The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-02-02
MIR. vANDNER MAKES PLEA
 FOR FAIR ASSOCIATIONS

pssaitars pssa os for agricultural imposes of
 Missouri; At the session of the s
 Isy9oo frcm the general revenue annii. ,uIa able for fair purposes about s25:ooo; from what is knofn as the Breeders Fund" The state fair represents an investment of ss3o.se5. and is under
 Maryland recognizes the value of State fairs, and makes appropriations annually for premiums for agricultural
 SMinnssota: The Minnesota States Agricultural Society has one of the most successful organisations in the United States. Thay are aided by the State very largely. having received s30o.000 for permanent improvements. 1t is in fact State institution, sup ported by appropriations from tne State. and they pay the largest prem; exhibits of any similar organization in the country.
 Massachlsetts does not maintain an organization itself. but 1t appropriates agricultural societies throughout the State.
 "Michigan also appropriates liberal amounts to assist in maintaining the State agricultural societies, and they
 
 SMississippi is giving substantial aid to the State Fair. having furnished them with grounsSs. s.n, su,lains., Msa, T.,s ,s.c
 New York appropriates for agricult- ural societies annually about $2s0,o00, and for use of the State Fair Commits sion over $115,o0o. It also appropriates money for each county in the State, to ba used as premiums at county fairs.
 New Jersey appropriates $26,o00 ari- nually for the promotion Of agriculture " New @ Mexico devotes liberal amounts to foster and encourage agricultural Worth Carolina appropristes large amounts for the promotion of interests commission, in speaking of agricultural fairs says: They are by all odds the most potent agency for fostering hus. bandry of every kind. and besides, 1t advertises the State through pubiica-
 'Okiahoma is looking forward to their new State government. as they then expect to he in position to secure more help in their work. As ls' there is an appropriation for each coun- ty for premiums for exhibits at coun- "Rhode Island appropriates, s25,ooa for use of the State Board o< Agricult- ure which is used to enhance interest in agriculture, and it also appropriates S6,500 to the smaller agricultural, hor- ticultural and other kindred organiza~ tions of the State.
 West Virginia appropriates s1e.ooo for the promotion of agricultural inFeT" ests in all It's branches.
 "Tennessee Is preparing to make re quest of the Legislature for an ample appropriation for premiums. etc.
 passed a bill creating a State Fair un- der the auspices of the State. to en. courage and promote all branches or agriculture.
 Everything Can 4Be Grown.
 ""we believe everything can be grown in Alabama which Is essential to fnan- cial success and happiness to farm life. The general uplift of the farmers call ing Is the purpose of our Association: :: We believe a State Fair stimulates and encourages all lines of production, ana tha tweil managed Fairs reach and ben eft all avenues of industrial life. There is no home, farm. factory. or commercial enterprise that 1t not benefited fndi- rectly, if not directly, by big state Fair. No farmer can examine the ag- ricultural, horticultural, dairy and other products exhibited at a Fair but will feel an impulse. an inspiration,to make the results of his own labors equal. as far as possible, that which lie is inspec" ting, ..,. .-.,
 
 nifty, offeeTd annually, will go long way to increasing the value of produc- tion along this line. The raiser of stock also learns useful lessonr. No one can see and study the high grades of horses, cattle, sheep. hogs, etc, at Fairs and again look with content upon the lower class of his own stock with which he has formerly been content.
 Influence For Good.
 "In stimulating industry. Fairs are exerting an ever widening influence for good. It is conceded that man or wo- man learns more of practical and last the highest type of exhibits than can be learned elsewhere in much greater length of time. This educational feat ure becomes paragon of cheapness when the results are studied. The State could not possibly receive greater re- turns for any money expendd for edu- catio nthan that invested for premiums at anual Fairs.
 the means of agricultural schools is a laudable measure. and we most earn estly advocate the States liberality in this respect. But what about those who have not had the opportunity of attending these schools, and those who have passed the years when 1t Is pos sble for them to receive an agrlcul- tural education? We believe the me dium of study from observation which has been suggested, will give the far mer who must needs apply his time and talents. a knowledge through such ob- servation, the same benefit as the young man obtains:
 Fairs undoubtedly broaden and i'm prove the markets for products ex- hibited. The general exhibition of any article of merit. whether agricultural or otherwise, increases popular knowl- edge and consequent demand and en' hances prices accordingly. In no way can, producers improve and extend their markets with so little expenditure of time and money as by making cred itable exhibits at @ central fair. The general prevailing spirit of well con ducted fair is one of optimism, oi hope and of promise.
 Fertility is Wasted.
 "The waste of fertility Is now go- ing on. and will not stop until intel ligence brings about a change. Quan- titive farming, which is careless and inefficient, must give way to intelli' gent intensive and conservative meth ods of farmng. The farmer must ap- ply more brain to his business. and must learn that continuous one-croI system will destroy .he fertility of his soil and bring fatal results. Where can he find this more clearly demon strated than st annual fairs? intelli' gent, rational profitable farming Is not overdone, and the well founded presumption is that the most efficient system of farming will remain undonC until the farmer becomes better ed ucated in the more scientific methods
 "'Fhe amount of money we send Ou annually for meat. corn. oats and hay as well as for horses and mules i' | sor,7 athin0 anoruOus Tt ia estimated