The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-02-11
Il did no. rive nv friend Hon. &. c. Lewis

It did not give my friend Hon. s. G. Lewis
time to read his paper on "Public High
ways nor Hon. Landrigan, on the Roadster
Horse nor the Hon. E. A. Giller, on " The
Illinois Farmers, papers that might have
ELECTED profitable discussion.
Isgreed with the Governor whom he said
In opening his speech, that "public charac,
tiers, in general way. are not good farmers"
and further on when he said that "good
tenants. like good stump orators, are always
in demand" My sympsthies went out more
towards the stump orator, than to the tenant.
In regard to the Institute itself, will say
in the language of a reporter, ait WAS sue
cess 1t was largely attended throughout.
Every available seat was occupied, and the
best of order was preserved. more intel
ligent, respectable and fine looking set Of
men that composed the audience, | have
never met with any where, and to use the
words of Hon. p. A. Armstrong, on the oc-
casion 4" have never attended meeting
within the last twenty FIVE years that have
enjoyed so we'll
| In The absence of the President of the
Board, Hon. L. C. Lewis, Of this county was
called to the chair. Mr.. Lewis makes an
excellent presiding officer. He fills the char
with proper dignity, is full of good hui
NOR and is courteous to all. He pays atten-
ton to oil that is said and done, and his
rulings are strictly parliamentary.
In regard to the questions that were raised
havenot time to speak in detail. One, re-
garding the Education of Farmers was
ably discussed, but was left open for future
Institutes to tackle for many years to come.
It is question that should sink deep in
to the heart and mind of every farmer.
Among the other questions that were dis
cussed, there were two that settled right
down into the pockets Of every one present.
One was: Which is the cheaper meat for the
farmer to raise. beef or mutton? and the
other-in the fewest words that can put it
was: What does it cost to keep COW?
These may seem like very simple questions
and may provoke smile, but very few
farmers can answer them. The manufac
turer can tell you exactly what it costs to
make yard of cloth, but the farmer does
not know what it costs to raise a pound Of
wool. He can approximate to, or guess at it,
and charge up the balance pro or con, to the
tariff, and that is all he knows about it,
Such questions and answers come before a
farmers institute, and farmers who wish to
arrive at the truth should not ignore them
They should attend them and take part in
the discussions.
On looking over the large assembly present
and in and going out, saw but two familiar
faces, those of Hon. J. s. Armstrong and
Hon. E. C. Lewis. We three" were the
only representatives, as far as could learn,
from La Sale county. was a stranger in
a strange land, and no one to look after me,
but | got home safe again, and was well
satisfied with my trip. when we three
meet again. at farmers institute, | hope
that it will be in our county; surrounded by
friends, neghbors, acquaintances and others,
from all parts of the county, that there will
be a general turn out, that farmers will take
an interest in these institutes and endeavor
to profit by them, socially and financially.
They are safe investments if there is but
little To be made, there is nothing to be lost
If they result in no good, they can do no
narm. Discussion upon any subject, if con.
Quoted honestly and fairly, is always profit
able, and farmers institutes, when properly
conducted, aside from the excitements Of
religion and politics, cannot fail to be any.
thing else than profitable.