Annual meeting ... : President's address

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SIXTH ANNUAL MEETING

llnitclr States l^gntuliural ^ocietD;

HELD AT WASHINGTON, L. C. JAN. 13, 1858.

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.

PRESIDENT'S ADDEESS.

Gentlemen : — Anotlier year of our existence has com-
pleted its course.

We now meet on the Sixth Anniversary of the United
States Agricultural Society to report its progress, and
to concert plans and measures for the future. While
I congratulate you upon the success of our associa-
tion, I unite with you in deploring the existence of a com-
mercial embarrassment unparalleled in the history of our
country. Here we have a visible demonstration of the im-
portance of the great cause of agriculture in the fact, that
in the midst of this depression, when so many of the other
industrial arts seek lucrative employment and find none,
when the fortunes and the hopes of many of our fellow citi-
zens are wrecked, and when the hearts of many more are
failing them for the fear of trouble that may overtake
them, where do we look for ultimate relief, for a power
that can unfurl the sails of our late prosperous commerce,
that can put in motion again our manufactories, our
machinery, and freight the long trains of cars which lately
traversed our innumerable railroads, creating profitable em-
ployment for millions, giving life and enterprise to all
classes of society ? Where ? There can be but one reply to
this question. For these results we must look to the pro-

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ducts of tlie soil. True, there may be a diversity of opinion
as to the cause of this great calamity. It may be ascribed
to speculating and overtrading, to banks and to our system
of banking, to our tariff and revenue laws, which for a long
period have agitated the public mind and taxed the wisdom
of our ablest statesmen.

But I have said, and now repeat what I believe to be the
sentiment of the great American heart, that we must
look to our abundant harvests, to our granaries and barns
filled with plenty, for the speedy restoration of individual
and national prosperity. We talk of the immense liability
of individuals and corporations to foreign capitalists, and
tremble at the thought of it. Those capitalists enquire
with solicitude how can this debt be cancelled ? Farmers
reply, take our crops in exchange for your fabrics, and we
can give you corn and wheat enough to cancel the debt,
and leave a comfortable supply for home consumption.

How important then that Government should encourage
and protect the American farmer by wise legislation, and
by every means in its power. We rejoice, therefore, in the
recent presentation of this subject to Congress by the Hon.
Mr. Morrill of Vermont — in the increased patronage be-
stowed by the Government on the Agricultural Depart-
ment of the Patent Office, especially in the laudable exer-
tions of that department to collate and diffuse valuable
information by its greatly improved Annual Reports, and to
distribute the most desirable seeds in all parts of the comi-
try. We rejoice in these indications of progress, and in
every approximation towards a result wliich we believe to
be only a question of time — the establishment of a special
Agricultural Department at the seat of Government with a
Cabinet office at its he?d. Most heartily do we rejoice in
all these evidences of improvement. The cause of Agri-
culture has been, and should ever be, dear to the christian,
the patriot, and the philanthropist. The seed planted by

the eminent men who have gone before us is now taking
root, and it is our happy ])rivilege to realise some of their
fondest hopes. At no former period in the history of our
country has the progress of agriculture been so rapid.
Great advances have been made in most of the arts of cul-
tivation, but to no one cause are we so much indebted as
for the relief which genius has brought to labor by the im-
proved implements of husl)andry.

TRIAL OF IMPLEMENTS.

In accordance with the recommendation of the Commit-
tee on Agricultural Implements, at the exhibition in Phila-
delphia in 1856, and presented at the last annual meeting,
it was resolved that future awards in this department sliould
be based upon a ^^ practical ivorking trial in the field. ^^ As
the season for the annual exhibition would be too late for
the trial of Eeapers and Mowers, the Executive Committee
sanctioned a proposition from the Implement Committee to
hold an exhibition of these open to competition from all
parts of the country, at some convenient place, in the month
of July last. Various applications were received, with dif-
ferent degrees of encouragement. Among these it became
difficult for the Committee, without personal observation,
to fix upon a location. They confided this trust to their
special agent and secretary, H. S. Olcott, Esq., who ex-
amined the various points i)roposed, and submitted to the
Executive Committee a report in favor of Syracuse, N.Y.
His report was approved, the necessary preparations made,
and the trial commenced on the morning of the 14th
of July, and continued to the 20th. The weather was
propitious, the number of entries large, the interest deep
and general, and the importance of the result to the cause
of agriculture inestimable.

