( / MISSOURI STATE FAIR 1903 - 1904 . J. A. POTTS, President. J. R. R1PPEY, Secretary, JOHN W. HILL, Vice President. CHAS. E. YEATER, Treasurer. SPEECH OF GOV. A. M. DOCKERY. DISINTERESTED COMMENT. DEVELOPMENT AND SUCCESS OF THE INSTITUTION NOTED BY THE PRESS. “Although this fair is an infant industry already it enjoys a vigorous and expanding growth. If liberally aided by the state, as it should be, it will soon equal, if not excel, the magnificent fair of the State of Illinois. This fair deserves the fosiering care, not only of the state government, but alto of the farm- ing and other great interests of our common- weath.”— (Governor Dockery’s Speech, An- nual Exhibition, 1903.) BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF MISSOURI STATE FAIR. OFFICERS. J. A. Potts, President. Mexico, Mo. John W. Hill, Vice President Chillicothe, Mo. J. R. Rippey, Secretary .Lancaster, Mo. Chas. E. Yeater, Treasurer Sedalia, Mo. Executive Committee— Potts, Hill, Maitland, Cole- man, Nelson, Hand, Hayman. EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS. A. M. W. T. H. J. Dockery Governor of Missouri. Carrington, Superintendent of Schools. Waters, Dean of Agricultural College. DISTRICT MEMBERS. 1st Dist. Chas. F. Afflick, Maud. 9th Dist. J. A. Potts, Mexico. 2d Dist. John W. Hill, Chillicothe .10th Dist. M.B.Greenfelder, Clayton 3d Dist. Alex Maitland, Richmond. 11th Dist. N. J. Colman, St. Louis. 4th Dist. S. H. Prather, Tarkio. 12th Dist. W.R.Wilkinson, St. Louis 5th Dist.W.E.Bryant, Independence.l3th Dist. J. J. Conrad, Marble Hill. 6th Dist. John Deerwester, Butler. 14th Dist. F. J. Hess, Charleston. 7th Dist. F. C. Hayman Houstonia. 15th Dist. J. J. McNatt, McNatt. 8th Dist. W. C. Howell, Ulman. 16th Dist. A. T. Nelson, Lebanon. THE AMERICAN TROTTER. * >, . , ( I Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Alternates r https://archive.org/details/speechofgovamdocOOmiss SPEECH OF GOV. A. M. DOCKERY. Delivered at Sedalia , Missouri , on Governor’s Day , Wednesday, the 19th day of August, 1903. MR. CHAIRMAN, ladies and fellow-citizens, I am gratified to have the opportunity of meeting so many of the people of Missouri on the occasion of the third annual display of the resources of the state by the Missouri State Fair. I have not had the privilege of making a thorough ex- amination of the exhibits, but so far as 1 have been able to observe th[em, they are creditable to the state, to the Board, of Agriculture, the beautiful city of Sedalia and to every interest of this attractive and progressive state. Although this fair is an infant industry, already it enjoys a vigorous and expanding growth. If liberally aided by the State, as it should be, it will soon equal, if not excel, the magnificent Fair of the State of Illinois. This Fair deserves the fostering care not only of the State Gov- ernment , but also of the farming and other great interests of our Commonwealth. Missouri is a State of almost infinite resources. In variety of climate and scope of industries, it is unexcelled by any state of the Republic. It is a matter of proud con- gratulation that among the states and territories carved out of that vast domain known as the Louisiana Purchase, Missouri is easily the most opulent in resources and the largest in population. A little more than four score years ago, this sovereign state was admitted to the American Union. At that time primitive conditions prevailed— but a few thousand population, no railways, no electric tele- graphs or telephones, no phonographs, none of the later inventions that have come to bless mankind and accelerate a the march of civilization. During the period of state- hood, the mighty forces of our industrial civilization have wrought a marvelous transformation. Missouri is now checkered with a system of railways, comprising more than seven thousand miles, that has no superior. In the Southwest, we mine the zinc that supplies the demand of half the world. In the Southeast we have the most productive lead mines of the universe. Our agricultural and live stock interests outstrip those of any other state. In horticultural resources Missouri leads every other state and the time is rapidly approaching when the tireless spirit of our people and the work of the Fruit Experi mental Station down on the Ozark Range, will result in finding homes there for millions of people engaged in hor- ticultural pursuits. We have mines of untold wealth; farming resources inexhaustible ; developing cities with St. Louis on the east, fifth in manufacturing importance, and possessing more wealth than the Colonies when the government w r as es- tablished ; great waterways ; railways spanning our rivers and tunneling our mountains, with