The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-01-28
The Commissioner of Agriculture.


he is discharging his somewhat complex and all
together important official duties. Twenty years
have nearly elapsed since the Department of Ag-
rieulture was created by an act of Congress, and
the duties of the Commissioner, as head of that
Department, defined.
The power with which he is endowed is seem
ingly ample to enable him. as far as legislation is
needed to extend aid and material help to the
advancement of the agricultural interests of the
country. But in the execution of the duties i'm
posed upon his Office the Commissioner is re-
stricted by the amount of the annual appgopria-
lions which Congress places at his disposal.
Considering the importance of the interests in
volved, and their predominating influences III the
general prosperity of the Nation, it may be said
that the appropriations for the support of this
Department have been exceedingly limited in
amount and grudgingly bestowed 1t seems to
have been fashionable for Congress to belittle
this Department, and whenever resolutions have
been introduced favoring it's maintenance and
extension, an evident feeling of opposition has
been exhibited. The impression seems to pre-
vail that the Department has not fulfilled the
expectations Of those for whose benefit it was
established; but what these expectations are has
not been explained There has always been much
vague and indefinite talk as to what the Depart
ment might do and what it has failed to do, but
no person, so far as known, has, up to this time,
Cd r,Iap NV no
Government can best foster the agricultural in
terests of the country. This is leading question
which has not yet been answered.
1t is apparent that the present Commissioner is
partment by placing it in close communication
with all auxiliary organizations throughout the
country. Since he has assumed the duties of the
office he has been unwearying in his efforts to
acquaint himself, by personal inspection, of the
condition of the varied industries which he rep
resents, and by intercourse with the leading rep
resentatves Of the agricultural interests in va
rious States, to secure their aid in formulating
principles of actien, and to enlist their co-opera-
ton in the practical application of recognized
details. During the latter portion Of last sum-
mer, DR.. Loring issued a call for convention of
such representatives of the various branches of
agriculture as the leading agricultural associa-
tions might select as their delegates. These del
egates were requested to represent those inter
ested in and skilled in the breeding, feeding and
sale of cattle; those interested and skilled in the
production Of the cereal crops of the country;
those interested and skilled in grape culture and
the manufacture Of wines those having charge
of agricultural colleges agricultural societies. and
the educational institutions of the country the
purpose of the convention being that of discuss
ing the general welfare of agriculture in the va
rious divisions of that industry.
separate convention was held for each of the
above-named subjects. The first Of these COM
menced on the 10th Of the present month, and
the last was closed on the evening of the 18th.
They were well attended, and the delegates COM
in their respective specialties. About twenty
papers were read and discussed. These papers
were varied as to subjects, and are among the
best and ablest essays which have yet been pre-
pared upon the topics which they present. These,
as well as the discussions which they occasoned,
will be printed and distributed at an early day,
for the benefit Of the agricultural community.
In thus bringing together the leading repre-
sentatives of agricultural industries from many
and widely distant sections, and facilitating the
presentation Of matter relating to the progress
made and discussions upon the future possibili-
ties of the interests in question, DR.. Loring has
indicated policy Of action which is regarded as
being of fundamental value and it is all the
more encouraging, since he is DESTROYS Of avail
ing himself of the wise counsels of those who |
have experience in rural affairs.
IT WOULD be matter of considerable curiosity |
to many to know at whose instance the inquiry |
into the affairs of the Northern Pacific Rail-
road Company is being made The ultimate
object, apparent to the least observant is to |
cripple the road by cancelling certain grants of
public lands upon the alleged grounds of nom
fulfllment of contract; and there is we'll
grounded suspicion that the Union Pacific, whose
business would be most interfered with by the |
Without expressing an opinion upon the general