Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 January 1898 — The Farmers’ Institute. [ARTICLE]

The Farmers’ Institute.

Friday and Saturday, January Isth and 16th 1898, Secretary’s Report. » * FRIDAY MORNING. The Bth annual session of the Jasper County Farmers’ Institute met in' the Ellis Opera House, Rensselaer, Indiana, January 14th, 1898. The meeting was called to order by Pres. Strong. Then song, coronation, after which came the invocation by Rev. W. H. Sayler, followed by the song America by the institute. As Profs. Husselman and Lane were a little late in arriving, the work was opened by Hon. S- P. Thompson with a brief speech on The value of institute work, followed by Jesse E. Wilson with a very interesting talk on the same subject. Prof. Lane followed with remarks on general institute work. Mr. Honan’s song was very appropriate and highly appreciated. Methods for raising crops in dry . seasons, were very ably presented by Prof. Husselman. Then came the song by the Rensselaer Quartette. The subject of our boys and girls was presented by Mrs. Elizabeth Purcupile and thoroughly discussed by her and Mrs- Frank Foltz. FRIDAY AFTERNOON. The first on program was appointment of committee on resolutions and organization. Committee on resolutions: Hon. S. P. Thompsons Simeon Dowell, D. D. Halstead. Committee on organization: L. E. Glazebrbok, F. W Bedford, James Cowden. “Manner of growing and using the corn crop” was ably presented by Prof. Lane and discussed by F. W. Bedford and others. Song “Jasper county” by John E. Alter 1 being assisted by his son with instrumental music, was certainly very entertaining and was greatly applauded. The subject “Our muck lands, what of them?” was, presented by L. E. Glazebrook, pointing out the failures commonly met. in farming them. Prof. Husselman followed with a very thorough discussion of this subject explaining how to prevent failures on such lands, by thorough drainage and the application of lime. “Tuberculosis iu man and animals” was very clearly presented by Dr. I. B. Washburn and discussed by Drs. S. C. Johnson and S. H. Moore. Prof. Husselman gave an interesting talk Tuberculosis affecting dairy cows, stating that Bacteria live a long time in milk, and emphasized the necessity for being very careful to use milk from healthy cows only. FRIDAY EVENING. As the institute now found that a larger room was required, this and the following sessions were held in the Christian church. "Law of the farm,” was very ably presented by Hon. S. P. Thompson, stating that law counsels all to be honest, also that n lean compromise is ofte’n better than a fat law-suit. Wanted all to reverence the law. M. F. Chiloote gave the Law on ditches. R. W. Marshall discussed the Law on weeds. J. W. Douthit presented the Law of the highways. Jesse E. Wilson discussed Law relating to fences. Prof. Husselman followed in the general discussion of the Law, stating flHtf it is generally the most coatiylbpommodity in ( which to invest does little good. Kindness should be the Law of tbe ’Tis well that the farmer be versed in law. He also gave the proceedings of a

mock court on “Echo Farm” which was very interesting. An appropriate song by the Male Quartette was well rendered . Home Attractions, by Mrs. W. H. Sanders, was very ably and clearly presented stating that comfort in the home is the greatest of essentials. A good library and pure literature should be provided as absolute necessities. I interesting and harmless games should be allowed. Music in some form should be in every home. Parents should be the greatest, first and last attractions in the home.