beautiful villages dot- ting this fair State like the stars which stud the universal dome. All these elements of wealth have come to our people by reason of their sturdy manhood ; their progres- sive spirit and business sagacity; their large hearted philanthropy, and the Corlis energy always characteristic of Missourians. But, my fellow-citizens, great as have been our achievements, the future invites us to still more triumphant conquests. We must continue to go forward in the line of legitimate and proper effort. This fair is tremulous now\ with the thrill of prosper- ity, hut its expanding development should he in complete harmony with the development of other state institutions , and of all our varied industries. My fellow-citizens, I again desire to express the - 4 - pleasure I feel at meeting so large a concourse of Mis- sourians, but it is not my purpose to further stand in the way of the exercises of this splendid Fair. I thought it proper, howiever, to express my deep gratification at the evidence of progress 1 note on every hand. I desire to promote the growth of Missouri’s State Fair, and I appeal to the people to send representatives to the legislature who will aid, so far as the treasury situation will warrant, the upbuilding of this great Exposition. Missouri’s State Exposition should grow with the growth and strength of all other institutions of this proud old Commonwealth. Missouri enjoys the distinction of having paid every dollar of the State debt. Missouri also occupies the enviable position of having the largest cash capital school fund and the lowest tax rate of any American State. The debt has been paid under this Administration and the tax levy brought down to seventeen cents on the hundred dol- lars. I am able to make this exultant boast because of the frugality and wisdom which have characterized the administration of our fiscal affairs. These almost un- exampled feats in finance, however, suggest a continuance of the broad and progressive policies which have made this Commonwealth pre-eminent in the excellence of her state government and the efficiency of her state institu- tions. Missouri is indeed a wonderful state — out of debt, low taxes, progressive people, brave men and the handsomest women on God’s footstool live in the state of Missouri* {Cheers.) With all these blessings, why not make the Missouri State Fair the best in the Union f {Tremeduous applause.) - 5 - A MODEL STATE FAIR. [St. Louis Republic, 1903.] “While the animal Missouri State Fair, which will he held this year at Sedalia on Angnst 17-22 inclusive, is fav- orably known throughout its own state on the general ground of excellence in all departments, it has a wider fame for a special virtue that has not been common to fairs. ‘ ‘ This virtue is found in the fact that last year con cessions were absolutely and inexorably refused to fakirs, to schemes of amusement and to saloons. No liquor was allowed on the grounds, and intoxicated and disorderly persons were promptly ejected. The interest of the fair lay in its exhibits, which every visitor had ample oppor- tunity to study without having his attention attracted by fakery schemes. Dinner was furnished on the grounds by a church society, and a most excellent dinner it was, but exorbitnat prices were not permitted. “From the standpoint of gate receipts, which neces- sarily is a vital consideration, the Missouri State Fair of 1903 was so great a success as to excite the wonder and admiration of surrounding states. A recent editorial in the Kansas Farmer clearly voiced the sentiment thus aroused. It says in part: A clean State Fair is no iri- descent dream. It is a matter of fact. It was accom- plished in 1903 right here in the West, and proved an edu- cational and financial success in spite of extremely ad- verse weather conditions. Missouri has set an example for the world. In spite of a most terrific wind and rain storm on the opening day, which destroyed both property and animals, and in spite of the fact that the week closed in a continual drizzle, the people came in such crowds on the one good day the fair had that all debts and premiums were paid and cash left in the treasury. Some day Kan- sas will want to hold a State Fair under the management - 6 - of state officials, and when this time comes we hope to see the excellent example set by Missouri adopted as a model. ’ “This is an enviable reputation to establish, that of maintaining an annual State Fair that is really a fair, an interesting and comprehensive exhibit of a great state’s resources, and not simply the foundation for a gathering of fake catch-penny schemes, and an excuse and facilitant for drunkenness. The example set by the