, 1881-09-24
address to the Agricultural Soeset
by the.Hon. +. J. Anders.


HalLa TalIey:-Man is endowed by his
Creator, in a pre-eminent degree, with
the attribute Of sociability. pd this
principle impels him to the bui ling OF
cities and towns, to organize societies for
various objects and to delight in assem-
blages of his fellow man, and it is, there
fore, but natural and reasonable that this
element Of our nature should be fostered
and encouraged especially when it can Dc
done t. The direct improvement "f the
intellect and the elevation of the moral
nature. And as AN institution tending u
accomplish the results have just indi
Gated, the Agricultural Fair has perhaps
no superior among the classes for which
it is designed Fairs are of very ancient
origin, the name itself being derived from
the customs Of the Romans and theJl
have been known in almost every civilized
nation. Originally they were species Of
greater markets, recurring at stated and
regular intervals, and at which almost
every known commodity was bought and
sold, and were authorized by grant or
charter from the sovereign to be held at
certain times and in specified places. I'M
England, especially, during the continu-
ance of the duly licensed fair, land none
other could be held) the regular traders
were obliged to close up their shops and
suspend business or be subject to a fine
md confiscation Of goods, unless spec
ally permitted to ply their vocations by|
the "Lord of the Fair And strange as
it may seem to us, at this time these royal
charters were usually granted to high
Ecclesiastical functionaries, generally bish
obs, who Were thereby enabled to impose
their own terms upon those who come
hither to trade, and if they did not ad-
vance the kingdom of Heaven, they at
least filled the pockets of the bishops, Al
matter not neglected even by those whose
business it was to preach the gospel OF the
Redeemer These institutions were, as
then conducted, monopolies Of the most
odious type, and at last became intolera-
bic to the people. At one time, the
Bishop of Winchester was empowered by
royal favor not only to hold his fair
within the city, but TO confisca.e 10 his
own use all merchandise offered for sale,
Siuring t.fnir tune within seven miles
4from the town, and in the meantime no
me was permitted to do business outside
of the fair, except by permission OF hi
iordship.
He even dcposed the regularly consti-
tuted city authorities, and placed in then
stead officers of his own section, whose
teaure of Office was coexistent with the
continuance Of the fair itself. A court
sat constantly IN the pavilion for the
speedy punishment OF all who presumed
TO violate the existing regulations. Butt
no one, though duly authorized to sci
ms wares OF provisions within the limits
IF the fair. was allowed to dispose Of an|
unfit or unwholesome article and if he|
lid so. he was as sunmarilly punished as
he who clandes:inely attempted to carry
m his own business, in violation OF the
bishops prerugative. Vast crowds of peo-
ole we're drawn together on these oeca
sions. even from long distances, and not
withstanding their Objectionable and OPP
press:ve features, a spirit OF trade and on
emulation was induced which resulted in
much good.
Il He who raised the best horse, or pig OF
Cow. WAS sure to receive tor 1t the best
price, while he who wished tn purchase
was certain TO find the best Of what he
Il reo,ired. The successful producer WIS
thereby encouraged and the unsuccessful
Hstimulated to Renewed efforts. Thus
many European towns became famous for
heir fairs, and the quantity AMI eharae-
Ter of the commodities brou. ht there for
sale. Especially may ] mention the great
IS book fairs Of Leipsic, where auth"rs ard
bookselIers congregated IN immense num-
Hbers, and from all parts Of the country,
and which no doubt materially aided Ill
< making that city noted literary center.
81 have made this brief aliusiun to the
,rieiin and object Of fairs, merely 10 show
chat while our agricultural fairs, are pc
culiarly American institutions, as no"
Conducted, the idea upon which they art
Founded is older than our countrys his
tory.
But though the idea itself Is an old one,
r. has been in later times so improved
anon that the ancient institution has
(hesn shorn Of most of its Objectionable fea
,,res and has lost many of Its former
rualities. The element of trade does MOI
,ow enter into its objects. Improvement
.ocially. intellectually and materially Is
Is motto, and progress IN all the pr'ic
f;cal affairs of life its aim BY bringing
.ocetber the products OF the dairy, tht
richard. the farm, aud the work shop
md rewarding, by a pecuniary comPensa
ron he who has excelied all others II
ais own department OF industry, a healthy
,nir,t of emulation is aroused, and iaud-
,b,e desire To excel is engendered Ere;
,;scnssion and interchange of ideas, lead
-ohetter methods, greater production. and
broader practical knowledge. Old ap
,l;ances and obsolete methods and thee,
i,,s are discarded by the intelligent
farmers Of today, and Others requTed by
.,rsseot needs are substituted But Ill
rider to attain the objects aimed at by
ur ,ricultura, society, it is necessary
b., our whole people shonld unreser
,edly and in the undertaking Ihe lev
,5;v;duals who are associated together
: =, oroan;zed body under the name OF
=. ..Wal,a Wslla Agricultural Society,
,Iane are powerless to accomplish all tha'
no and should be realized for the
GOD Of the community Bat 1t IS oo-