Smyrna times., 1888-10-03

HE late State Fair on the grounds at
Dover, was a success in every particular.
Perhaps no one appreciates this more than
the Directors and the gentlemen who had
Its special management in charge. The
weather, except the first day when few
were expected, was all that could be de-
sired. For this reason the attendance was
larger than eyer before The pomological
and cereal departments were especially
good and worth thorough inspection bv
all horticulturists. The exhibitions of live
stock are not up to the first exhibits nor
were those Of agricultural machinery. Per-
maps the fact that these things, which
should be the basis of an agricultural expo-
sltlon received the least attention from the
visitors, is why there is less concern in
placing them on exhibition. 1t was no.
uceable however, as these decline the
monstrosltles, Punch ard Judy shows,
gambling devices and catch-penny affairs
generally increase. Formerly the people
had the morning to look at the agricultural
EXHIBITS as matter Conformation to them
selves and encouragement to the exhibit
tors. Now, by filing up this time by base
ball games, followed by the horse races in
the afternoon, those persons who are easily
captivated by the excitements of the dav
have little or no time to give to the leeiti-
mate features of an agricultural fair.
Ihe races wherever INDUCED in are insep-
arably connected with betting, though in
connection with horses this has been con-
nned largely to certain fraternity. But
with the base ball addenda to the fair
comes new occasion for betting much
wider In its scope than the other We
have 1t from the best authority that $500
was bet and won on a single game one dav
last week.
However much this is familiarizinp the
public mind with the demoralizing habit
Of betting, still another avenue was opened
IN the numerous games of chance with
noisy men to allure the young and thought
less and start them in a course whose only
direction is in that of crime. If the man.
agement had intended it, they could not
more effectually have laid open the path
Of allurement to those who in the rural
pursuits oflife, are shut outfrom such temp
tations. The games Of chance went so near
to gambling, we are told, as to have some
thing akin to the sweat cloth.
In addition there was the "pinchbeck'
jewelry men selling, after the manner Of
the auctioneer, gold and silver watches
that looked like good time pieces. for four
and five dollars if they could get no more.
These things are not to be classed with the
erry-go-rounds, ten cent monstrosjties or
measuring machines, which are harmless
while they amuse. A farmer who is in no
way connected with the church or consid-
ers himself a moral reformer but who can
not shut his eyes to evil influences that
may be brought before the youth who are
allowed to go there by unsuspecting par
ents, called the attention of the writer TO
these games which he ssw number Of
youths engaging in, and insisted that they
should not be passed by uncomplainingIy.
1t were an editor" said he, II should
feel it my duty to condemn them to the ut
most Of my ability" But the question is,
have not the managers the same percep.
tions and the same interest in protecting
the community Of which they form part,
from deleteriOus influences as other men
who have none Of the responsibilities Of the
Fair We think so, and thus leave the
subject with them.