The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1902-08-29

nanufa cturers IN association in which
the productions OF their skill and labors
are exhibited. consists in the free inter
change Of views and opinions; you thereby
stimulate industry. bring together the
most distinguished mechanics OF the state
with not only the work OF their brain
and hands. but they come together to In
quire into the wants Of the country, that
they may return TO their workshops 10
perfect their inventions that have been
suggested by these means. The manu-
facturer exhibits the results OF his In
ventions and labors. the farmer the
mode process and improvements OF the
farm. The trials tests and experiments
that are thus exhibited will create a spirit
Of rivalry well calculated TO develop .Ae
resources Of the state and country"
There is no mistaking the tenor OF such
expressions. They establish the fact be-
yond controversy that the supreme mis-
sion OF the state board OF agriculture was
and Is educational. And this idea re-
ceives support from the fact that Cover
nor Wright. the first president OF the
board. was a university graduate a
statesman OF broad views. a member Of
congress and OF the United States senate.
and twice a minister Of the United States
20 Prussia. and withal, par excellence. an
Indianisn. proud OF his state and de-
voted 70 It's welfare. an historical fact in
MHiCn AHt DodEu may leei genuine
pride.
Subsequent History.
When the state board Of agriculture was
organized Indiana had o. 900 farms. and IN
1900 there were 22lss7 farms. an increase
IN nifty years OF 136 per cent. but the per
cent OF Increase In the number OF farms
affords no rational basis upon which 20
measure the increased percentage OF
staple products. as Will appear in the
eabulated exhibits which are herewith
presented. In view OF the vast totals the
conclusion is inevitable that influences OF
tremendous force have been in operation
20 give Indiana supreme distinction as an
agricultural state.
We do not underestimate the power OF
the press. 1t has doubtless done its part
particularly the agricultural press. We
do not underestimate the ever wagging
tongues OF the trees as they tell OF the
glorics Of the timberland and Its value.
We do not underestimate the influence OF
the song books. of the brooks as they
blend their melodies with the songs OF
the birds and win a verdict for rural re-
treats by their seposefui iuilabies We
do not underestimate the orthodox d.
vfnity OF the sermons preached by the
stones whether reposing In the Bedford
Quarries or piled up In architectural
beauty in the Indiana capital. but after
all that can be said OF these and other
agencies the great work OF educating
farmers has devovcu upon the state
board OF agriculture and the work accom-
plished. though II has been eminently
satisfactory. would have been stil more
gratifying II the state had provided for
twice or three times a larger number of
the annual reports OF the board since
these documents contain the best thought !
OF capable men OF the state on matters |
pertaining TO the interests OF agriculture
In all OF its departments.
We do not overlook the fact that Purdue
university has responded 20 every de-
mand which scientific agriculture has i'm
posed upon It. A thorough knowledge OF
soils and adaptable crops. OF fertilizer and
their proper application to different soils.
ana the demonstration OF facts by ex-
periments. are all In the limo Of agricul-
surai progress In which Purdue has done
ana 10 doing work worthy OF the high
est commendation Nevertheless. the
educational work the state board Of er,-
culture % required TO perform IL scapcely
lsss than herculcan. and n We Except