Missouri State Fair may be well commended to all other states and the world at large. Also, it adds a peculiar interest to this year’s fair at Sedalia, and should make a strong appeal to many additional thousands who would like to visit a State Fair that makes a full and honest exhibit of state re- sources. ’ ’ THE MISSOURI STATE FAIR. [The Rural World, 1904.] The third Missouri State Fair has been held and it was a most gratifying success, not only to the members of the State Board of Agriculture, and those of them hav- ing the Fair immediately in charge, but it was equally gratifying to every public-spirited citizen, who attended the Fair. There was nothing but praise heard of the Fair. No hostile criticism marred the occasion. Every one was pleased with the exhibits, with the new buildings, and with the management of affairs generally. Every department was well organized and ready for business early Monday morning. Everything moved like clock work, and when the Fair closed Saturday night nearly all had received the premiums due them, and departed for their homes in the best of spirits. The Missouri State Fair is now thoroughly establish- ed as one of the permanent institutions of the State. Its foundation has been laid deep and broad. It will here- - 7 - after draw into its enclosure the best productions from every section of the State, whether it he from the farm or orchard or garden, from the cattle or horse, or swine, or sheep, or poultry yard, or the dairy, or the mines, or fac- tory. All of these exhibits will he drawn together, so that the people of our State and of other states, and of foreign lands can visit the State Fair, and see the pro- ductions of the grandest State in the Union. Other buildings are needed, such as the dairy build ing, where the processes of separating the cream from the milk by the centrifugal process immediately after milk- ing, the making of the butter, the packing it ready for market, and many other things can be carried on, under the very eyes of the visitors. A magnificent rotunda is also needed for the exhibition of live stock, so that cattle and horses and sheep and goats and swine can be led or driven into the arena and there inspected by visitors. Seats can be erected around and within the entire building so that ladies as well as gentlemen can see the stock on ex- hibition. Then whether it rains or not the work of judg • ing the merits of stock on exhibition can go on without de- lay, and there is a delightful shelter in case of a storm. MISSOURI’S ANNUAL STATE FAIR. [Breeder’s Gazette, 1904.] True to the high standard set by its management when this institution was created, the fourth Missouri State Fair held last week at Sedalia was a clean, whole- some, edifying exhibition, somewhat abbreviated in the live stock department, but well balanced and high class. It is a token of the growth of this four-year-old fair that the attendance on the opening day was larger than on the corresponding day of any preceding year. Crowds of people assembled on Tuesday, although not in as large - 8 - AMPHITHEATER AND STARTER’S STAND numbers as expected, and the turnstiles on Wednesday registered devolutions up to anticipations. On the fol lowing day the grounds and buildings were comfortably occupied, the number of admissions establishing a new record for the Fair. Buggies, democrats, farm wagons, runabouts, carts and surreys, indicating the local attend- ance, covered two or three acres of space at the north end of the grounds, constituting a comprehensive as well as gi- gantic vehicle display, and the horses associated with this uncatalogued exhibit also emphasized the idea of an ag- ricultural fair. Level roads in the prairie country of Central Missouri are used quite generally at fair time by farmers living within a radius of thirty miles surrounding Sedalia. But the Missouri Pacific and Missouri, Kansas & Texas ralroads contributed hundreds of visitors and exhibits from all sections of the State and thus gave the fair a State-wide aspect which was necessary to bal- ance the strong local characteristics. Since last year’s show the equipment has been aug- mented and the grounds further adorned by the erection of three barns used for housing horses and cattle. These buildings have thick brick walls on stone foundations and steel trusses which support tile roofs and are provided with four rows of stalls, there being a number of box stalls in each. In their architectural appearance, sani- tary arrangement and stability, these fire-proof structures, each 100x200 feet, are models. They comport nicely with the substantial type and pleasing syle of buildings among which they are situated. Each has a capacity for about 