The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1910-11-05
GOV. MEAD WAS GUEST
OF VINCITIA CLUB
Also Lieut. Gov. Slack and Others from
the State House-Pleasant Social
Affair Last Evening Attended
by Large Number.

Affair Last Evening Attended
by Large Number.
The states executive department was
temporarily transferred to Barre last
night, when Governor John A. Mead and
Lieutenant Governor Leighton p. Slack,
with their wives, were guests of honor
at reception given by Vincitia club
in its rooms in the Blanchard building
Other guests included Representative and
Mrs. 4. NJ. Cory of Montpelier and
Senator u. H. Edgerton of Rochester,
Windsor county. Several hundred towns
people took advantage of the opportu-
officials, ma ihfaIy y
tions ever held by the club.
The people were received by the presi-
dent of the club. DR.. y. G.. Watt, with
Mrs. Watt. and Governor and Mrs. Mead
and Lieut.-Gov. and Mrs. Slack, there
being almost continuous line for half
an hour. During the time Bruce's or
chestra furnished music. as for other
parts OF the program, including the dane
ing. After the formal presentation to
the reception committee, the people were
seated and short program was given
after which Dr. Watt called on Sen John
w. Gordon Of Barre, who spoke for a
few minutes in happy manner, and
then Governor Mead was introduced
Governor Mead alluded to the pleasure
it afforded him to attend the affair of the
evening in Barre and said it was doublv
so because of the close association Of
his home city OF Rutland with the Gran
ite city in the general store industry,
than which there is no larger in the
country. lie thought the future of both
the granite and the marble industries is
assured.
The speaker then pointed out some Of
the details of legislation which he hoped
would be attended to during the present
session of the legislature There are
three chief features he said, which call
for attention. ca the educational side,
~ the agricultural side and (3) the
problem OF good roads. He said that
it was all very well for us to 60 about
declaring that Vermont is all right, but
we should not overlook some of the
crying needs OF the times He spoke Of
the position OF Vermont in the states
as regards illiteracy and declared he
was ashamed Of ii, heartily ashamed.
The remedy for these conditions, he
believed, lies in the establishment of a
strong state normal school, where capa-
bic teachers can be trained for Vermont
schools He believed that the three
present normal schools ia the state are
not living up to the demands of the
period. and hence he hoped to see the
,.F
Turning to the agricultural side OF
the state, Gov. Mead said that one rca-
son why Vermont is so backward about
growth in population is the failure to
pay proper attention to farming. The
people do not know enough about scien-
tiGc farming. and he thought there was
no wonder, since there is not single
agricultural school IN the state whereas
Massachusetts,, New York aud other
states have their agricultural schools in
plenty The speaker said that we have
an agricultural college. but he failed
to find more than dozen of its gradu-
ates actively engaged in farming in YER
mont most OF the graduates become, he
said. teachers, ar they become managers
for large agricultural estates of rich peo-
Pile
TO fill want in the agricultural side
of the state, he thought Vermont ought
to establish one or more agricultural
schools, where farming might be taught
for people who will go back to Vermont
farms and put their knowledge into
practical operation.
On the subject OF good roads, the state
ought to 90 slow on the bonding project,
Gov. Mead declared Good roads are a
valuable asset. and good roads we have
in Vermont, he said. He thought the
roads compared very favorably with
those OF other states in this section of
the country. and he referred to some
opinions OF outsiders, expressed to him,
to back up the statement We want
more good roads. but we want to feel
our way before committing ourselves to
some grand bonding scheme, such as
the expenditure OF a million on half
million dollars.
The governors remarks We're followed
with close interest by all within range
of his voice, and he was loudly applaud
ed at the end of it, after which cello
solo was rendered by Lyle Perry and a
reading was given by A. W. Allen, with
orchestra music interspersed. Following
that, small tables were set for refresh
ments, and delightful repast, as pre-.
pared BY Mrs G. n Benedict and the
managers of the club, was served by
a number of young girls.
The remainder OF the evening was then
given over to dancing. card playing or
whatever appealed to the visitors. There
was dancing in the Masonic drill hall
up stairs, large number availing them
selves of the chance to dance to the fine
music bv the Bruce orchestra and encor
ing every number till about ! o'clock
this morning when one of the most
successful social functions OF the club
was brought TO a close.
MISS MACKIE GETS SCHOLARSHIP.