Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1902-10-03
A PHENOMENAL PROGRESS.

there limit to this onward movement We
know that the world has made greater ad.
vancement in the present century than it
did in the five thousand years preceding IL,
and that new discoveries in the sciences, the
arts and the advanced modes of agriculture
are being made every day. Nature has
been compelled TO yield up secrets which
have been for centuries regarded as be-
yond the power OF human capacity to pene-
trate. Everywhere, In all the departments
of science, in every branch of the arts, i'm.
proved progress has been going on with a
sublimity oil achievement unknown 10 any
age. There is hope for the world In all this
progress, for with 1t will one day come the
development of the true nature and theory
OF government, the proper adjustment of the
relations OF man TO man, right apprecia.
ton Of the nature and value Of human rights.
1t Is bringing forward the masses, elevating
the millions who work. 1t will rouse into
activity their innate energies, and bring forth
their inward might. II creates thought TO
guide the hands that sets all this vast ma
chinery in motion. 1t lifts all TO 9 more
elevated plain in every vocation Of life.
Msay yosTs aince when o4r inty was
bot .hiDiy popUla.sd, aul .a but very
limited portions under an imq- state of
cultivation, q small nuus7F Of pc &c spirited
genGiem, a, AppFeoisting tAe f-s - we were
blessed with soil naturally Kim I'd adapt
Cd To every branch Of we'll objected hus.
bandry, with iimpid streams moving In
every direction, q climate unsurpassed any
where on the continent, large bodies of prl-
meval woods GROWING every hill and Dor.
dering every dimpled valley, and last, but
not least, an atmosphere which gives elias
ITCHY and buoyancy to the mind, strength
TO the system, and makes the blood course
through the veins with renewed vigor and
recuperated vitality, conceived and carried
into execution the organization OF an Agri.
cultural Society. They were impressed with
the belief that an organization of such a
character would create new Lille, new hope
and arouse a more vigorous and aggressive
energy among the people throughout our
county. They held and encouraged the idea
that it would bring the people in close touch,
stimulate their pride, awaken inquiry, give
birth to advanced thought; that with these
new agencies of mind and body must and
would follow a more enlarged, well defined,
well regulated and higher educated methods
of tilling the soil-all TO be supplemented
with fields groaning under the products of
heavy, industrious and highly intelligent
yeomanry.
How far and to what extent the earnest
efforts and anxious and careful anticipstions
of these grand old pioneers, these splendid
old torch bearers in the start of agricultural
development, have been realized every blush.
ing agricultural parterre of the county, every
inviting and poetic meadowlsnd, every hill.
side and crowned summit is telling, living
memory-every field which glows in its
richest garniture is silent, breathing, whis.
pering tribute.
With the cyclonic rush of progress, the
rapid and phenomenal growth OF the county,
the constant tide Of intelligent immigration
seeking homes in our midst, the vigorous
and growing demands in every branch that
appertains TO agriculture, the actual cry of
more room" heard from every quarter, the
Agricultural Society, with all due respect
for the memory Of the founders of its organl-
cation and appreciation of the work done,
concluded, some four years since, to put its
management under the control Of growing,
vigorous and intelligent manhOod-young
men who were competent and energetic, in
sympathy with the spirit of the organization
and in full keeping with the progress and
energies of the times.
What has been the resultf Every year,
under this management, the interest taken
by the farmers and people generally of the
county, has augmented q hundred fold. The
attendance at each years exhibition has in
creased beyond anticipation, and every de-
partment on the Fair Grounds has given
enlarged and attractive additions from eK-
hibitors from all parts OF the county, as we'll
as from many sections Of this and other
States. Indeed, the outpourlngs of our people
upon the FAIR occasions, and evident pleas.
ure they manifested at each and all Is 8
handsome compliment TO the fitness, earnest
ness, energy and faithluness OF those in
charge.
II is, however, Of the present management
of which we desire to say word, for it has
been compelled 70 assume unanticipated re-
sponsiblites as we'll as largely increased
labors, aud every one who may be fortunate
enough to visit the grounds cannot fail 10
observe that every emergency has been faced
and met, every requirement discharged,
every demand for the further progress and
usefulness of the exhibition has been fully
complied with, and every comfort that will
add TO the pleasure and ease Of the attend
ance has been anticipated
The President and the several depart
mental committees have brought about a
very complete, handsome and spirited meta
morphosis Of the entire grounds, and as II ap-
pears to-day 10 an ornament 70 the county
and q distinguished credit 70 themselves.
The grounds have been greatly enlarged, or
uamented and improved. Every vestige Of
the old race track has been swept away and
. hall. mile track, unsurpassed by any 10 the
State, has been constructed under the super
vision Of an experienced and skilful en-
gineer. Expert turfmen who have visited
the grounds pronounce 1t an "ideal track. "
The grand stand, thing of artistic beauty,
occupying a commanding position from
which every inch OF the entire ground can
be taken at q mere glance, will accommo-
date two thousand persons. The seats 10
the grand stand will be comfortable chairs
The entire track has been securely rallied in
and with the new coat OF whitewash adds