The record-union., 1899-09-16
LESSON OF THE CLOSE OF THE
FAIR.

than attendance and satisfying income
1t has brought together more inter-
ested, and we can say a larger number
of the better order of California citi-
zenship than ever before. This indi-
Gates an awakened interest in the State
among the very people who ought to
take on much concern for this annual
exposition in the name of the State.
In other words the State Fair is be-
ginning to rise superior to the years Of
unjust charges and misconceptions con-
corning it, which have been industrially
cultivated against it by an unthinking
class and by jealous intelligences with
the idea that If the fair was given
blows, Sacramento would be hurt, and
that to injure the Capital City of the
State is always praiseworthy and in
order.
This same sentiment to some extent
once obtained in other States regarding
their Capitals, but in time it dfsap-
peared and justice and reason have pre-
vailed. Sacramento is superior to fairs.
anu IOllNGnL1OLS. I1GT O6S-
tiny is not dependent upon them. But
this is the seat Of government natural,
and assuredly commendable pride ami
mates our people and moves them on
to take honest concern and lively in
terest in these institutions.
Would any one have it otherwise?
Should not the people Of Capital city
take very lively interest in ali that
pertains to that municipal rank? We
recall that in one year not so long ago
the people of Sacramento, disgusted
and mortified over the unjust criticism
of the city, by which it had been posted
as a mere State dependent, and with
its very life hanging by the thread of
political favor, withdrew from concern
about either Legislature, fair or con-
ventions; withheld themselves and by
common agreement, though unspoken,
1t was resolved to let it be known that
the people Of the Capital City were un-
interested.
What was the result? AS to the Leg
islature there went UP a shout of pro-
test that it was socially neglected. if
not, indeed, socially tabooed. As to the
State Fair, the reserve of the local
people was so notable that it was bold
" proposed to take the fair from Sac
ramento. while as to conventions, the
political committees did not hesitate to
express their desire that Sacramento
would reverse its new policy.
The lesson was a good one, and since
that time a far better and more irst
understanding has been had concerning
the duties incumbent upon this people
as residents of the Capital City Of the
state. Since then it has become par
excellence the convention city, with no
olher at all comparable with 1t in ad-
Vantages and desirability. Since then
the fair has had the lively aid of the
local people, and not a word from
abroad has been heard in opposition. In
SNORT common sense has prevailed over
hysterical and cruel injustice.
That the success of the fair this year
has been due largely to the labors of
the. Citizens State Fair Club and the
Cha[nber Of Commerce, is denied by no
one' ana these labors have been heart
Ay seconded by ell the people. It has
cost these organizations and the busi-
ness purse far more than it has finan-
cialiy benefited the community. But it
has done better than any money reward
could do, it has gratified commendable
pride. 1t has revealed to the people of
the state fine example of public spirit.
ana 1t has quickened interest il, the
1alr In sections where before it was in
exceeding disfavor. It has brought into
aeuVe cooperation for the success of
the State exposition. communities
which before We're represented at the
falr by exhibits or by representatives
only at rare intervals, and even then
with something of protest.
A pace has now been set that win
not probably lessen in speed or stride
Nhat 1t is needful to do now is to con-
tlnue the educational work of the Citi-
zens' State Fair Club and the Chamber
OF Commerce. with view to making
the fair fulfill its whole purpose. name
~ represent in the largest sense the
whole State; to work out of it about
all localism which slander and jealousy
nave attached to it. To that end If is
needful that the present effort shall moi
slacken.
year is not too long a. time in
which to sow the seed of information as
to just what the fair is, what it's rela-
ton to the whole State. what the in
terest Of all sections of the common
wealth in it should be, and just What
its office Of good is for all parts of the
State. Too much praise can scarcely be
awarded to the organizations which
have so generously labored, ard so un-
selfishly let us add, to bring about a
changed public sentiment regarding the
fair of the State and its possibilities for
good.
To the Citizens State Fair Club, the
Chamber of Commerce, the Patrons of
Husbandry, the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows. the Foresters. the Gale