The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-01-15
CAUSE OF THE FARM
The State Agricultural Society in
Annual Convention.
A GREETING BY GOV. VAN SAINT
Secretary e. w. Randall Reports
Profitable Year and a Need
OF More Room. -

About one hundred bronzed faces were
upturned to Governor S., r. Van SAINT,
when he began his address before the
Minnesota State Agricultural society in
the senate chamber Of the state capitol
yesterday.
|. There were other faces not bronzed-
bright feminine faces-the owners OF
which came to enlighten the agriculturists
and be enlighteaed by them. Graybeards
good many young men, but middle aged
persons were in the minority.
It was the annual meeting and much re-
manned to be done, yet chatting together
was found so pleasant that the work was
not taken UP until nearly II o'clock
Dean w. M. Liggett, of the state !agricul-
tural school, seemed4to have many friends
to see.
Second Vice President Chester R. Smith
called the assemblage to order. President
John Cooper of st. Cloud and First Vice
President Thomas Shelvin were both abb
sent.
Governor Van SAINT welcomed the mem
bers and dwelt upon the Importance Of the
Minnesota fair He said it was proba-
bly, the finest in the country The gov
ernor spoke of Minnesota as the recog-
nized dread and butter state, and add
ed that it had also become the beef state
Persons from the outside, too, were likely
to overlook the fact that it was the state
of fruits and flowers. This was we'll
shown by the agricultural exhibitions.
The governor referred to an address Of
Ex-Governor Ramsey before this society
in 1885, when the venerable ex-governor
agreed that Minnesota was not too far
north for the successful raising Of corn.
Last year 100000 bushels of corn were
raised in Minnesota, and all fed here too,
except 100000 bushels. Governor Van
SAINT warmly praised the farmers insti-
tutes and the work Of the agricultural
college.
There was hearty applause at the end of
the governors address, and Dean Liggett,
Of the state agricultural college, in the
name of the society, thanked the governor.
Then the goveror was given rising vote
of thanks.
On the suggestion Of e. G. Champlin Of
Blue Earth there was recess Of ten
minutes in order that the members might
meet and congratulate Governor Van
SAINT.
Secretary RandalPs Report.
Secretary e. W. Randall submitted his
report, The equipment was practically
the same as when the present grounds
were first utilized. with the exception Of
q $25.00o building constructed last year
for fruit and flowers. This equipment
had been outgrown in many respects, and
it was absolutely necessary that improve
ments should be made. Nearly every ex-
hibit had outgrown it's housings. AS to
the specific improvements needed, Mr..
Randall said:
Sheep and swine barns must be built before
the next fair. A live stock amphitheater Of
ample dimensions is prime necessity. The
dairy, woman's and poultry buildings have
each been outgrown. and must soon be en-
larged and rebuilt The main building needs
to be thoroughly remodeled and supplied with
power The need Of horticultural building
has already been referred to. The housing
for the machinery department should at least
be doubled. and power and lighting plant
must be provided.
There should also be partial rsarrange-
ment Of the grounds so that, the present con-
glomerate mixing OF concessions among the
exhibition departments may be avoided. These
improvements will be undertaken by the soci-
ETY., so far as its funds will permit, and for
the others the legislature will be asked to
make provision. Z
The opening of the fair at night had
proved decided success, and this feature
would be continued hereafter. Races and
special features had served "the pur-
pose OF drawing crowds