Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-10-02
Baldwin District Fair.

LILO duuudt CApOolbiOA VI LhO odiSAWAh
District Fair Association commenced |
yesterday. The entries indicate the usual
of interest and with clear
weather for the concluding days, We may
hope to record the present. occasion AS a
greater success than any Of the past as
gratifying as they have been in that re-
spect.
AS we have had to wage the battle OF
our progress since the foundations OF this
institution were laid, the present time is
most appropriate to look over the field b
intimately associated has been the ground
work of our prosperity with this instiEu-
ton, that its annual exhibits are perIods
which we have learned to appreciate wish
increasing interest. In them we observe
other than the excellencies of cur climate
as its kealth-invigorating properties are
known. The fertility of our lands, the
great variety of CUR products, the achieve
ments of our growers of horses. cattle,
sheep, swine, and fowls, and the degrees
in which domestic economy can win sue
cess, are some of the evidences melting us
to effort and persistency il the work laid
out for our hands.
1t may be truly said that Virginia to-
day, in many of her opportunities for ma
terial progress, presents the evidence of
good success upon the grounds which the
people of this, the oldest town of the Val
ley and its adjacent country, have dedicated
for that grand purpose. We possess the
land which was uppermost in the mind OF
the Father of his country as he surveyed
the difficulties of establishing freedom on
the American continents land which
would afford support for armies and whose
inhabitants nurtured the inspirations of
patriotism. We blend the past with the
present and invoke their association in
blessings upon the future. We should
properly reverence the sagacity of the
founders of this association for promoting
our industries, as we consider our Oblga-
tions in assuming responsibilities for its
perpetuation. 1t appeals to our manhood
for well-applied effort, and assures us that
from its growth will flow inestimable ad-
vantages, as we till our fields and propa-
gate herds and turn to account the varied
opportunities which have been lavishly
bestowed upon US.
We have much to be proud of and feel
grateful for, as we estimate the practical
benefits derived from maintaining our
Fair. Approaching them properly opens
wider the field of operations which should
Only be limited by the highest achieve
ments. From local, we have assumed
the functions of an organization embracing
a wide district, numbering eleven counties,
and in the chief display in livestock and
the staple products of agriculture, we
should aspire to become the representative
institution of Virginia. Practically, we
learn that our exhibits have already gained
that distinction with our superior breeds Of
horses, the kinds and numbers of herds OF
cattle, with eur sheep and swine, ard the
rich displays Of wheat aud hay piled up on
our fertile acres.
The difficulties which beset agricultural
l1uuSbly AdNO WClSACO ACdNhI bpth Oui
energies, as disappointing profits with care
and toll failed to strike balance in favor
of the farmer at the close of the year. Yet
our situation in the aggregate is better
than other communities where the sell is
not as fertile and the recuperative resources
as ready to assume the best relations TO
husbandry. The course for the future is
best foreshadowed by the experience of the
past. AS viewed when emerging from
desolation and the scenes Of sorrow, we
have steadily improved our situation.-
Chief among the economies ipoulcated and
practiced, have been the improvement Of
our LANDS and the development of our op-
portunities for gain in pursuit of varied in
dustries. The remark that our situation
generally is better than is the case with
our brethren in some other localities is not
made in a boasting spirit. 1t is rather
that we may be of service, and, through
the means of our exposition, render assist
ence and inspire them with hope in future
efforts. Statistics show ard the evidence
exists on every hand that the influx of
capital into Virginia, commencing vigor-
ously few years since, continues, and
that the results dffuse benefits to our pro
ducing interests. These benefits will be
enlarged not only through the objects to
which this capital is primarily applied, but
it will also promote soi-production and
Improvement. Government in all lis de-
partments must realize that the stability
and strength of the country are mainly in
Our agriculture, which returns ten-fold all
that is wisely expended for its culture and
to give it its proper place in the commerce
of the world.
The Baldwin District Fair Association
extends It's greetings to all, and invokes
every interest it seeks to promote to a re-
newal of effort with the fervent hope that
rich and widely diffused blessings may
crown its work.