Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-08-19
THE FARMERs, ASSEMBLY.


farmers which has been convened in Virginia
oflate years, was that of the Farmers Assem-
bly, held in Charlottesville last week. Dr.
John R. Page. Professor OF Agriculture at the
University. Vice President for the State. under
the organization of the Farmers National
Congress, acting as well by the cooperation Of
the Virginia State Agricultural Society, ar
ranged all the preliminaries under which tee
meeting was convened, Thursday, 18th inst
There were in attendance representatives from
the State and some of the County Societies and
Clubs, and quite aHumber of farmers from diff
ferent sections ofthe State, the State Commits
sioner of Agriculture, and the professors OF
Agriculture at the University and the Agricul-
tural College at Blacksburg. temporary
organization was made by calling Mr. W. W.
Minor. of Albemarle to the Chair. commit
tee was appointed on permanent organization
which in due time presented the following re-
port, which was adopted
President. Col. Robert Beverley; LIST V. p,
Col. Randolph Harrison; End V. p, w. G. Mer-
rick; Bird v. p, w. F. Coleman Secretary, FL.
M. Magruder; Assistant Sec'y. James Wear
mouth.
Col. Beverley upon taking the Chair made
brief address, claiming that the farmers are
not properly represented in the councils of the
nation. being rs per cent. of the population OF
Virginia, and having no voice in the councils
of the country. There was no better time than
the present for the farmers to take action in
this matter.
The president introduced Mr.. B. Johnson
Barbour. who had been selected to deliver an
address of welcome. Like all that comes from
the pen or the eloquent utterances of this gen.
tleman, the address was worthy OF the occa-
sion and himself 1t is to be regretted that
space will not allow full reference to The sketch
he made of agriculture in Virginia at different
periods, and the great objects for which this
meeting had been convened.
During the remainder of the first day ses-
sion, committees on various propositions were
appointed and DIR. Page read an essay on wheat
culture. which led to considerable discussion.
The second days proceedings were opened by
the Introduction of DR. NJ P Scott, Professor OF
Agriculture in the State College at Blacksburg,
who read a lengthy essay upon Experimental
Stations with a view OF giving Practical In
structions to Farmers" This was very fine
and exhaustive paper, giving very thorough
review Of fertilizers In all the various compost
lions, with the action of each upon different
soils. He also read disserts ton upon Seeds"
which was listened to with marked atten ton.
Upon motion of Mr.. Barbour, the thanks Of
the assembly were rendered DR.. Scott for his
able an interesting paper and copy requested
for publication.
On the motion of Col. Duke, amended by Mr..
Barbour the appointment of a committee was
provided for. to memorabilia the Legislature
requesting the enlargement of the scope and
increasing the funds and facilities OF the depart
ment of Agriculture.
The Committee on Organization, through its
chairman. Hon. John E. Massey. reported:
1. The object of this meeting is to promote the
agricultural interests Of Virginia.
2. To secure such legislation, both State and
Federal, as will best protect and promote the
agricultural interests of the country.
8. Your committee recommends the
formation of a permanent organization, to be
known as the Virginia Farmers Assembly,
which shall be auxiliary to all other agricul-
tural societies, whether State or National,
adopted.
Mr.. Magruder read an essay upon feeding cat
tie which was listened to with marked atten-
ton and received a vote of thanks. Grape Gull
tivation by Mr.. Minor was likewise well receiv-
ed, and with others on poultry, &C.. was ordered
to be printed
On motion of Mr.. Wingf1eld, the adjournment
of this assembly, when ordered, will be TO meet
in Richmond, 23rd day of October, 1884. at s
P. M, and further, that the Committee on Or
ganization be continued as a committee on
permanent organization, and report at the
meeting in Richmond
A summary of the third and last days pro.
ceedings is as follows:
Professor Huntington. of the University, de-
livered an address upon "composts" and was
requested to prepare 1t for publication. Tht
secretary was instructed to correspond with
the various agricultural societies and the presi
of the State with the view of having q full
attendance of farmers and all interested at the
meeting in Richmond.
Mai. R. V. Gaines offered the following reso-
lutions, which were adopted:
RESOLVED, That in the opinion of this Assem-
bly, the establishment of agricultural expert.
ment stations for testing seeds. Analysing ferti-
lizers, making experiments with the same
adapted to each crop and section. is essential
to the healthful and successful development OF
the agricultural interests of the State.
q That we would earnestly and respectfully
recommend this subject to the Legislature now
in session, and would ask the appropriation OF
a sum sufficient to establish at least one station
in each geological division Of the State.
8. That the president appoint committee Of
nine, whose duty 1t shall be to cooperate with
the president OF the National Agricultural Con-
gress in securing an appropriation from the
Congress of the United States sufficient to fos-
ter and develop agriculture by establishing ex-
detrimental stations in connection with each
agricultural and mechanical college establish
ed by act Of Congress in 1858. as we'll as by the
proper and gen eral dissemination OF weather.
signals through the agency of the railway and
telegraph lines.
4. We would call upon the Virginia State
agricultural Society and all other agricultural
societies in this State to CO operate with US In
carrying out the objects Of these associations.
Motions were adopted thanking the railroads
for reducing their rates, and to the citizens OF
Charlottesville for their kindness and courtesy,
and to DR.. Page for his services in behalf of the
farmers of the State Assembly.
The Assembly adjourned to meet in Rich
mond, October 23rd.