Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1882-09-15
Ex- Governor smiths Address.

Mr.. President ladies and gentlemen:
have none but words of congratulations
and encouragement, as, for the first time in
ms organization, we meet TO inaugurate q
new departure. This large assembage and
the rich display Of products of the farm and
factory but echo the popular approval, and
certify that both the farming and mechanical
interests of the State recognize the inter de-
tendency OF their relationsand by their pres
ence here give assurance of their sympathy
and their support. With spirit of har
mony and of cordially of sentiment which
promise well for its future success, the State
Agricultural Society and the Champan Val
ley Association have to an extent united
their interests upon terms honorable to both
and with objects and purposes designed to
elevate the standard of farming and TO ad-
vance the interests of the agricultural
and mechanical industries of the
State. 1t was not altogether in q
spirit of rivalry and antagcnism that the
Champlain Valley Association had its in
ception; ii was to great extent the out
growth OF conviction that IA more thoroughly
organized effort was demanded, and on a
broader basis, TO encourage the farmers of the
State to contend against the rivalries and
powerful agencies of competition which
were threatening the very life of New Eng
land farming.
Nor was this sentiment confined to the
lew who projected the new organization.
Scarce periodical in the interests of agricul-
turc, scarce an essay or address relating to
farming but voiced in unmistakablc utterances
the great fact that the sceptre so long and so
proudly held by New England, in this de-
ment OF her industries, is seriously threat.
encd while the whole farming interest," as
If under the shadow Of great cloud pours
g. El ttr Lot. i
doubts and fears
age Of farming land in New Eng
land, the exhaustion Of the land
where cultivation is attempted, the startling
fact that so many of the most intelligent and
entcrprising of our young men are seeking
their future homes in the distant lands and
their fortunes in other pursuits, preferring
even precarious livelihood to the drudg-
cry OF farm work, these are conditions that
may well Ill the minds IF thoughtful men
with alarm and demand the employment of
every honorable means to inspire fresh cour-
age among farmers and render more attrac-
tive and enticing the pursuit of farming.
Yet with all the discouragements that so
seem to dcpress this industry there are
many things to induce the hope that it may
yet be reins,ated to its true position of
strength and profit. Societies for its pro.
motion in its various departments have done
much in this direction men of science have
lent their efforts to stimulate and encourage
II and inventive genius has contributed large
ly by the introduction of new methods and
useful appliances to relieve il of much Of its
drudgery and 10 effect profitable results.
The State society has been most useful in
lis encouragement lis Fairs have awakened
new interest in the exhibition of products
and lis liberal premiums have stimulated
wholesome emulation; while farmers have
had excellent opportunity for interchange of
views and comparison of methods which have
been most sllutary in the influence which
they have exerted.
The Dairymen's Association has been
another valuable aid to the development of
that particular branch, and a marked i'm
provement oyer the old methods has been
the result.
But with all these aids there is still great
want uusupplied; the introduction of ma
chinery has now become an important fac
tor in successful farming and so numerous
have been the inventions in every depart.
ment, IN the cultivation of the soil-in the
manipulation of the dairy--in the prepara-
ton OF food, that necessity has arisen not
only for more thoroughly practical test of
these machines, but for bringing them
actively and intelligently before The farmer.
Nothing OF late has contributed so largely
to the development of labor saving machin-
cry as the Centennial Exhibition at Phlla-
delphia.
Ona lesser but not less important scale il
is proposed to establish some permanent eY-