The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1885-09-02
The Pair-Gan,bIinr.

4EultVI lSeslsleI. n
The thirteenth ahnual exhibi.
ton Of the Mason County Agricul.
tural and Mechanical Association,
closed on Friday last. In all the
departments, the display was large
and interesting eqnaling in most
every respect, that Of any fnrmer
exhibition given by the Asfocia
ton. The attendance was not so
large, as on former occa. inns Of this
kind; but thi, is accounted for on
The basis Of hard times in general,
aud the scarcity Of money in par.
ticular. Whilst depressing times
may be an important factor in cur.
failing the influence aud financial
success Of enterprises Of a public
character, YET IN the particular in
stance Of a Fair, we think that the
want Of plenty Of money in the
country, is not the transcendent
cause for i'll success; for the idea Of
an agricultural, artistic and indus.
I
trial exhibit, prcsupposes we'll con
s'ructed regulations, whose chief
and primal ohject is to serve the
best interest Of those who are invi
ted To show the work Of lheirindus.
try and skill, as well as those who
are solicited to contribute Of their
time aud means, in order that sue.
cess, financially may attend the
enterprise. II this be one Of the
primary objects of our Fairs, moral
considerations and social Influences
must have great weight, and be
made the measure by which the
gain is to be computed; since it is
by these ihata country's prosperity
md standing is established and
determined.
But it seems that in the manage.
ment of our Fairs, these important
principles have been either over.
looked, or ignored, while others,
Daneful and pernicious in their
example and effects, have found
countenance and encouragement at
the hands Of the Directors of the
Fair Company, who in the hope of
occurring a few dollars, let out
privileges on their grounds, for
the purpose of gambling at all
kinds Of thieying games. By such
a course, the worst element of the
country, are permitted to ply their
nefarious and thieving professions
among our people, and that TOO, at
our County Fair. where the ven
many Of the country, with their
families and friends are expected
and invited TO come,
During last week our town was
swarming with men, equipped
with every kind Of gambling de.
vices, and gaming schemes, intent
On flching from the good people Of
our county, by lhieving games Of
every grade, So long as such a
State Of things is allowed to exist
at our Fairs, just SO long will the
full measure Of good that ought to
come from Fairs and public gather.
ings, fail to be realized.
Perhaps It's true that the Town
authorities are powerlcss to stop OF
correct the evil, when citizens take
under their protection aud connive
at such evil doings, yet there is n
remedy. The plenary power of the
Grand Jury can reach the cause,
and teach those Of the citizens OF
our town who harbor the gamblers
hat flock together AT our fairs,
hat they cannot openly violate
the law, without feeling the force
Of the wholesome correction of the
law.
Will not the proper authorities
take cognizauce of the conduct of
those who forgot their duties as
good citizens, and bring them to
account for their dereliction2