Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1914-07-17
SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE.


June 22d by the United Commercial
associations of Rutland and Addison
counties, for the purpose of doing what
seemed best for the advancement of the
( agricultural interests of the State of
Vermont, in the line of the action of
the Legislature in passing Act No. 81,
Public Acts of 1912. "To establish a
School of Agriculture in Rutland or
Addison County," it was voted to hold
public meetings in the interest of the
establishment of such School of Agri-
culture, and as a part of the effort to
awaken an interest in the public mind,
it was voted to appoint a special com
mittee of three to draft set of reso-
lutions and present them to the State
Educational commission.
The following were the committee
appointed; c. L. Leonard, D. D., of
Poutney, President John M. Thomas
of Middlebury, and {. M. Winslow of
Brandon. After some necessary delay
meeting was appointed for Friday
evening, July 10, at Montpelier, which
was attended by Messrs. Leonard and
Winslow, President Thomas not being
able to attend, but approving the action
of the committee. The meeting was at
the home of Judge Watson, with two of
the commission present, Messrs. Wat
son and Estee, and the following reso-
luton was presented, followed by a
lengthy discussion of the subject
The report of the commission will be
presented in a short time, and it is
earnestly hoped will be favorable to the
establishment of farm school, which
lis so much needed for the encourage
ment and upbuilding of the agricultural
interests of the State, not only by the
present inhabitants, but for the genera
tons that are to come after us:
June 29, 1914.
To the Members of the Educational
Commission, Montpelier, Vt.
Gentlemen:
At a meeting of the representatives
of tn United Commercial Associations
in Brandon, VT, June 22d. the under
signed committee We're instructed TO
draw up and present to the State Edu-
cational Commission set of resolu
tions embodying the sentiments of that
Union and of their respective organza-
tions and towns. Perseunt to these in
structions we have prepared and re-
specially submit The following:
Whereas The legislature of the State
of Vermont passed and the Governor
approved, Feb 10, 1913, an act to es-
tabish School of Agriculture in Addi-
son or Rutland county, known as act
number 81, Public Acts of 1912; and
Whereas, The chief interest and in
dustry of these counties, together with
other counties adjacent to them, is ag-
riculture and many of the best farms of
the State are located within the said
counties; and
Whereas, Much of this land is be-
coming exhausted and cannot be work
ed proftably by the old methods, thus
discouragng our farmers and driving
our sons from agricultural pursuits
and
Whereas, Many sections are in Sc
we're, if not ruinous competition with
other States, notably New York and
Massachusetts,; and
Whereas, The people of these coun-
ties are becoming aroused to the neces-
sity 'of more scientific and intelligent
farming and stand ready to welcome,
patronize and financially aid such a
school as was contemplated for them in
the bill 81, therefore,
Resolved: That we express our con-
viction that of the several plans sug-
gested for agricultural instruction in
the State only one offers US any practi-
cal help, namely. central school and
farm for
lst, The State Agricultural College
is able to furnish only teachers and
superintendents for large estates;
2nd. The one-teacher instruction in
high and district schools offers but
small help for practical farming;
Bird, An isolated farm could not fur
nsh the training in English, Methe
soil needed to go hand in hand with
practical work on farm;
4th. We desire farm school which
our farmers may visit TO see how best
to care for land. trees and dairy, and
where those who desire may take short
winter courses; and
Further. that the success of the Lyn-
donvile and Randolph schools on the
east side of the mountains lead Us to
feel that we should have a similar insti-
tuition on the west side. That these
schools are too far away to be accessi-
BILE to US was manifest TO the trainers
and passers of Bill 81; who, mindful of
our needs, provided for them in the act
creating just such school as we now
petition the commission to establish.
Further, that if the honorable gentle
men of the commission will favor the
establishment of a secondary school of
agriculture, we are ready to submit
plans and offers which we believe will
show our appreciation of the State aid
and our willingness to cooperate by
generous contributions.
Respectfully yours,
Committee c. L. LEONARD, Poultney
on j NJ. THOMAS, MlduleDulN
Resolutions ( c. NJ. WINsLoW, Brandon