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The award of the judges upon the Reapers and Combined
Machines was announced at the exhibition at Louisville.
That on Mowers, we regret to say, was deferred to a recent
date ; the judges finding greater difficulty in comiug to a
decision. They have, at length, made up their awards,
which will be found in the Transactions of the Society, and
also in their report. The receipts from donations', entries,
and other sources were sufficient to meet all expenses on
the ground, and to defray the cost of the medals and di-
plomas awarded, which amount, with proper vouchers, has
been paid into the treasury of the society.

Much of the success of this exhibition is to be ascribed
to the zeal of the respective competitors ; to the enterprise
and liberality of the good people of Syracuse and its vicin-
ity, and to the superior ability and fidelity of the Board of
Judges. An official report of this trial will be found in the
Transactions of the Society for the past year. A separate
edition of the report has been printed for general distri-
bution.

More than forty machines entered the field, and an honor-
able competition was sustained throughout the trial. It was
a sublime spectacle to see a score of these machines at
work performing the daily labor of hundreds of men in
a single hour. Nor was this a mere experiment, without
any parallel in the actual labors of the field. A western
gentleman informs me that at one time he witnessed one
hundred and sixty-four reaping machines, followed by
one thousand men, women and children, binding up and
stacking the golden sheaves. It was a soul-stirring sight,
said he, to see the grain falling and gathered up at the rate
of two hundred acres per hour.

The wonderful improvements recently made in this depart-
ment are but the harbingers of others still more wonderful.
The day is at hand when the time-honored plow, perfected
by the genius of centuries, — when the mighty mower

and reaper, those astonishing productions of modern inven
tion, which have made the name of America glorious in all
the earth — ^when these propelled by steam, shall roll majesti-
cally across our vast prairies and fertile vallies, to cultivate
our soil and gather up our abundant crops.

These trials stimulate and guide inventive genius, give a
wise direction to the skill and capital of the manufacturer,
and illustrate the economy and great importance of labor-
saving implements.

FIFTH ANNUAL EXHIBITION.

It will be remembered that at the last annual meeting in
this place, a proposition by Mr. Secretary Guthrie and Hon.
Humphrey Marshall, in behalf of themselves and the South
Western Agricultural and Mechanical Society, was made to
hold the annual exhibition, for the year 1857, in the City of
Louisville, Ky. That proposition was accepted and re-
ferred to the executive committee, whose delegation \isited
that city and ratified the appointment of the necessary local
of&cers for the execution of this plan. The exhibition com-
menced under the most favorable auspices on the 31st day
of August, and continued six days. The weather was
delightful, and the arrangements on the most liberal and
magnificent scale.

The attendance was unusually large, considering the pop-
ulation of that city and its vicinity. It was characterised
by the great number of delegations from Agricultural
associations, by distinguished farmers and mechanics, by
gentlemen of high official reputation, and by the liberality
and enthusiasm of the good people of Louisville. The in-
terest and attendance were well sustained from first to last.
An amphitheatre so extensive, crowded for so long a period
with congregated talent and genius, and adorned with
female grace and beauty, it was never before my happi-
ness to witness.

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If the number of entries has been larger at some pre-
vious exhibitions, yet any deficiency of quantity was more
than made up by the superior quality of the animals and
articles on exhibition. Another interesting feature of the
Exhibition was the continuation of the trial of implements in
the field, and of machinery worked by steam power.