150 animals and cost $10,000. Shortly after the fair last year five of the seven frame barns for cattle and horses were destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of $20,000, though $6,000 was recovered in insurance. These were admirable buildings for the purpose but the new ones are incom- parably better in every respect, being cooler and drier and absolutely fire-proof. Experience teaches ; the fire — 9 — taught the management to build against this destructive foe of combustible material. Another improvement made since last season is an addition to the grand stand, the capacity of which has been doubled. It is now 240 feet long and the extension, which cost $10,000, is made of the same kind of material utilized in the original structure. It has a heavy steel frame, a corrugated iron roof and seats made of heavy planed lumber, and its pillars rest on concrete bases. Its seat- ing capacity is about 20,000, and there is not a more com- fortable or substantial grand stand to be found. Further building improvements are contemplated for next year. Two or three barns exactly like those com- pleted this year, and a judging pavilion, which is perhaps the most vital need of the Fair, will be built if ample funds are secured. With the exception of sheep and hogs the stock judging was done in the barns and out- doors this year, not even a tent being provided, but as the classes were small and the showers intermittent the job was completed without serious difficulty or inconvenience. If the pavilion in view be erected judging in future at Se- dalia will be entirely free from those objections to which such work is open when performed outdoors or in a tent. It is also proposed to convert the two frame barns which escaped the fire into a machinery hall to provide for the irnt I nmnt and machinery manufacturers who have heretofore been scant and reluctant exhibitors at Sedalia. Although the exhibits in this line have always been num- erous and varied, they would be immeasurably larger if there were suitable buildings in which to protect them from rain and sun. Another addition to the grand stand also is in pros- pect, and the Missouri State building at the World’s Fair will probably be transferred to the grounds, and devoted to some overflowing department. In a word, it is the in- - 10 - Missouri State Fair. 1903-1904. Speech of Governor A. M. Dockery. tention of the progressive management to continue the steady, substantial growth, which has characterized the fair from the outset. No State Fair has better, more at- tractive or more permanent buildings than those of the Missouri Fair at Sedalia. Missourians build for the fu- ture. This is a Southern trait. It is worth emulating where the temperature is lower. THE MISSOURI STATE FAIR. [ The Breeder’s Gazette, 1903.1 Larger, Better and Growing are the expressive words which may be employed in concretely stating what visitors thought of Missouri’s third annual State Fair on their arrival at the grounds last wteek. Pleased and com- ing again with neighbors is the infectious sentiment which they took home. Last year the usual answer which an enterprising Missourian received to the oft-put question: “Are you going to the State Fair?” wias : “Where and when is it?” A twelve-month has made that answer to read : “I hope to be there at least one day. ’ ’ In another year the reply doubtless will he more committal and satisfactory to those who projected this institution and have made it in an al- most increditable short space of time one of the leading educational forces of the’ great country within its sphere of influence. For several weeks preceding the opening of the fair talk of attending it became common in both rural and urban circles, and the result of this very offective ad- vertising was apparent in a very healthy attendance from the second day until the close. Ample evidence was fur- nished this year that the Missouri public is learning to appreciate the Fair and intend to stand loyally by it. Ex- pression of this wholesome sentiment was given through the legislature last spring, when a hill was passed appro- - 11 - priating $75,000 for the erection of buildings on the Fair grounds. Fearing that the revenue of the State would not justify the entire appropriation Governor Dockery signed the bill on the condition that $25,000 be deducted in case the revenue failed to reach the proper figure. The indications are that this amount will not be deducted. About $70,000 has been spent this year for improvements in the way of buildings. The Poultry Palace (54x120 feet) containing 1,100 coops, Agricultural Hall (86x161 feet), Horticultural Hall (86x168 feet) and two cattle barns are the prominent