Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1884-09-15

vegetables, we shall have samples of soils
compared with their productive qualities,
samples of marble and granite products
exhibits of coal, iron, gold and silver and
other metals, varieties of wood, medicinal
plants, wool, tobacco, ETC., as we'll as repre-
sentative exhibits of the products Of leading
manufactures, plats of unoccupied lands,
and desirable printed information for dis
tribution as to the established advantages
and claims of the different sections.
The possibilities of accomplishment in
this direction need no elaboradon-the
bare suggestion opens up field Of specula-
ton which the State Board of Agriculture
fully comprehends. But we submit that
the highest attainment viii not be reached,
except through the agency Of duly accred-
tied and broadly authorized commissioned
Representatives Of the Board, whose sole
duty it shall be to attend to these matters.
The success of such cannot for moment
be doubted.
One other consideration remains. How
can the agnculturists and manufacturers of
the counties be compensated for the neces-
sary time and outlay? BY the employment
of a competent agent for six months of
work, the major portion of the labor and
cost of gathering exhibits can be lifted from
their shoulders The award of money
premiums for best, and second and third
best exhibits does not commend itself in
high degree. The system leaves behind
more or less of dissatisfaction. 1t does
not develop the broadest spirit, or what
may properly be termed patriotic emuia-
ton. free from all jealousy. 1t would ap-
pear that some such system as ribbon of
honor decoration might well take the place
of money awards. But there might also
be set aside such a sum of money as the
Board can devote to the purpose, to be
divided among the counties exhibiting by
way of compensation for outlay and labor.
this division could be made upon an equi-
table basis and measured by careful judg-
ment of the justice of the distribu-
ton. Thus Sacramento, Yolo, Suffer,
Yuba, Solano and Placer and some
other counties, by reason of the
transportation advantages they possess,
and their nearness to the seat Of the
fair would not expect to receive such
sums proportionately As manifestly should
90 to Humboldt, San Diego, Lake, Mendo-
cino, San Bernardino or Los Angeles.
That is to say, a strong county,
rich in resources, should not receive
proportionately such sum as a
far-distant county or those of small finan-
cial capacity and just developing resources.
And yet such an adjustment of the sum
could be made as to approach very nearly
to exact justice and reimburse in part for
necessary outlay, and at the same time TO
include, to some degree, the elements of
merit as manifest in the grouped exhibit.
Certainly the whole matter is worthy of
more serious consideration and the appli-
cation of greater business sagacity than it
has vet had at the hands Of the Board. It
should engage the immediate attention OF
that body, committee of which has now
an opportunity to consult with agricultu-
IiSts. viticulturists, manufacturers, miners,
horticulturists, and others, which it cannot
enjoy before next September. In short, it
IS not at all too early to set on foot inquiry
into ways and means to-day.