SATURDAY MORNING. The morning exercises were opened by,the institute singing the song, Rock of Ages, followed by invocation by Rev. C. D. Jefferies. Report of committees was postponed till afternoon. Economy of feeding and watering live stock was very clearly presented by Prof. Lane, mentioning the necessity for having barns properly ventilated and giving the stock plenty of good food, but as corn alone is not a balanced ration, but requires roughness along with it, such as corn-fodder, hay or straw. This subject was further discussed by Edward Parkison stating that there is no good building without a good foundation. He does riot intend to let his stock go unsheltered from the storm and wind much longer. Prof. Husselman gave a diagram of his handy or conveniently arranged cattle barn, for feeding and watering stock. He thinks that cement water tanks are the best. The Prof, insisted on intense farming and discouraged the buying of all adjoining land. There were many questions asked during this discussion, h SATURDAY AFTERNOON. The first thing 'in order was the report of the committees. The committee on Resolutions drew up the following resolutions which with a slight amendment of the first were adopted. Ist. Resolved that we feel greatly encouraged by the increased attendance, and usefulness of this over all former farmers institutes held in this county and that in our opinion this is largely due to the energy of our officers and to the kindness and voluntary aid of our friends, in other occupations taking part, thus giving variety to the work of the institute by music, speech and song. - , 2nd. Resolved that we thank our teachers Messrs Husselman and Lane for their apt and practical tuition of the subjects assigned to them in the program. 3rd. Resolved, that we cordially thank the trustees and members for the use of the Christian church in which we have held our sessions. 4th. Resolved that we request that the executive committee of this institute confer with the Board of Commissioners of Jasper County to the ehd that the vacant court room in the new Court House be properly seated as an audience room for the use of fanners, teachers and other educational associations and institutes free of charge. sth. Resolved that we also ask the Board of Commissioners to provide in the new Court House suitable apartments for a historical and agricultural museum and that the janitor cure for and preserve all articles of interest that may be contributed there to. 6th. Resolved that we favor the consolidated school system in each of the townships of this county. 7th. Resolved that we recommend to the Legislature, the amendment of Section 1 of the act of April 15, 1897, so as to require the highways to be mown and cleared of all noxious weeds twice a year, once between the 20th of June and tbe Ist of July and one between the Ist and 20th of August. Bth. Resolved that wo invite the

city council of Rensselaer the Board of Commissioners of Jasper County and such of us ns own lands draining in to the Iroquois river above the rapids to co-operate and provide for the early dredging of said river so that the marshes aqd muck lands tributary thereto can be properly drained to the depth of at least four feet as a means of avoiding frost which so often destroys our crops. This improvement would also give better drainage to all said lands, better sewerage to the city, CourfcHouse and jail and enable our high way system to be more convenient in location and easier of construction. This improvement would also promote the public health and largely increase the value of all property in tbe County. 9th. Resolved that we invite the newspapers of the County to notice our work and publish these resolutions. !-D, L. Halstead. S. A. Dowell. S. P. Thompson. The committee on Organization presented the following. We the undersigned members of the committee on organization present the following as officers of the Jasper Co. Farmer’s Institute for the coming year. Pres. L. Strong; vice pres., J. E. Alter; sec., D. L. Halstead. Executive committee, Hon. S. P. Thompson, F. W. Bedford and Mrs. J. L. Brady. Next in order came the subject, Does farming pay? If not why not? By Prof. Lane and discussed by Prof. Husselman, W. W. Wishhard and Jared Benjamin. It was stated that a man should love his profession and know his adaptability, also that hd owes a living to bis family. How to find and keep a market, by Prof. Husselman, it was shown that a superior article or one that is demanded should be produced and then the producer can fix the price. In live stock get the best purebred and improve it, let it be Polled-Durham, Short-horns, or any other breed. Do not mix the beef and dairy breeds. Each has its place. Prof. Lane handled the subject, Home, in an able way stating that Law, Purity and Love, mak£--tfie home pleasant. Hon. S. P. Thompson discussed tbe home as a unit of the government and gave a good picture of a model home and and family. Also favored the ringing of the bell at 8 p. m. as a signal for all city people to close up business and go home. Says Prof. Husselman let us stand by the Mothers and our Homes. EVENING. Luck vs Pluck by Prof. Lane was very successfully presented to a large and attentive audience. Song by Male Quartette was encored, declamation by Miss Maggie Kenton was well delivered and appreciated. The dialect speech by John E. Alter, was excellent and highly entertaining and almost a complete review of all the institute wprk. Mr Alter is always at home in a literary entertainment. His speech received great applause. Miss Virgie Austin and Wm. Parkison possess much ability as doclaimers. Institute closed with every body feeling good and predictory that the next one will be still better.

D. L. HALSTEAD, Secy.