acquisitions made to the grounds since the Fair last year. Work did not begin on these handsome structures until late in the spring, yet all are completed except the Horticultural Hall, the floor of which has not been provided and considerable exterior finishing work remains to be done. For the purposes intended it would be difficult to suggest improvements in these splen- did exhibit repositories. With the exception of the two cattle barns which are uniform in size and finish with the first ones erected, the new buildings have substantial brick walls and concrete floors and are covered with steel plate. They are, therefore, practically fire-proof. In architect- ural design they are pleasing to the artistic eye. The architect who had charge of the building operations in their entirety is entitled to much credit for the despatch, thoroughness and economy with which he prosecuted the work and for the general satisfaction which the completed job has given. The new buildings give an inviting eye- catching appearance to the beautiful grounds and will stand as useful monuments to the energy and sagacity of the management, and others connected with and interested in the Missouri State Fair. If the Fair continues to grow as rapidly and substanti- ally as it has grown since its establishment three years ago a decade hence will find it possessed of a power and prestige which other State Fairs have required a quarter — 12 — of a century or more to attain. One of the greatest pres- ent needs of the Fair is a live stock judging pavilion. The Board knows what kind of a building is required and whenever the necessary funds can he secured it will he erected. It is the policy of the management not to build at all unless it can build well. All the buildings thus far put up are substantial and durable and next to models of convenience. Permanent buildings make a permanent State Fair and this is what Missouri farmers and stock men are evolving. The Board’s commendable desire to give the people a clean, wholesome fair was fully gratified this year. They were no wholly objectionable shows or devices on the grounds. The brazen fakes of various kinds which are too common at some State Fairs were conspicuous by their absence and anybody, man or woman, boy or girl, could in- spect anything on exhibition with confidence that it was all right. Not a drop of intoxicating liquor was sold in- side the gates. The dignified character of the Fair re- flects the dignified high moral character of its leading officials. The Directors believe that a clean Fair will prosper and grow and they have convincingly demon- strated their sound theory. It is not the object of the Missouri State Fair, according to their utterances, to make a great deal of money rapidly, so as to increase its equipment more speedily and thus attain a cheap and un- dignified notoriety. They contend that a Fair conducted on what some peple call the “ Sunday school plan” will ultimately make money and at the same time maintain a reputation for cleanliness and wholesomeness, which ev- ery fair should try to establish. Missourians may justly feel proud of the fact that no State ever had a cleaner Fair than theirs and that no institution of the kind has grown more rapidly or more deservedly than the one which they have fostered and should continue to aid with - 13 - their money. Such a fair merits their active and per- sistent encouragement and support. Perfect order and frictionless management character- ized the Fair from the first day until the last. Competent superintendents and assistants in all departments were thoroughly organized and the annoying experiences which some exhibitors and concessionaries had last year were impossible under the systematic management of affairs which prevailed this year. THE MISSOURI STATE FAIR. [The Farmer and Stockman.] The Missouri State Fair, held at Sedalia last week, was a grand success. The weather was perfect, exhibits larger than ever before and the attendance was all that could have been expected. It must have been gratifying to the State Fair management and as well to all who have the State Fair interests at heart to hear from visitors the unanimous expressions of surprise and satisfaction of seeing the Fair so well developed in such a short time. With a hundred flags flying to the breeze from staffs sur- mounting the magnificent group of exhibition buildings Missouri ’s third State Fair was opened on Monday morn- ing, August 17th, under most favorable auspices. The clean record of the two previous years made many friends for the fair both among exhibitors and with the public. This condition of affairs had done much to make every one friendly and the results of right