Loudon free press. (Loudon, Tenn.) 1852-1855, 1854-03-14

consider lie rote rjeeting bW to cstab{isz
az agricultural Bureau. FtJ. q, 1854.
Mr.. SPEAKER hope the motion of the gen
teman from Shelby. Mr.. Holmes 10 reconsider
the vote on yesterday rejecting the bill to estab
lisA an agricultural Bureau will prevail.
was astonished at the result Of that yute-it was
both unexpected and mortifying to me. In
consideration of the fact that there is all unu
sual number Of the farmers holding seats on
this Aoor, l had hoped, had expected that a
bill of its character would pass without serious
opposition, and by an overwhelming VOTE
But, SIR the reverse has been true. II has
been defeated and defeated too by the votes OF
+ tnc very men ~. whUse benefit it was designed
cannot believe it was done upon serious re
Hection-upon due and deliberate investigation
and upon a thorough understanding OF the true
character and Importance Of the measure.
therefore hope that in justice to that bill ITSELF
IN justice to lis friends upon tie loor, and in
justice to the great interests for whose encour-
agement 1t IS intended, that the House will
reconsider the vote of rejection, and pass this
bill into a law.
/ desire, SIr, to say few words IN regard TO
this measure. / have not been troublesome to
THIS House heretOtOre-nor should | now ask a
moment indulgence were it not for the great
merit and Importance which | think the bill
possesses, and the deep interest which as far
mer and citizen Of Tennessee | feel in It's
success am representing upon this floor a
constituency engaged almost exclusively in ag-
ric4lturdl pursuitS-they are intelligent, they
are eLterprsing-a feel well satisfied that
not only they, but people throughout the entire
State will receive the intelligence Of the pas.
o.~ap pt ma of,
islaclion.
How strange has been the policy of Tennes-
see in regard 10 the great interest of agricul-
ture? While her legislation has been directed
to the encouragement of almost every other
branch OF industry, she has with singular incon-
sistency overlooked and neglected this, the
most important OF them all. Why is this, So?
Eour-filhs Of her people are engaged in this
great business, and Yet, sir, what has the Legis-
lature ever done djrec.ty 20 foster and encourage
il? From the very location and character Of
our country we must ever remain, as we have
ever been, an agricultural people. 1t is to agri-
culture that we mast lock for all our wealth, fer
all our prosperity and greatness. No State in
the Union Possesses greater advantages, or in
proportion TO the extent Of its territory more
valuable land, or q soil Of more fertile and pro-
ductiye quality. Here the great staples of
both the North and the South can be grown
with equal advantage and profit, our soil and
climate being admirably adapted to the growth
and maturity Of the productions of either eX-
treme. Many, portions of our State in the
hucness Of quality and the average yield Of the
leading staples Of the country, will compare
talorably with sections most celebrated for their
production. Was it not Tennessee cotton that
carried of the paia at the Worlds Fair, though
coming in competition with specimens from In
dia, from Egypt, from South America and from
almost every cotton planting State in the I'm
ion? And was not the highest premium awar-
de9 at the same time and place to a specimen of
wool grown almost within sight of the capitol,
though samples were here on exhibition from
the most celebrated wool growing districts OF
Europe? The various grains are at home upon
our soil, and reward the farmer with abundant
haryests for his diligence and toll. Oar fruits
attain degree of excellence and perfection
rarely equalled in any climate. Nature has
done much for us--all that we could ask for or
desire. We have q glorious, magnifeen, coun-
try, and it depends npon US whether Ihls beauti-
tul country, possessing so many and such eX-
traordiuary advantages shall be beautifed and
adorned with extended orchards, broad mead
ows, and fertile fields, cultivated in the most
harveStS.
But it may be said how can the legislation of
a State advance this interest? Much may be
done by legislative enactments, both in direct
and an indirect way to advance the agriculture
of the country. Indirectly, Tennessee has done
much. The aid given to her great lines of
Railroads, trav ersing the State in all directions
and penetrating TO distant markets-the ap-
preparations for the improvement of the naviga-
ton of ker rivers,-the encouragement exten-
ded to her turnpjkes and her public highways
all have had a tendency to stimulate and i'm
prove her agriculture. But am speaking now
Of direct Legislation for that purpose, and | am
sorry to see her so far in the rear of other
States in his respect. Look, sir, what Massa-
chusetts, Georgia, Ohio and other States have
done, and what has been the result of the Legis-
ton? Where do we find agriculture connected on
the most systematic and economical principles
and carried to the highest degree of perfection?
Where do you find stock of the purest blood
and the rearest qualities? Where do you 90 to
make your selections of the beet and most
choice varieties of fruits? Is it not to those
States where by legislative enacimcnts direct
encouragement has been extended to this sub
ect? Is it not to those States whose legislatures
have wisely instituted exhibitions similar to
those proposed in the bill before US, and offered
premiums to those OF her citizens who might
excel in, the various departments of industry,
whether agriculturalor mechanical? In many of
the States large annual appropriations are made
to be thus awarded in premiums, and such ap-
preparations are rewarded an hundred fold, both
in the increase of the quantity and quality OF
production.
1t seems to me, sir, that it needs but slight
consideration to convince any one of the policy
of this measure. and the fine influence it will
exert upon every department Of the great branch
of industry. Let us examine for moment its
operations and some Of the more important
advantages to be gained by it. Let these fairs
or Sh0trS be instituted and premiums offered for
the best specimens Of stock exhibited and what
will be the result? VIII not many contend for
these prizes, and will not this rivalry be produe
tive Of great and important benefit? Will
not that love Of emulation, that desire for gain
inherent in our natures operating in the bos-
pms of the contestants lead to an Introduction
Or importation of the most celebrated breeds OF
and to an increased care and attention
to the management and rearing of the same?-
Every one sees and acknowledges the great
need of improvement in the various breeds Of
our domestic animals and know of no way in
which that improvement can be so effectually
brought about, as by the plan proposed in the
ball before us. This is matter of great i'm
portance, one not unworthy the consideration
Of grave legislators, and which I hope will
claim as il merits the serious attention Of every