The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-09-07

alive 10 the operations of the new Home Depart
ment, and are looking with intense anxiety to its
more full organization The farmers have only 10
follow the advice of correspondent, and their
claims will soon meet with the attention from Con-
gress which they richly deserve.--ED FARMER.
Editor Of Working Farmer
DEAR Sir; Do you recolect our meeting in the
convention OF farmers and gardeners in October,
1914! ] have doubt that YOU do and have
therefore seized upon leisure moment to congrat-
uiate you and our brother farmers upon the reali-
zation IN part of one measure which at that time
all agreed was highly necessary, but of whose
summation We entertained but slight expectation
refer to the establishment of the Home Depart
ment The proceedings at our convention were
OF 80 interesting character, and 80 much was
said in relation to home department, that pre-
served the account of the transactions not with the
belief that they would be reduced to reality,
but with the intention, when considering our gov
ernmental affairs occasionally to contrast the ac-
tons OF our Representatives in wasting time upon
matters of no practical importance, with what thew
might accomplish if they would but listen atten-
lively to the suggestions, and would comply with
the wishes of that class of the people which is
gagged in the cultivation Of the soil and which
forms 30 very large proportion of the whole pop
ulaton. So, when they did at last create that very
department, which our convention by its address
and resolutions had urged, though could not be-
lleve that our action had produced this result yet
felt that in measure we had "a victory.
felt that we had good reason to congratulate our
selves that there was some hope for the farmer, and
that his time had at last come
would like to have that address and the resolu
tons published in your paper. ! want them to
reach every farmer. ] want the sentiments con-
tanned in them to be repeated again and again,
until they become the sentiments--yes, and the
opinions, OF every man in the country.
But will not send the address, for your space is
valuable, and you may possibly occupy it more add
vantageously by the more recent productions of
your pen, than by publishing an old one.
That last sentence is not exactly written as in
tended to have written it, for meant merely to
hint at the authorship of the address, and not
charge 1t directly upon you; but my ncapacity for
elegant, delicate writing, must excuse me, and to
this excuse add my unwillingness to disfgure my
letter by blotting out what have once written.
What is writ, is writ
The address you will of course publish, if you
see fit. Allow me, however, merely to suggest
that, but to request the publication of the resou-
tons. As you may not be able readily to lay your
editorial hand upon them, send them Here they
are:
RESOLVED, That this convention earnestly recon-
mend 10 all persons In the United States, TO form
Farmers clubs in every town, and that the clubs,
when organized, will take into consideration the
objects embraced in this resolution of the conven-
ton, asking from Congress the long delayed Home
Department for agriculture, Justly and wisely
sought for by our illustrious Washington.
Resolved, That the said resolution be transmitted
to the governors of the several States, requesting
them to put the question of Washington's Home
Department to their several legislatures for their
consideration.
Resolued, That in the opinion of this convention,
II becomes this great republic to set examples of
high attainment, in agriculture first and then in all
arts and sciences, to the other governments Of the
earth, so that this noble frame of the government
may become model one for the nation.
Resolved, That the great sentiment of Washing
ton, that the power of the nation alone can carry
out their high thought, is sentiment, and that
this convention trusts that 1t is that of whole
people; and that after the great agricultural inter
est is secured, then the Home Department shall in
clude in the action commerce and all the me
chanic and fine arts.
ResoiUed, That inasmuch as the full and rapid
development of the vast agricultural resources of
this country Is in a great measure dependent upon
Intelligence and scientific knowledge, therefore the
formation and endowment of Agricultural schools
for educating the future generations of farmers in
agricultural knowledge are earnestly recommended
To the enlightened consideration of the various le
gislatures Of the nation.
Resolved, That the American Institute be re-
quested to call convention of farmers at the period
OF its next Annual Fair.
ResoIued, That committee be appointed tocarry
the foregoing resolutions into effect
Which were unanimously agreed TO, with the OK
ception oil nio Last for which was substituted reso
luton, referring the report foregoing resolu-
TONS To the agricultural committee of the Institute
Now there remain many things TO be done, before
our Home Department will be what it should be.
capable, practical agriculturist at Its head, and
with efficient subordinates. They must all be
selected with reference TO fitness for their positions
and for the proper distribution of agricultural
knowledge not for the scattering of political opn
ions.
We do not want politicians in this branch of the
government. Let them have every thing else, and
let them manage the politics of the country in their
own way. We want a statesman at the head, and
we want statesmen in the subordinate positions.
we want enthusiasts in cause-men who are
absorbed in it-not those who would give up to
party what was meant for mankind" With such
men, the agricultural department might remain
out OF the political circle; no changes should be
made with change in the presidency; the incum-
Dents, II they were men of the right sort, would be
philosophers experimenting the working of the
beautiful machinery of agriculture. Our farmers
would have confidence in the department; If il were
sacred from political contamination, they would be
proud Of II, az their own department, and they
would feel that they and their pursuits in close
contact with the government.
We would then feel something like filial affection
for the institutions Of the country we might cor
respond with the officers; our experiments would
be rendered more interesting from the certainty Of
having their results properly noted and brought be-
fore the people might have our doubts resolved
and might receive advice upon our pursuits Every
county would have It's society, and thus the whole
country could be in active communication Infor.
nation might be transmitted 10 this central point,
and thence diffused TO every part Seeds and plants
might be distributed by 4 new inventions might
be brought 10 notice after proper test, and monthly
report might be despatched throughout whole
land
Then, too, our ministers and consus abroad
might be directed 10 BE- in constant communication
with the department; and improved fruits
plants, seeds, and animals, might be introduced
among us. We would also, by means Of this de-
partment secure the passage Of other laws for the
development Of agricultural science and the ad-
vsncement of agriculture The wants of the coun-
try could be brought before Congress, and the
farmers could speak with effect 10 their representa-
tives collectively.
Measures might be taken 10 allow the transmits
sion by the mails, Of seeds and cuttings, and in a
thousand ways could we experience the advantages
to arise from a well-reguated and properly con-
Quoted department
The farmers in every county in our land should
organize Agricultural societies where none now
exist, or revive them where they are inactive. The
whole country should be urged into a state of Wig
orous activity, and that forthwith. Every thing
depends upon having this department properly
organized at the start.
To accomplish this requires immediate action.
We must show Congress that we arc alive 10 our
own interests Our societies in their collective
pacity, and the members individually, must be in
intercourse with the representatives They must