From the receipts of this Exhibition the Local Com-
mittees confided to your President, who has paid over to the
Treasurer of the Society, a sum deemed sufficient to meet
the expense of all the Medals awarded. The balance of the
receipts was left in the hands of the Local Committees,
who assumed the responsibility of paying all other pre-
miums and expenses in accordance with the guarantee con-
tained in the original proposition. The report of the
Assistant Treasurer and of the Committees on settlement
of accounts, have just been received ; but considering the
large expenditure for local structures, it is doubtful whether
aEy balance, resulting from the sale of these, will even-
tually be carried to the credit of the Society.

FUTURE EXHIBITIONS.

Li the infancy of this Society, it was deemed necessary
to its establishment and success that it should hold an
Annual Exhibition. In this department of labor it has,
the last year performed double service, imposing upon its
ofiicers a demand for an unusual amount of labor, responsi-
bility and expense. Highly as I appreciate these gather-
ings, and important as I verily believe them to the cause
of Agriculture, yet they have now been held in the Eastern,
the Northern, the Central, the Western and South-western
sections of the country. These have increased the popu-
larity and efficiency of local associations ; they have ex-
tended the area of friendship, and promoted a more
general intercourse among cultivators in all parts of the
republic, and have encouraged the National Government

by our interviews and meetings, in this city, to laudable
endeavors to enlarge its sphere of usefulness. They have
given us a name and favorable position, both in this country
and in Europe ; and would our government grant to us
the same fostering hand that the States extend to agricul-
tural associations within their respective bounds, it would
be deemed both judicious and practicable to continue to
hold at least one exhibition every year. But, for the
want of that aid and in the present financial crisis I
respectfully submit whether this, for the present year, be
expedient, and would recommend that all applications for
the next exhibition be transmitted to the Secretary, and
the question of time and place be submitted to the Ex-
ecutive Committee, with full power to act in the premises.
In case no exhibition should be held the present year, the
Secretary would, in the mean time, have an opportunity to
bestow more attention to the business of his office, to con-
duct the correspondence with increased efficacy, and from
these, to gather materials for our annual volume, which
may be issued either monthly, quarterly, or at the end of
the year, as expediency and the welfare of the asso-
ciation may require. In this way a new interest might
also be given to this volume, by elaborate articles from the
pens of distinguished scientific and practical agriculturists
on subjects previously assigned, and which would be of
great and general utility.

MEDALS.

In concurrence with the Committee on Agricultural Im-
plements, the Executive Committee confided to the Presi-
dent the securing a proper design of a Die for Medals to
be awarded in certain cases to successful competitors,
instead of money. The design was drawn by Hammat
Billings, of Boston, and the Die is in process of execution

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by Francis N. Mitchell, of that city. I herewith transmit
an accurate representation and description of the same.

JDESCRIPTIOJf — FACE.

On the face is Ceres, (Goudess of the
Earth, Patroness of Agriculture,) seate<l
upon a throne. In her right liand, which
is elevated and extended forward in an
attitude of invitation, she holds a wreath
of honor ; in her left the sickle — emblem
of agricultural industry. Her brow is
crowned with the star of Empire, and
in her lap are gathered various fruits.
Around the rim of the medal is the classic
wreath of laurel, and within this are
the words, in Roman letters: "united

STATES AGUIC0LTCKAL .SOCIETY. — 1852.

DESCKirXIOK — REVERSE.

The reverse side is ornamented simply
with a wreath of plants, the productions
of the grand divisions of the United
States, emblematical of the National char-
acter of our Society. On this side are
the Sugar Cane, Tobacco, Cotton Plant,
Indian Corn and Wheat, united with
clusters of the grape, and surmounted, in
an escutcheon, with the time-honored
plow. Thus the great staples of the South,
North, West and East, are wreathed to-
gether, encircling a space ajipropriated
for inscribing the name of the successtul
competitor.

