The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1878-02-19


cent amusemsnts, and talking bitterl,
against the government for not institu
ting better condition of Affairs anC
putting an end to these terrible times
/ Would such an observer be at loss x
discover the cause OF the times and Il
suggest the remedy? It seems TO m'
that a people situated as we are, Will
fertile soil under our feet, with the
sunshine, the rain, and the dew de
scsnding from above, with the improv'
ell facilities for carrying on our work,
and the ready market for our products,
ought 10 feel little difidence in the
use Of this phrase. IL is admitted
that our products are rather low, quite
low, when contrastes with the prices OF
former years. But on the other hand
many articles that We buy are compare
lively low. Implements for carrying
on our work can be procured ut great
ly reduced rates. Dry goods aud gro
ceries are not very dear, while whisky
and tobacco ought to be so high in
price (though low in real value) as to
be beyond the reach OF everybody.
Now our greatest Inconvenience and
trouble do not come so much from the
want of means to provide the things
for our present comfort, as from the
want OF means to pay for what has al.
ready been purchased and not yet paid
for. The Indebtedness with which we
have TO contend 10 one OF the great
causes OF the perplexity and derange-
ment that sorely afflict us. II weighs
rs down with a tremendous force, or
hangs like dark cloud over the hori-
zon Of our future prosperity and ad-
vancement. II is wonderful with what
avidity, nations, States, corporations,
individuals, have embraced this adver-
sary OF their peace and comfort
Among the first things that q city or
village does after being incorporated is
10 create q debt aud then tax the peo.
pie TO pay it's interest. Individuals in
many instances have done similar
things in the management OF individ'
nal affairs. Perhaps we have borrow
ad money at high rate OF interest,
expecting AT future time TO pay both
interest and principal; in many in
stances we can and do, in Others we
,annot without great Inconvenience
and trouble. These things harass and
sorment US with unrelsntiug force
What shall we do under such circum-
Shall we sit down, fold our
hands in idleness and despair, mourn
pur fate, ponder over all the uphill OF
ife, and charge Providence with M
kindness because We are unhappy
Most certainly not. Rather let rs
rise in the dignity OF true manliness,
Nth hearts OF cheeriulness and heads
clear in the understanding OF our duty,
ct US meet the difficulty iairly and
,auarely, resolving 10 profit by past
.1perience and 20 work msnfully for n
better condition OF things; curtail all
Unnecessary expense, live within our
means, give attention TO business, do
thoroughly whatever we undertake,
md we will vet be successful in getting
lut from under tins system Of slavery
hat is such n constant source OF be-
vilderment and anxiety. This subject
4 Indebtedness is rather delicate one
,nd perhaps somewhat out OF order at
his time and place. l have barely al
uded TO it under the conviction that II
one OF the greatest impediments 20
he onward movement OF the industries
Il our country that we have to meet
md overcome. II is not expected that
his Institute in its limited capacity
,an revolutionize the world with refer
nee TO this great evil, but possibly
.sn do something in that direction.
Farmers Of Hillsdale County, We
lave a noble work committed 10 our
are, with the facilities for carrying II
N. We are situated in an elevated
,art OF the State, as is evidenced by
he source Of some of the principal
ivers which take their rise in our in.
Mediate vicinity. We have a soil and
Innate we'll adapted 10 the production
4 the kinds Of grain, grass, yegeta
lies, and fruit, usually raised in our
altitude. We have good pure water
rom springs, rivulets aud small lakes.
We are well supplied with railroads
hat lead TO the lumber, salt aud plas
or regions of our own State north OF
Is. and TO the great commercial cities
.nd markets east and west OF rs. We
rave more than half the working force
md strength of the county engaged
n agricultural pursuits. With these
,urroundings and forces with natural
md acquired advantages, and with
arming recognized as the most health
al occupation and the basis upon
Fhich rest, more or less, all the other
Industries OF the country, what can
Under our successful advancement in
his work OF individual and national
prosperity.
It il gratifying 10 know that the la
lies are interested in the work OF this
Institute, as they usually are in the no
)le enterprises OF the day, for much
hat tends to promote the happiness of
,ur homes by making them cheerful
md pleasant, and much of the labor
o the household department connect
d with successful farming comes IN
Ter their immediate control. We look
O them for their convincing influence
lver the younger members OF the fam
ly by instilling into their minds the
zeal worth as well as the pleasures OF
,ur vocation when contrasted with
,ther oyercrowded professions, or OF
he allurements. confusion, strife and
uncertainties of city life. II we car
uake our homes with their surround
ngs and associations sufficiently at
rsctiye, 10 enlist aud hold the propop-
lerance Of the love ard regard OF our
children for rural employments, VIC
'hall have accomplished n great work
d favor Of the agricultural industry OF
pur country. twenty-five years hence
md the children Of to-day will consti-
ute the great thinking and working
force Of the nation. IL becomes Us
hen as fIiends Of the institutions OF
our county, the support of which de-
bends 30 40 great an extent upon the
'rnit of the soil rs elected by the hue
bandman, Co 80 educate our children
hat they may act well their part in
'ife and continue to carry forward the
Iabor and improvements OF scientific
md practical agriculture.
We welcome 90 this Institute all who
feel interested in its success. whether
engaged in agricultural or other rur
suits: whether residents Of this county
lr other localities; and hope they will
feei free 20 take part in its delibera-
tions and discussions.
Next came the essay on
Orchard Cultivation and Pruning.
TT 3 .. xUFFrr, OF READING.
As fruit growing in our State mas
become one Of the leading industries,
aud some are already saying the fruit
business is being over done, vet ven.
ture to say, no land OF the same amount
pays half as well as our orchards that
are taken care Of. But thousands OF
dollars have been lost, some years. in