Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1885-03-25

Editor Observation-Disclosures there 10
considerable opposition manifesting itself in
some localities to our county commissioners
purchasing fair grounds for the use Of our agri-
cultural society, as contemplated and provided
for by our last legislature, the Farmers' Alli-
ance, Of Austin. feeling Z deep interest in the
success Of said society and realizing the
necessity Of having permanent and suitable
grounds on which to make their exhibitions,
appointed committee of three to look after
the matter, encourage the commissioners to
make the purchase as contemplated, and to
attempt to lessen the opposition to their so
doing, by explaining to the Taxpayers Of the
county why the purchase is proper and neces-
sary.
The absolute necessity Of having suitable and
permanent grounds on which to erect buildings
and make needed improvements, in order to
hold successful fairs, will scarcely be ques-
,ioned. Desirable and convenient grounds are
not always foz sale, but can be bought now at,
we think. reasonable figures, probably consid-
cradle less than 1T any future time. Different
schemes have been devised and several attempts
made to raise sufficient funds for the purchase
Of this land without calling upon the county
for aid. but though many have offered to con-
tribute literally toward the object, still, every
plan and move has thus far resulted in failure.
The real grounds assumed by the opponents
Of this purchase by the county are unknown to
us, therefore, we are forced to discuss such as
-uggest Themselves as possible ones-as, that
such fairs are manipulated by its managers and
interested parties so as to promote their selfish
interests, and that 1t ia to others useless show,
or of little benefit to the public. Charges OF
bad or unfair management are easily and
doubtless sometimes justly made, but we think
such cases rare. hnd not true in general. The
best will make mistakes, and do so uninten-
tis lily, and in this as in other matters, we must
take our chances.
The real question at issue is-are county
fairs a public benefit, or sufficiently so to
justify. our commissioners In expanding $4,000
for grounds to be used for such purposes?
We believe agricultural fairs are not idle
shows, but are now and can be made much
more so, grand educational institutions, where
each can see what others are doing. and by
comparison judge for themselves whether a
change of management Of stock. of seeds, or
of machinery will be for their individual ad-
vantage. If they are educational, then the
same enlightened policy that prevails in pro.
noting and disseminating knowledge of other
matters ought properly to prevail in this.
Economy In the management of public affairs
Is very desirable, brit let it be of that enlight.
ened kind that neither tends to ignorance MOI
poverty. The sum asked Tor is but q trile fol
the county to raise-only about 36 cents on
each thousand dollars Of taxable property.
Surely, county with population of probably
1900 or 10000 souls, with taxable property OF
q hol Z
begrudge this small pittance.
The energies and ability of the society will
be severely taxed in preparing the grounds,
erecting necessary buildings. &C., preparatory
to successful exhibition, after the $1,000 il
expended. Doubtless some in the eastern
portions Of our county object tu the location.
This is natural, but the fact remains that on
account of this section being more densely
populated, and especially ON account of raj,
road facilities, no other point can be 10 asily
reached by the same number Of people as this
No other point has equal OF adequate facilitie,
for providing for the wants Of men and teams
nor have other points the ability to aid ant
every way add to the success Of q fair tha
Austin has.
Without knowing such to be the fact, we or,
suspicious that the opposition to this measur,
arises largely from other causes than those
pertinent to the subject. We trust this matte
may rest solely on its merits, and we appeal t,
the generosity and patriotism Of an intelligen
public not to block the wheels of the car O
agricultural progress, for at Its best it drag
but slowly and wcarily along. Rather give it
LIT EDWARDS and with hearty good will, unit
with US in trying to promote the success of tn
Mower County Agricultural Society.
ALLIANCE COMMITTEE.