The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-09-05
From Mapes's american Farmer.
The Home DEPARTMENT..

we are daily receiving assurances from all
classes OF philanthropists this important subject
Not only our agriculturists, but merchants and
others are alive TO the necessity Of the establishment
OF an agricultural bureau at Washington; and since
our article, p. 80, many of the public papers have
not only copied it, but have enlarged upon the ar.
guments there set forth. How our farmers TO
account for the fact, that while politicians and
others have neglected to advocate the claims of az
ricuitursts not one of them has ever attempted To
vindcate Legislators for their want of action ON
this important subject What statesman of emf.
nence has neglected to speak of agriculture as o.
noble art, and to panegyrize those who are prncti
cally engaged in it, pursuit. Which of them has
ever introduced bin in Congress for it's protec.
ton, except as incidental TO the collection OF ne
cessary revenueY
May not farmers nationally suspect that these
bombastic praises are mere sprsts TO catch her
ringsf Let those who would desire 10 be believed
by farmers as sincere friends 10 the best interests
of their country, act, and not talk without acting
propose plans for improvement, and not euloqize
alone. Some OF our early Presidents recommended
a home department. for the improvement of agri.
culture; but Congress never acted upon these re
Communications. Occasionally we find our more
modern statesmen, when at a loss for a point To
court popularity, roaring out their compliments ON
the bone and sinew Of the country" but not in sup
port OF any bill intended to supply muscle TO these
bones and sinews. We are often told that proc
porous agricultural districts never without pa
trios;" and yet these patriots are suffered TO feel
the truth Of the adage, that republics are UNI
grateful"
We are told that " man owes his advancement
from the savage state principally 10 agriculture
and yet Congress has done more for the Indians
than for the Farmers
The position of the agricultural interest as con-
nected with Government protection and support
reminds US OF a lieutenant of the British army in
Canada. He had been subaltern more than forty
years, but, from want Of powerful friends at home
had never been promoted-indccd he had grand
son who held higher rank in the same regiment
HAVING signalizcd himself often and received the
usual compliments in orders-he wrote to the Duke
OF York, then commander in chief of the British
army, stating that he the oldest lieutenant in
hs regiment; this brought no reply from his grace
He then wrote that he the Oldest lieutenant i'm
the brigade, with similar results; he then wrote
that he was the oldest lieutenant i'm his maiestv,s
service, and still no reply; he then wrote that he
was the oldest lieutenant in the world and that he
believed his grace meant TO keep him 40 an A natu.
raj curiosity So is il with the farmer, All admit
his claims, but when he asks relief from the Gov
ernment, he, like the beggar who assured London
alderman on his way 20 dinner that he had not
,, ior iour coolly answered, yousre
titled TO good appetite"
All tins may appear extravaqant and perhaps
Is so not so extrava giant as the isoIne
nonsensical compliments void Of interest 40 often
sno"ered upon US as an opiate Ia hull us 10 sleep.
we call ON our readers TO wake up and demand
thelr rights; no time is suspicious as the present.
we have newly formed Cabinet at Washington
and our President has reputation for matter-of
iact WE'VE winch VIII probably give us the advan-
tage OF his suggestion TO Congress, in favor of an
agricultural Bureau TO this newly formed Home
Department.
Let the farmers now speak 30 their representa-
yves, and that, too, in manner that cannot be
Do not be answered with the off re-
peated excuse that II is difficult TO know hoso TO
serve the agricultural interest the best advantage
Refer them 10 the acts of other governments this
subject, and let them invite suggestions from the
agricultural societies Of the different States; the
m
ncnt," in the last number Of The Working Farmer.
will supply in part the suggestions desired.
Tell your politicians, too that If any party is in
ners who will continue long TO vote for comph-
ments they want action, and that, too, Of an en-
nrgetic and effective kind.