I had confidently hoped that the Die would have been
completed and the Medals ready for distribution at this
meeting in accordance with a previous notice. I regret,
however, to state that some delay has been providentially
occasioned by the indisposition of the artists, but the

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work is now in rapid progress, and will soon be executed.
Immediately on its completion, advice will be given to the
successful competitors, and their Medals and Diplomas will
be transmitted to them hj the members of Congress from
tbeir respective districts, or in such other way as tliey may
elect.

DECEASED OFFICERS.

Among the occasions for gratitude and joy, I recognise the
fact that we meet here to-day many who took an active part
in the formation of this Society, and have constantly contri-
buted to its progress by their presence, co-operation and
wisdom. But all are not here! We are particulaily im-
pressed by the absence on this occasion of Tliomas J. Rusk
and George Washington Parke Custis, Vice-Presidents of
this Society, and active from its formation, both of whom
have been removed by death the past year.

Gen. Rusk emigrated from Maine to Texas previous to the
Revolution which dissolved the allegiance of the latter State
to Mexico, and in which he performed active and honorable
service. After the admission of that republic into the Union
he represented Texas two terms in the Senate of the United
States, and was at the time of his death elected for a third.
He evinced, in a remarkable degree, kindness with deci-
sion, urbanity with fortitude, chaste expression with wise
counsel, and thereby secured great popularity with his con-
stituents, and the high esteem of his associates and country-
men. He was a staunch friend of this association and of
American agriculture ; and those of us who have met him in
this hall will not soon forget the influence of his presence,
and the attention and respect which his voice commanded in
our deliberations. Long will his name be held in grateful
remembrance !

The venerable Mr. Custis was well known to us as the
" Farmer of Arlington," an honorable title conferred upon

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him on this platform by Daniel Webster, at the organization
of this Society, and one by which his name will descend to
posterity. He was present at each of its annual meetings,
occupying a seat on the right of the Chair ; and at the close
of each pronouncing, by my request, a farewell address and
benediction. By his death, the last representative member
of the immediate family of the immortal Washington has
passed away. His politeness, suavity, his generous hospi-
tality, his addresses and literary productions, his historical
paintings of prominent scenes in the life and conflict of the
Great Chieftain ; his rural taste, and particularly his devo-
tion to this Society, — all these embalm his memory, and
give an unfading lustre to his fame. The following were his
touching and prophetic words at the close of our last meet-
ing :—

" The time has come for me to say, — Farewell ! And
when a man, on whose head rests the snows of seventy-six
winters, bids you farewell, the probabilities are that it will
be a long farewell. You will now return to your homes with
hearts cheered and hands strengthened, by this mutual com-
munion and this brotherhood of farmers from all parts of our
great country. And you will come up to our National Capital
another year, each one with fresh cause of encouragement
for the rest, each one with more information, the result of
the year's observation and labors, which he will interchange
with his fellows and thus scatter broadcast over the land.
And as you come up from all portions of the country — from
those classic grounds where our fathers died — let your
hearts be invigorated by their patriotism and your hands
labor for the prosperity of the country they bought with
their blood.

And now, Gentlemen of the United States Agricultural
Society — Farewell ! Go back to your homes and tell your
friends what has been done at this meeting for the cause of
Agriculture, and encourage them as you have been encour-
aged. Continue your devotion to this bulwark of our coun-

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try, continue inviolate our great Constitution, obey our self-
imposed laws, preserve our blessed Union, and our Republic
will be Immortal ! "

RESIGNATION.

Gentlemen of the Society^ — Men die, but institutions live.
Several of the founders of this Association have already
passed away, and their departure calls upon iis for renewed
diligence and activity. I have most cheerfully endeavored
to bear my full share in these labors and responsibilities.
For six successive terms you have honored me with your
confidence as President of this Association, — an office which
I esteem as one of the highest and most honorable that could
be conferred upon me. For each of the last two years I
have tendered you my resignation, but have yielded to your
urgent solicitation, and have discharged the duties of the
position at great personal sacrifice and to the best of my
ability.

