Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1896-03-18
Supt, FIavin's Address.


Following is the address of welcome
delivered by Supt. J. 7. Flavin at the
opening of the farmers institute,
Tuesday morning of last week
Mr.. CHAIRMAN, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
1t was my privilege and pleasure to open the
first two farmers institutes held in this city,
and when couple Of days ago my friend,
Mr.. Kruger, president of the Farmers club
called on me and urged me to say few words
of welcome and kindly greeting this morning
in behalf of the farmers of this vicinity
felt very highly compimented. yet in view
of the pressure of urgent duties ] could have
wished that his choice had rested on another.
Firmly convinced as [ am that meetings of
this character are well calculated to confer
Dement'S upon the farming community, | feel
1t duty to do what little may be in my power
toward making them a success.
With view of promoting our agricultural
interests, the state has made provision for
meetings Of this kind. thereby affOrding
farmers an opportunity for consultation, a
free interchange Of views, comparison of
methods and experience, instruction from
some Of the most successful agricuItursts
in our country, to the end that mutual i'm
provemeut may result, and the work of the
farm be followed more intelligently and pro-
fitably.
Farmers are naturally conservative class,
slow to change tme-hOnOred practices, un-
less it be clearly shown that change means
progress and improvement. The cause of
agriculture is one in which all feel or ought
to feel, deep and abiding interest, as upon
it's successful development largely depends
the prosperity of our country,
suggestive picture, which has doubtless
been seen by very many of you, represents
persons following many Of the leading pur-
suits Of life, with sentiments corresponding
to their calling or profession. The king is
represented as saying, Il rule for all" The
soldier, II fight for ALL The minister, II
preach for all" The lawyer, II plead for
ALL" and many others equally happy and ap-
proPriate, In the center of the group stands
the farmer with hand Oh plOW, who saws, II
feed you ALL And thus it is:
The king may rule Ger land and sea,
The lord may live right royalty,
The soldier ride in pOmp and pride,
But this or that what e'er befall
The farmer he must feed them all.
The writer thinks, the poet sings,
The craftsman fashions wOndrOus things,
The doctor heals, the lawyer pleads,
The miner follows the precious leads;
But this or that, what e'er befalI,
The farmer he must feed them ALL
The merchant he may buy and sell,
The teacher do his duty well,
And men may toll through busy days,
Ormen may stroll through pleasant ways,
From king to beggar, what eer befalI
The farmer he must feed them all.
The farmers trade is one of worth
He's partner with the sky and earth,
He's partner with the sun and rain,
And no man loses by his gain,
And men may rise, and men may fall.
But the farmer he must feed them all.
God bless the man who sOws the wheat
Who finds us milk and fruit and meat;
May his purse be heavy, his heart be light
His cattle and corn and all go right;
God bless the seeds his hands let fall.
For the farmer he must feed them ALL
1t is needless for me to say to those who
come here to conduct this meeting that they
are heartily welcome. AS one whose whole
life has been spent on farm, on the edge of
this city, who has day after day swung the
cradle and the scythe, l tender you, in be-
half of the farmers of this part of the state
sincere and cordial greeting.
To be awarded the prize of the tenth an
nual roundup in competition with SO many
other localities, is an honor which we all
appreciate, We thought, however, there
would be a peculiar fitness in holding the
meeting in this city, located as it is in the
fertile valley of the Rock, and connecting as
it does two of the most thrifty agricultural
counties in Wisconsin. The program for
elaboration has been made with skill and
care. It covers the broad field of current
agricultural effort, and affords opportunity
for free and full discussion. 1t is our earnest
wish that this meeting may prove the most
profitable yet held. Again assuring you of
our hearty welcome shall conclude by say
ing: You are monarchs of all you surv ey,
and we are yours to command"