The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-03-18
THEY SAY THEY WILL FIGHT
AND HAVE RETAINED LEGAL COUNSEL
In Order 20 Prosecute Their Ciaims-The
FossilILed Agricultural Board While
Private Corporation Wants to
Feed q While Longer.

organization silently climbed the broad
stone steps that lead to the eastern en-
trance of the state-house Saturday after
noon about 2 o'clock and locked them
selves in the spacious room where they
are wont to hold their annual sessions.
An inquIsitive janitor, who. with
the aid of mop was removing all traces
of the Fifty-seventh general assembly
from the tiled corridors paused in this
laborious task for an instant to gaze in
upon the gathering, but be withdrew from
the door with great alacity when a solemn
visaged member dragged the curtain down
with Jerk. 1t was a secret session in the
strict sense of the term, and ell corners
who could not give the password were
barred.
The object OF this conference was not
10 make preparations for the next state
fair. As matter of fact its real purpose
was to discuss ways and means whereby
the present antique organization could
hold the fort against the industrial and
agricultural board created by an act OF the
legislature. Very shortly after the meeting
had been called to order, Mr.. John VI.
Butler of the law firm of Mcdonald, But
Ter & Snow, put in an appearance. w. A.
Banks, president OF the board, informed
him that the organization desired an
opinion from him rs TO the constitution
atty of the new law. Mr.. Butler gave it
as his opinion that the action OF the legis-
lature was wholly illegal. The result was
that the sixteen solemnly agreed that they
would institute proceedings TO en-
Join the new board after the
members thereof had been appointed,
from taking possession of the rooms that
they now occupy or any OF the property
held by them. II was also agreed that
Mr.. Butler should act as the legal repre-
sentative of the board.
THE charge that the present board OF
agriculture is a republican machine and
self-perpetuating body is untrue" said
President Banks 10 n reporter for THE
SENTINEL shortly after the adjournment
OF the conference. I'VE don't elect our
selves but are elected by the 1876 agricul-
tural societies that are In existence in this
state. We have had democratic secre-
tary for seventeen years. As an organiza-
ton we do not dabble in politics. Tho
paramount idea with US is to further the
interests of this state and not to advance
those Of any political party. We OF
course will not give up possession until
the courts have passed on the constitu-
tionaity Of this law
The members of the present organiza-
tion are without reason fearful that the
state officers in making up the new board
will tender them appointments thereon,
and they therefore make the declaration
that they will not accept. They propose
20 stick together and operate pri-
vate enterprise on the funds OF
the state. The operations OF this
board since it came into existence
and that was before the adoption OF
the constitution ia 1Sjl-have been
marked by n long series of grievous blum
ders 4 brief review of its recent history
will not be uninteresting. During the
year of 1890 il expended g 800 in i'm
provements at the fair grounds, and adj
ded 5000 10 the premium list. IL rained
almost necessarily during the greater por-
ton of the fair week, and the attend
ance was very light. The re-
sult was that balancing no
Its books the board found itself $1,000
short. With this deplorable state OF AZ
fairs staring them in the face the mem.
bers Endorsed one another's notes. This
shortage was simply the outcome OF the
heavy expenditure for unnecessary inn
provements- Just three years before
spent So, 900 for twenty acres OF land
adjacent TO the grounds, rejecting an offer
OF q choice site OF eighty acres on the
Belt road and within easy access OF the
city.
The present grounds, IL will be bore in
mind, are two miles and half from any
railroad depot and on a street railway
line that can barely accommodate its reg
ular city traffic. II is safe TO say that
forty per cent. Of the visitors walk to the
grounds.
For years local horsemen'have deplored
the fact that indianapolis was without n
mile Of track. Half mile courses have for
years boon relics OF the dim shadowy
past, and owners OF good
horse flesh positively refuse TO speed their
animals on such courses. The board
turned deaf ear 10 the entreaties 10 tho
turfmen, however, aud reconstructed the
old half mile track.
At the annual meeting OF the board,
Jan. 3, 1887, Mayor Denny delivered an
able address 10 the board on behalf OF the
city OF indianapolis, suggesting many
much-needsd reforms in the management
and general policy OF the institution. In
the course OF his lengthy address. he said:
believe your good fortune, which resulted
last year In the most successful and profitable
iy followed by placing your society In perma-
nent possession of these delightful quarters will
continue for many years 70 come. The interest
which has recently been awakened In agricult
ural matters throughout the state. the rapid
increase in farm products aud stock raising in
ell sections OF the state, and the evident en-.
couragement you yourselves feel under the
new inspirations surrounding you, will, i am
sure, give new life aud energy to your work
from now on, and result In great gain 10 the
interest you represent. As n citizen OF Indiana,
/ feel q deep interest in your success, aud a
resident OF Indianapolis, my interest is doubled,
for | know that success for your association
means Improvement and success for the city
also
Finding that ths annual exhibitions Of farm
products live stock, machinery. manufactured
goods etc.. had outgrown the thirty-six acres
OF ground, so long used for your fairs, your
board has recently purchased twenty acres
more. adjoining il on the north, making fifty
elk acres in all. This shows enterprise, and I'M
I'll recently i was personally well enough
pleased with your action, although had hoped
20 see you cell your old grounds, IL possible,
and buy new near the line of the Belt
railroad, as briefly expressed myself last year.
learned from your worthy president few
days ago, for the first time since your recent
purchase, thing which induces me to doubt
the wisdom OF your action. however. and makes
me disposed 10 criticise a little. As you have
put my name Cd your program for lad
dress" without giving me q subject, must be
allowed some latitude ~ TO what shall talk