The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-09-26
THE FARMERS INSTITUTE.
FIRST SESSION EVER HELD IN
VIRGINIA.
A Very Pleasant Day at "Chatsworth'"
Mr.. Chasan's Farm-Addresses by Col
ouei Thomas whitehead, Major Mann
Page. and Colonel Curtis.

ne Uftt llltttiUA VI tu'
Institute convened yesterday at "Chats-
WORTH Mr.. II. u. Chaflln's farm, three
miles from Richmond, on the Osborne turn
pike.
About three hundred persons were pres
Ont. consisting chiefly Of farmers, their
wives and daughters.
Mr.. Chafiin had arranged every comfort
possible for their reception and, the inspec-
lion under his guidance Of the farm and It's
equipments fully repaid all for the trip.
eChatsworth- is Just across the river from
Drewry's Bluff and is In. every respect
model dairy farm. Men were busy cutting
and storing ensiage into the immense above
ground s!los, which when filled will hold
about 900 IONS. A beautiful horizonal en-
CINE was at work and all the cutting ana
storing was done BY steam with improved
machinery. MIR. Chafiin has on his place
$50 head Of mich cows, most Of which are
Of the highest breeding and registered.
system was yisable everywhere ana lie
and activity seemed to reign.
The latest improvements in butter max
ing were exhibited and explained to the
visitors, and much was learned that had
never before been thought Of by many Of
those present. Mr.. Chafiin is now erecting
a huge barn in the form of Greek cross,
and seyenty-two feet long.
THE ASSEMBLING.
At 80 O'Clock all present assembled In
one wing of the new barn, where platform
and seats had been improvised. Mr.. Absa-
Ion koiner, president of the State Board OF
Agriculture, called the meeting 70 order
and announced the opening song
"Amcrica"--whichw was sung not only by
the choir, but by all in the house.
Rev. Lewis Guy, chaplain of the llenricO
County Alliance, then offered prayer.
COLONEL WHITEHEAD.
The choir next sang the Gospel hymn,
"To the Work." after which Hon. Thomas
Whitehead arose amidst loud applause and
delivered the address of welcome. Mr.
Whitehead said that those who do the best
they can are entitled 10 the praise Of the
world. ave have done our best, and now
you are assembled to participate in the first
Farmers Institute in Virginia, and if we do
the best we can il will be successful, and
the praise will be ours.
"tnly give the Old Dominion fair
chance, and The will show you that she will
and can be first.
srhe Board of Agriculture are here, and
practical men from other states are here TO
instruct the farmers, and 10 show them how
90 make the calling of agriculture a success
and an honor to the land. | am speaking
the sentiment of the state, OF the Board,
and of every sensible man, when ] say
stretch my hand across the bloody chasm
and welcome--glad wecome-every man
who has the agricultural interest at heart
MAJOR PAGE.
At the conclusion of Mr.. Whiteheads
address, which occupied about fifteen min
utes, the president introduced Maj. Mann
Page president of the State Alliance, who
would reply to the welcoming address. Maj.
Page stated that though he was heavily
pressed with business when he received the
Invitation to speak, he could not refuse when
he remembered the object of the meeting.
when he remembered that the interest Of
the farmers and the Farmers Alliance was
at stake. lie said he desired to correct the
impression that the Farmers Alliance had
any connection with any political party,
but that they were only asking simple
Justice, and tina, they did not NEEDLE
with politics. lie said be was glad that the
farmers had at last awakened 10 the fact
that in union there was strength.
1--WE are here, brethren and fellow-citl-
zens, to learn something. and We have these
learned professors with us 10 teach us.
Colonel Whitehead seemed disappointed at
the size Of this meeting. but ! am not.
Know this Is larger meeting than the
one which assembled in the little church on
the hill In Richmond, which was the start
ing point of personal liberty in this cOun-
try.'' "Brethren, muscle is not all, if it
had been God would have given the mule a
place above man. If we would succeed we
must be thinking men," 1--WE do not ask
any legislation for the exclusive interest of
tine agricultural class, we only ask equality
of rights
eve have met together first TO confer
over our grievances, and then to bring
them 10 the attention ofthe public, and we be-
lieve that then our troubles will be righted.
We believe that by broken appeal to
those In authority we can and we Will
make ourselves felt. We want our rights
and we will accept nothing else. He con-
cluded by thanking the Board on the part
of the farmers for inaugurating this move
ment.
MRS. sAXTON
Mrs. III. Saxton then read an essay en-
titled, "Our Firesides." II was we'll
written paper, dealing mostly with the Joys
and SORROWS of our homes.
Colonel Y. ID. Curtis was next introduced
by the president, who spoke of him in the
highest terms. Colonel Curtis takes great
interest in agricultural matters, and is in
fact the father of Farmers Institutes.
President koiner introduced him as pro-
fessor in the great agricultural school. lie
has just made tour of instruction through
sixty counties of New York.
His speech was more than instructive,
and the most complicated scientific subjects
were handled in such an open and simple
manner as 10 be fully understood by all. 1t
was sparkling with wit, humOr, and COM
plmentary references 10 the ladies from
beginning 10 end Ills remarks were Illus
trated by practical experiments.
In his remarks he said; IL have always
and shall ever continue TO admire the devO-
tions of Nirgnians TO their homes.
''In New York we have a lack of home
appreciation. feel among brethren here
and feel at home. We are all American
citizens and we are all members of the
same grand Alliance.
Last winter we held in New York sixty
two Institutes, and our farmers are being
thoroughly instructed. Our Legislature Is
liberal and has appropriated $1,000 for the
purpose OF conducting these Institutions
York state recognizes the fact that II
is the duty of the Commonwealth TO pro-
mote the interest of the farmers, rs well as
commercial business.
FARMERS DEMAND.
But this was not done until the farmers
pded it. and you will find this will be
y in Virginia. appropriate SlO,-
sJly for the Farmers Institutes
for the interests OF the dairy
- Virginia, has worn out a
but have discovered
bow 10 recover that
as TO the