Among the considerations which have prevailed with me
was a desire to reciprocate your kindness, and to conform
my action to your judgment, — that my official service was
important to the establishment and success of our Society.
These objects have now been accomplished. The United
States Agricultural Society is a recogTiized national institu-
tion, co-operating harmoniously with the other agricultural
associations of the country, and cherished by the warm af-
fections of the American people. Wherever its exhibitions
are held we are sure to meet, not only gentlemen of all
professions, but thousands of our intelligent yeomanry. The
Society has now attained a standing that will ensure its per-
petuity and usefulness, and a name that will descend to future
generations. My resignation, therefore, which I now, for the
third time tender you, cannot be prejudicial to its interests.
New and imperative motives urge me to this measure. As
the financial partner of a large commercial house, I cannot

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for the present abstract the time which I have heretofore
devoted to your service, and yet faithfully discharge my
multiplied duties in that relation. Besides, I cannot dis"
guise from you the fact that my health has recently been
seriously impaired and my life imperiled by the onerous
duties of numerous official positions, superadded to those of
my legitimate business. Some of these I must sacrifice, and
I think I may now, without fear or reproach, be permitted
to express my fixed determination not again to be a candi-
date for re-election.

By this proposal I seek temporary relief, for my heart
will still be with you and I shall beg ever to be recognized
as an active member of this body. To you, my fellow-as-
sociates, who have shared with me the discharge of of-
ficial duty — especially to Secretary Poore for the fidelity
and ability with which he has sustained me, under the
severe responsibilities of the past year, and to every mem-
ber, I tender my grateful acknowledgments. I beg also
to assure you of my ardent desires for your individual happi-
ness and for the prosperity of the Society ; and should the
time in future arrive when my services in this or any other
capacity may be required, and when a due regard to my
business relations, my family, and my own health will per-
mit me to render them, I shall most cheerfully respond to
your call.

CONCLUSION.

In conclusion, gentlemen, permit me to congratulate you
upon the beneficial influence of our Association and the re-
sults we have already attained. Our anniversaries at the
seat of Government and our annual exhibitions have awak-
ened an extended and general interest in the great cause
we seek to advance. They have acted as a stimulus to en-
terprise, mutual instruction and improvement, and have pro-
moted a more cordial intercourse and a closer alliance

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between cultivators, and the various local agricultural soci-
eties of our own and other lands. They have aided in develojL
ing the vast natural resources of our country — in elevating
the vocation of the farmer to its true dignity, and impress
ing on the public mind the importance of the great interest
of American agriculture and of its protection by govern-
mental patronage.

Never before, in our national existence has this idea
been so forcibly illustrated, because the present com-
mercial emergency turns the thoughts of men back to
the primeval source of individual wealth and prosperity,
the world-sustaining art of agriculture, — and because the
application of science to this art is just beginning to produce
its sublime results, multiplying our products a thousand fold,
relieving the burden of toil and hastening the golden age,
the millenium of agriculture, — when with the blessing of
heaven, the cultivator of the soil shall witness the fulfilment
of his noble mission as a co-worker with God in enriching
and beautifying the earth. Let us then look forward with
full assurance to this blessed consummation — the crowning
felicity of participating more and more in the secrets of that
wonder-working Providence, which causes the dust on which
we tread to bring forth its fruits and flowers in endless
variety and richest profusion, for the sustenance and comfort
of man. Let us then take fresh courage, redouble our ef-
forts, and speed the car of improvement in its advanc-
ing course. Onward bid it roll — till all the arts of rural
life and cultivated taste shall have attained their final and
glorious accomplishment — till from East to West, from
North to South, our country, our whole country shall rejoice
in the triumphs of perfected husbandry, in the blessings
of universal peace and prosperity:

" Till plenty rising from the encouraged plough,
Shall fill, enrich, adorn our happy land."

MARSHALL P. WILDER.