St. Landry democrat., 1889-07-13
SPEECH OF JUSTICE McENERY
ON AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION
Before the Agricultural Society at
Calhoun.
From Special to the Times Democrat ::


the beauty of the landscape and the hospi-
tality of the people of this section of the
State.
The whole country has been rejoicing al
the centennial birthday of our republican
government. The people have shown
their appreciation of the benefits it has
conferred upon them. The natural re-
sources of this vast territory controlled by
this system Of government is almost be-
yond comprehension. A fertile soil and
good climate have given its inhabitants
health and prosperity. It's mountains are
storehouses of iron and the precious metals
Its plains and valleys can feed and clothe
the world. Its diversity in climatic con
ditions is such that deficiency of crops in
one section is counterbalanced by prolific
| yields in other localities. It is blessed
with an abundant and uniform rainfall,
useful in promoting The growth of the
products of the soil in every locality with
a reasonable certainty as to results and
| supplying this vast area with vari,
ETY. of springs, crystal brooks and great
rivers.
The products Of the soil exceed all other
returns of industry, both in money value
and Importance to the people.
Interesting statistics were here given OF
the great agricultural wealth of the coun-
try. Dairy products amounted to one
third more than the cotton crop in value,
and only one-ffth less than the corn crop.
For the distribution of these vast crops
of all kinds, the country was unequaled in
| it's advantages. 1t has coast line of one
mile to every four miles of surface, linden
ted with innumerable bays and inlets, af-
fording good harbors for shipping and the
promotion of international commerce. while
the numerous long rivers and inland lakes
afford advantages for internal commerce.
But with all the skill and energy en-
ployed to create all this vast amount of
agricultural products, great deal has yet
to be learned, perhaps more in the next
| quarter of a century than in the last sew
enty five years. in which period it is in the
recollection of some presons that the vii
lage blacksmith and wheelwright made
plows for the neig hborhood. To continue
this unparalleled prosperity, to make this
fertile soil produce ten-fold to support it's
rapidly increasing population, it is essen
tial that there shall be educated farmers,
not only technically, but literally in every
thing that improves and elevates man-in
all that is honorable in conduct, ennobling
in wisdom, important in politics and indis-
pensable in religion, so that there may be
a virtuous community and wise people
able to appreciate the responsibilities on
all vital subjs of truth and action. Able
| to counsel and act In the distractions and
doubts of political connections, the solu-
ton of social problems and the application
of scientific and mechanical knowledge in
their place and degree.
He said that his experience in public life
taught him to recommend as study in all
schools practical knowledge of govern
ment. 1t is astonishing how many educa-
ted people there are, who can fuently dis
course upon the jarring discords of Grecian
Democracy, but who are unable to say
word in explanation of the harmonious
working OF our own government. 1t is
necessary to be acquainted also with pub
lie men and public measures.
Great questions relating to government
are presenting themselves for solution
every day. 1t is almost impossible for
every man to form an accurate and indie
pendent judgment upon all these questions.
To certain extent he must rely upon
authority. Experience teaches the singu
lar power of individual action and influ-
ence. Hence the necessity for leaders
in public opinion, which must be weighed
1t is necessary to know how to select
leaders or advisers, men who ought to be
respected if they take more pains in form
ing their opinions than their fe low -citi-
zens, and ought to enjoy peculiar infu-
ence on that account, not always by argu- |
ment, but by the personal influence which |
they command in their respective circles. |
Every element in character which infu-
ences action must be studied. The duty
of the citizen does not end with the ballot.
All questions involving public interest and /
to be passed upon by any department, leg
islative, executive or judicial, should be
seriously discussed and dispassionately
Questions affecting his life, liberty, prop
erty, health and comfort, and the educa-
ton OF his children, in fact, every ques-
ton affecting social and political conditions
is presented for his deliberation, and upon
which he must pass judgment at the ballot
box.
We must stimulate and encourage men
10 inform themselves by independent and
Individual action in order to promote the
Vigor and energy of the organic life of the
nation, so that the tyranny of opinion by
he increasing denomination of sects and
parties may not weaken the people in the
iecadence of law and freedom.
The evil in our political system is in
he apathy of the people. It has existed
ince an early time. John Adams com.
,lained of it in his day. It ought to be
and an enlightened public SEN
iment ought to present questions too Sc
ious for the arts and wiles of the dema-
,ogue.
In ancient Greece the king looked on at |
he cultivation of the soil and rewarded
he laborers. Plowmen at the end of the
urrow found attendants in waiting bear /
ng wine cups to refresh them as they {
assed. In our time the government is {
be ancient Greek king, present and en- t
ouraging by liberal appropriations, and I
ne cup bearers are the consumers, waiting {
reward with liberal hand the thrifty and !
ldustrious farmer.
Agricultural colleges are established by I
le government of the United States to af- q
,rd the youth of this country the oppor- t
nifty to obtain a thorough theoretical i
i'd practical knowledge of agriculture. t
| connection with these, experimental t
atoms are established, where the practi- a
i is taught, and from which the results b
scientific farming are distributed for the
formation of all engaged in agricultural a
lrsuits. d
In every department of knowledge and f
every industry facts have so rapidly &C c
mulated that it requires the energy of 6
e-time to classify. digest and apply v
EN-. Proficiency in one department is a
that can be expected or required. 1t is fl
cessary, therefore, for the agriculturist
have technical training, like the en- If
neer, the lawyer and the merchant. In 10
as in other industrial pursuits, Of
cry day discloses some new scientific to
18th which is impressed into the service b,
mankind fo diminish bun,or fo;1 ,rd ~,