principles adhered to were shown in the vastly increased exhibits and corre- spondingly larger attendance. Thanks to the untiring efforts of the Missouri State Board of Agriculture, the improved stock breeders of the state and those who sup- ported the fair interests in the legislature, Missouri has finally a State Fair worthy the name and Missouri farm- ers and stockmen may hereafter hold up their heads and — 14 — feel a commendable sense of pride in what their State Fair is and promises to be. The state appropriations for the Fair were hard to get, and comparatively speak- ing, meager in amount. The funds thus suppplied have been wisely and most economically used and it is doubtful if any State Fair in the country can show as well improved grounds for the money expended. Adaptability, practical arrangement and modern ideas are combined in both the arrangement and construction of exhibition buildings, bams, etc. The grouping of these and style of archi- tecture have been well planned and the whole presents a picture pleasing to the eye and equally satisfactory to the mind of the investigator who studies things from the standpoint of practical utility. Since last year an expo- sition hall, agricultural hall, poultry hall and several stock barns have been erected. They are mostly of stone, brick and steel constructed with granitoid floors and for light and ventilation could not well be improved. The live stock exhibits were larger and better than ever before. The large and exceptionally good poultry exhibit occupied the new poultry building, which is one of the largest and best in the country. Missouri’s poultry interests are, however, of such voluminous proportions that the ca- pacity of exhibition room Was almost taxed to the limit. The agricultural hall was not fully completed, but an- swered every purpose. It is a grand building and by the time for another fair it is hoped that an agricultural ex- hibit will be installed which will be a credit to Missouri farms and farmers. Nowhere are live stock exhibitors treated with greater consideration and fairness, and that this policy of the management has been appreciated is shown by the increased number of exhibitors with each year’s Fair. Those who attended last week had an op- portunity to see the best cattle, hordes, mules, hogs, sheep, etc., of the different breeds and the exhibition rings fur- nished a series of close contests, both interesting and in- — 15 — structive. The management deserve much praise for their tireless and unselfish work and devotion to the State Fair and are deserving of the hearty co-operation and support of every citizen of the state. The State Fair is the sign hoard advertising to the world the state’s possibilities and resources and through this medium Missouri farmers can do much to advance their ovfn interests both educationally and materially. Wednesday, Governor Dockery visited the Fair and we imagine after seeing the buildings, viewing the parade of live stock and observing the broad and solid foundation upon which the Fair has been builded, ho must have thought is marvelous how so much could have been done with such meager financial support from the state. THE MISSOURI STATE FAIR. [The Farmer and Stockman.] The 1904 fair circuit was opened last week at Sedalia, Mo., at which time the people were given an opportunity to witness one of the cleanest, most up-to-date fairs that will be held during the season. Most of our readers are aware that fire visited the State Fair grounds last year sweeping away the cattle and horse barns, but this year finds them replaced by mammoth brick structures with metal roofs. These new buildings were paid many compli- mlents by stockmen generally, as well as visitors, on ac- count of their beauty and adaptation to the purpose for which they were erected. The State Fair management cer- tainly are deserving of much credit for the wisdom they have shown in building matters. In addition to the new barns a large poultry house with a granitoid floor has been erected during the year, and permanent coops placed for the display of 4,000 birds. This building also seems well- nigh perfectly designed in the way of ventilation, lighting and convenience generally for the display of fowls. - 16 - POULTRY PALACE Though tender in years the Missouri State Fair has cer- tainly started out upon a high plane, and in many respects long established State Fairs can derive lessons of import- ance from this babe in swaddling clothes. MISSOURI’S GREATEST FAIR. i [The Kansas Farmer.] The State Fair of Missouri is an unqualified success. A magnificent showing of live stock, agricultural products, farm implements and everything necessary to make a suc- cessful