the husbandmen meets with the
due reward of his labor, banking ceases tC
TO be profitable, manufactures are idle
railroads unpToductive, the wheels of com,
merce move slowly and all business Ian
cuisines
While there are varied interests, each
demanding due consideration yet Illinois,
the fourth state iu the union, is chiefly an
agricultural state aud, with regard TO lis
great future still in its infancy. To pro
tect, develop and promote this great inter
ests is Of primary importance to eve7y
citizen, To this end it is OF moment that
each section and county brings to lts aid
the experience OF all others. producing a
combination Of TIE knowledge and judg-
ments OF each, a union OF the power of all
IN securing the results of united conclu-
sioDs.
While the most rigid exclusion of D, lit.
cal subjects and partisan objects is intend
ed, and while an Improvement In the mode
and results of agriculture is the primary
objects, yet, it to secure these, additional
Legislation Is essential 1t is expected that
the influence and power of the association
will be given to such end. Claiming no
superiority, we seek equality in proportion
to the interests involved and just regard
therefore. No more, no less.
1t is expected to elicit views and opin-
ions by local discussions, the results to be
transmitted to the state union by the dele
gates sent there.
To secure this it is proposed to publish,
some months in advance of annual meet
ings, various subjects to be considered, as
for example:
The various modes and kinds of agri.
culture.
The management Of county fairs.
The protection of stock from infections,
and other diseases; from dogs and wild
animals
The development of the dairy interests
and Its protection by proper inspection
laws,
The subject of draining aud fencing.
Public roads and the most efficient
mode of working them.
Trausportation-its defects and lust
remedies.
Taxation-its inequalities, and changes
demanded
Our agricultural Schools and the State
Board OF Agriculture, with suggestions
for increased usefulness.
And other kindred subjects, with such
legislation as may seem desirable. 1t is
also proposed to appoint standing COM
mittees to consider, report upon and carry
into effect the conclusions arrived at.
An early expression of the views of all
the agricultural associations of the state
upon the subject of this circular is respect
fully requested, addressed to A. II. Reed
secretary, at Flora, Clay county, IlIinois.
or to either OF the undersigned committee.
Lewis B. Parsons, Chm'n Flora, Clay
county.
j. 81. Pickrell, Harristown, Mason
county.
Geo. W. Davis, COrrollton, Greene
county.
John Lake Rockford. WinnebaRo county.
y, N McMasters, Sparta, Randolph