The patron of husbandry., 1881-06-25
The New Com missioner Of Agri-
culture-Duty OF Patrons and
Farmers. 4rs

The New Com In sSiOner of Agrl
culGure-Duty OF Patrons and
Farmers. t15
BY H. ESHBAUGH, LECTURER OF
THE NATIONAL GRANGE.
A few weeks ago, we requested
the Patrons of Missouri to circulate
petitions, to be sent to the President
of the United States, asking him to
retain as Commissioners of Agricul-
ture VIM @. LIE Due, the then in
cumbent, who had proved himself
worthy and we'll qualified for the
important position he had so honor
ably filled for four years. Notwith-
standing large portion of the par
tisan press, and partisan leaders,
have ridiculed the Com missioner
and all his efforts in advancing the
great interests entrusted in his
charge, the Patrons of the whole
country have learned to appreciate
his valuable aid rendered to agricul-
tural advancement While the Pre-
sident was considering the propri-
ETY. of making a change, and ex-
pressed himself rather adversely to
displacing the then incumbent, we
yet thought it prudent to remind
the Executive of the former memo
rials and wishes Of farmers Hence
we made the request for petitions,
and nobly did the Patrons of the
State respond. Petitions were sent
US from nearly every section of the
State, varying from twenty to two
hundred and three hundred names,
making in the aggregate many
thousands of signatures. Among
them we find the names of many of
the best and most influential farmers
in the State, making petitioning
that no class or State need be asham-
ed of. 1t shows the earnestness
of our members, and [ not only re
turn my own heartfelt thanks, but
the thanks of our Order for the eff
forts put forth in this matter. But
how treacherous are our hopes, when
dependent upon political favors.
While these petitions were being
prepared, irrespective of political
affliatfon, partisans pressed their
claims for partisan recognition for
partisan services rendered, and a
staunch partisan was honored with
the position, not on account of his
particular fitness, or special quail
fiication, although few claim for
him superior scientific knowledge.
The claim may be correct and he
still be lacking in practical expert
ence in agricultural affairs and if the
latter is wanting, the former will
only prove to be a hobby without
practical utility, hence of no advan-
tage to the farmers, nor need any
great advancement in agricultural
science be looked for. Mr.. George
B. Loring of Massachusetts,, was
the favored one who drew the prize
for the position of Commissioner of
Agriculture. 1t is not claimed for
him that he is better fitted for the
position than was the farmers ia
vorite, VIM. LIE Due. 1t is not
claimed that he will, or can, do any
better than his predecessor, and the
probabilities are that he may not be
| able to do as well, for the want OF
proper appreciation of the elements
necessary to advance and develop
agriculture. advantageously to the
farmers of the country. Then why
should a change have been made
For the simple reason, that Mr.. LIE
Duo was not of sufficient stalwart
partisanism to be considered a wor-
thy tool for partisan purposes, and
too great a friend to farmers His
interest in farmers and farmers af-
fairs was clearly manifested by his
official efforts for the farmers well
fare, and in advancing the agricul-
tural interest which was distasteful
to mere politicians.
i / know nothing of Mr.. Loring as
a man, and have not a word to say
for or against him as such, but the
acts of public servant become OF
public concern, and the public has
a perfect right to criticise these acts
and give them their approval or dis
approval as the merits of the case
may seem to demand, without as.
sailing the man OF his private stand.
ing Mr.. Loring has been mem
Der of Congress for number o
years, and his course in Congress:
has not been at all encouraging te
the farmers, and promises no encour
agement to them for the future
When the vote was taken in Con
gress, few months since, to elevate
the Commissioner 81 Agriculture Il