The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1881-06-03
TO BE OR NOT TO BE? THAT rs
TILE QUESTION.

TO BE OR NOT TO BE? THAT rs
THE QUESTION.
If the Kenosha County Agricultural Socie-
ty is TO have o successful future existence
the people of the county must take deeper
and wider interest in it. There must be O
prompt and full attendance at the quarterly
meetings, where the policy of the society is
shaped and its plans laid. There must be
men and women willing to act as superinten-
dents and assistants and as judges, and there
must be enthusiasm and earnestness in their
work to assure success. Then the people of
the county universally must feel it to be as
nual fair as to attend the unfailing circus.
There is certainly that which is more useful
to farmers families to be learned at an agri-
cultural exhibition than at the sawdust are
ma. do not in any measure disparage the
circus. Fun, frolic and nonsense are among
the legitimate demands of human nature
and must be wisely met; and some provision
for this would not be out of place at our
annual fair.
There are very serious difficulties sur.
rounding the society, but they may not be
impossible of removal to men with brave
hearts and generous souls. One of the most
serious evils is the reputation of the society
for discounting its premiums This can
only be met by the pledge of responsible
men to see that the premiums the society
offers are paid at par to those entitled to
them. If the interest on the debt were pro-
vided for and pledged outside of the reye-
nues of the society, and the society could
have the free use of the grounds with all the
rents accruing during the fair, it could pay
its premiums in full with even a moderate
patronage. With fine weather and the large
patronage that would result from the pledge
that the premiums should be paid at par, it
is more than probable the receipts of the
society would at least cover all its obligations,
including rent and interest.
Are the people of Kenosha county willing
to see the Agricultural Society die?
Are they willing to be known abroad as a
community without enterprise enough to sus-
tain q county fair?
Do they realize the fact that such repu-
tation will affect the selling price of their
lands?
Who would want to buy land in county
so lacking of enterprise p?
The fact is, property of all kinds would
be injuriously affected by such condition
of things. Progress and improvement would
necessarily languish under such circum-
stances. We often fail to realize the stimu-
lus to effort and improvement that the thous
ands oflookers-on receive at our fairs. Under
right and favorable circumstances, the an
nual fair will bring out for exhibition the
very choicest products of the broad, fertile
acres God has given US for possession
There is an inspiration for good, material
good, in an exhibition that would figure uI
surprisingly in dollars and cents. The IRE
sistible truth is, we cannot afford, in the dol
lar and cent view, to do without the annua
fair. And as every citizen in the county il
benefited by it, there is moral obligation
resting upon each and every one to contrib
ute something to the success of the fair.
Next Monday will prove the crisis in it'
existence. If you come with courage ant
generosity, and the determination that thu
society shall live to promote the objects fol
which the generous and enterprising men O.
the county founded it, it will live, and live t,
prosper and bless us. you read this ant
conclude that your farm work is so pressing
you cannot afford to leave it, and, while yol
hope the society will flourish, generousl.
leave the duty of sacrificing day to the pub
lie good to your neighbor. and let MIN atten'
the quarterly meeting alone-if you do this
the society will die and be buried.
| The annual exhibition is not matter o
interest to the farming community alone
The city receives all its share of the benefits
The society relinquished its grounds in Bris
| 4 u IL 30 N a
nosha on the urgent invitation of citizens Q
Kenosha. There is, therefore, q deep obliga
ton resting upon the citizens of Kenosha t
render the society efficient help in this hon
of its need. If you want the society to liv
show it by your living presence next Monday
r. F. ROBERTS, Secretary.