Fair combined with the splendid Leather of the week, and the very efficient management made Missouri’s third State Fair an exhibition to be proud of. Since last year many improvements have been made in both build- ings and grounds. Twlo large brick buildings of hand- some design and costing $25,000 each have been erected for the agricultural and horticultural displays. A third brick building costing $13,000 has been completed and is now the home of the poultry exhibit. Two large additional cattle barns costing $4,000 each have been completed and are now occupied. These buildings are all modern in de- sign and perfectly adapted to the uses to which they are put. Many needed improvements in the way of walks and drives have been placed about the grounds, and the State Fair is assuming a permanency and magnitude which is not only a credit to the state but which will serve as an example for the emulation of other states. About $70,000 has been expended in the year in the way of permanent improvements and the results accomplished show an economy in management that is very creditable. The Fair this year was especially strong in live stock, and the barns quartered more stock of all breeds this year than ever be- fore. Not only is this true, but the quality was of the — 17 — best, and many prize-winning herds met here for the pre- liminary contest of the State Fair circuit. Too much cannot be said abont one feature of the Mis- souri State Fair which makes it conspicuous among State Fairs. This is the entire absence of fakirs, grafters and entertainments of questionable morality. Nothing of the sort was allowed on the grounds, and the police service was of such quality that the visitor could enjoy the ex- hibits of the resources of this great state to the full with- out any disagreeable interruptions. It has long been claimed that it is impossible to make a financial success of a fair without the admission of these questionable enter- tainments, and yet Missouri set an example to the world last year by doing that very thing and has repeated it with emphasis this year. THE MISSOURI STATE FAIR. [.Kansas Farmer.] For the fourth timie, the Missouri State Fair was opened to the public, and Monday, August 15, showed all of the numerous exhibits in place. This State institution stands out conspicuous among its kind because it is ab- solutely free from the disagreeable features which too of- ten characterize State Fairs and other expositions. There were no grafters or fakirs of any kind on the grounds. Disreputable and immoral side shows are never allowed here. There were no bookmakers and no betting on the races. Intoxicating liquors were conspicuous by their absence, and the Missouri State Fair was a clean Fair. THE MISSOURI STATE FAIR. [Wallace’s Farmer.] The Missouri State Fair, held at Sedalia last week, was the most successful of any that has been held at that - 18 - place, or since the fair became a state institution, three years ago. The weather was propitious and the crowd and receipts were in excess of last year. The splendid new brick exhibition halls and other improvements over last year show that the Missouri State Fair is under a progres- sive management and that the limited funds at their com- mand from the state has been wisely spent. The new brick buildings consist of the poultry building with coops for 4,000 birds, and which were w'ell tilled; Agricultural Hall, 86 by 164 feet, and the Horticultural Building, 80 by 160 feet. Besides these are two new cattle barns with a capacity of one hundred animals each. On account of the limited time since receiving the appropriation it was im- possible to secure the material and complete the grand stand in time for the fair this year. From the start the Fair has been kept free from objectionable shows and fakirs. It has been running three years now without these questionable attractions yet the receipts are ample, and the crowd grows larger each year. No one will appreciate a clean Fair more than the farmers themselves, who will much prefer to attend a Fair with their children where their morals as well as their pocketbooks will not suffer on ac- count of fakirs, gamblers and questionable attractions, such as were once permitted at State Fairs, apparently without restriction, and are now to some extent at county fairs. Much credit is due to the management that is mak- ing for Missouri, “imperial mistress of states,’’ a State Fair of which Missourians can be justly proud. State Fair Proves a Record-Breaker. [St. Louis Star.] There is no gainsaying the fact that the State Fair thus far has proved a success beyond all expectations of — 19 — its promoters. Sedalia never has held such crowds as have come to