The Bourbon news., 1913-09-16

proudly given to the nation men of mag
nlfcent ability in the FORUM of powerful minds
and brilliant pens. Among the foremost of these
men of today is Johnson N. Camden, not great
alone in mind and executive ability but for char
acter that is constantly striving for the common
good. 1t was in great part due to this ability that
the wonderfully rich treasures of the coal mines in
Eastern Kentucky sent out to the world, for
he marshalled the capital that opened the mines
and built the railroads into them. Having accom-
pshed this with the highest degree of success he
began to quietly investigate the condition of Ken
tuckys only other great interest-agriculture. He
saw much of her wonderful soil being gradually
impoverished, and he saw the heroic efforts of a
little band of struggling against the tragedy
of tradition. In common with them he saw the
possibilities of making Kentucky one of the great
agricultural states of the nation, and to them he
extended welcome assistance. His personal energy,
active mind and open purse became important
factors in the fight. The chief obstacle that had
been met with the reluctance of farmers to
accept the theories advanced to them For years
they had been living in the lethargy of tradition,
obstinately ignoring the progressive ideas founded
the actual results obtained by experiments. Mr..
Camden conceived a new method of preaching the
doctrines of scientific farming. He extended
invitation to every farmer and to each member of
every farmers family in Kentucky, to visit his
beautiful place Versailles on August 20. He
secured the services of the foremost agricultural
experts in the United States to be present on that
day. and he promised them that feast which is
nearest to the Kentuckian heart, a Barbecue. The
invitation so spenddly extended, was as splendidy
accepted From early morning vehicles of every
description, ancient and modern, streamed into
Spring Hill loaded to capacity with farmers and
farmers wives The interurban service was taxed
to its utmost and everyone who enjoyed
himself for there was entertainment of every de-
Scription. Mammoth tents gaiy decorated pro-
vided with every comfort and convenience, burgoo
made by a master hand, excellent music, entertain
ing and instructive addresses, and treat in ITSELF
a visit to Spring Hill The ceremonies were held
in that part of Mr.. Camden's property that lies
sight to see those countless thousands gathered
there ladies in their holiday attire earnest men,
and happy children In order to accommodate the
vast crowds there were two speakers stands. Mr..
Camden opened the exercises with an address, which
iii part as follows:
"My friends, give you and all most hearty
welcome. | truly delighted to have you here
today | hope you will allow me to tell you briefly
what was in my mind when l decided to have this
barbecue.
always in thinking of Kentucky, have great
Inspiring vision. have been in most of the states
in the Union and have travelled in many lands, but
/ have never beheld state empire that has such
material possibilities, variety of soil, diversity of
products and other blessings as beloved
state-old Kentucky.
an fen vears time she will lead every state in the