the city within the past four days. STATE FAIR A SUCCESS. [.Exchange.] With its third annual exhibition, the Missouri State Fair is a proven success, and already ranks among the best in the United State. The Fair which closed yesterday was a most agree- able surprise to thousands of people who came to see it. The unanimous verdict, the displays in the several departments are pronounced the best ever seen in the West, and the large attendance proves that the people of the state approve of the establishment and maintenance, under state control, of an annual exhibition of Missouri products. With one accord, the officers of the State Fair are congratulated upon the wisdom, fairness and enterprise they have displayed in the management, and with a little more generous equipment the Missouri State Fair will sron become decidedly the best in the Union. The decorum and good order both on the grounds and downtown in the evening was the highest testimonial to the culture and good breeding of the people of Missouri. Even in the crush of “big Thursday, ” they were ladies and gentlemen at all times— courteous, polite and good- humored. Nothing should interfere with the annual exhibition of Missouri products and the annual gathering of Mis- souri people. [Modern Farmer, St. Joseph, Mo.] “Our Fair will be clean this year,” is what the presi- dent of the Illinois State Fair association writes to the - 20 - Breeders ’ Gazette. Good !. . We arfe making progress, the . fakir and the drunkard-maker mdst go; Who wifi be; ; ndstS erlt-iSi an -insult to the farmers to announce/ an agricultural :sliow, and then fill up the grounds with sa-> ; loons, fakirs^and all kinds- of disgraceful :setni-nude shows-. ; \ Just as though lie and his wife and children were only capable of enjoying the filthy debaucheries which charac- terize so many agricultural fairs. Good for Illinois. Mis- souri welcomes her into the- Thhksk)f the*' clean fair states. What State Fair will.be next to, banish all this filthy and disgusting debauchery from its fair ^ grounds ? • ■ I • i - m •: ;• . ■ GREAT POULTRY SHOW. ,[ LUuralis^t.) in the estimation : of experienced poultry ; raisers who have been regular attendants .at the big poultry shows throughout the country for r years, the poultry, exhibit at Missouri State Fair last week ,Wa$ >o$§; of the largest and best ever * held in ; the- West both in numbers t and;. quality. Besides displays from all over this state? extensive, ex- hibits were present from Wisconsin, Nebraska and Okla- homa. LRurali$ttJ ; ■ Among the. improvements most urgently needed, on Missouri State Fair grounds is a Dairy building. There is no reason why Missouri should not rapidly assume first rank among the great dairy states she has the grass, feed, water r climate, unsurpassed market facilities, the cows, and her people are intelligent and progressive. All that is needed is thorough agitation of the benefits to ac- crue and proper encouragement. M. E. CHURCH SOUTH ENDORSES STATE FAIR MANAGEMENT The Southwest Missouri ■Conference of the M. E. — 21 — Church, South, in annual session, 1903, Bishop Galloway, presiding, adopted the following resolution: We most heartily commend and endorse the firm and resolute stand taken by the State Fair Board in excluding from the State Fair grounds the sale and use of all intoxi- cants, gambling and immoral devices. W. C. T. U. ENDORSEMENT. Holden, Mo., September 24, ’03. We, the wives, mothers and daughters of Johnson, Cass and Pettis counties, in convention assembled, do most heartily endorse the resolute stand taken by the State Fair Board in enforcing the law which forbids the sale of intoxicants on the State Fair ground, and ex- cluding gambling devices and immoral show's ; thus mak- ing the State Fair a safe place for whole families to visit, without fear of contaminating influences. Adopted at Holden W. C. T. U. District Convention September 24th, 1903. MRS. ALICE BRADLEY, Secretary. ENDORSE STATE FAIR. At a regular meeting of the Ministerial Alliance, of Sedalia, Monday the following resolutions were adopted by unanimous vote : 66 Resolved that the Ministers’ Alliance, of Sedalia, Mo., hereby expresses its high appreciation of the man- agement of the State Fair, held in our city August 17-22. It was clean, orderly and devoid of any objectionable features. We congratulate the mayor of the city, police force and the Board of Directors of the State Fair upon the success attending their efforts in behalf of good order and general morality at the grounds and in our city. ’ ’ -22 AGRICULTURAL HALL. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBAN A 630.6 M69S C001 r> Speech of Gov. A. M. Dockery dlsinteres | > 0112 088669533