Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1883-04-26
An Open Letter to Commissioner 10
ring.
From Coleman's Rural World.)


Hon. Geo. B. Loring, Commissioner of
Agriculture, Washington, ID. q.
Sir trust that what is here said Will
be regarded as coming from one VINO
does not in the least desire to dictate to
those in higher places, yet, in the name
of the great agricultural population OF
the West, | urge upon you, as the repre-
sentative Of the national department OF
Agriculture, to assume the position and
perform the duties which plainly de-
volYe upon you in relation 10 this North
ern Sugar Cane Industry.
The derogatory tone with which you
refer to results and expenses of the cane
investigation in your annual reports,
the withho gliding of the report of the
Academy of Science from the public,
your RELOCATING the proper work of in
vestigation and experiment 10 your de-
partment 10 outside parties have led
many to believe you would willingly
wash your hands of this whole matter;
while your presence and address at the
last meeting OF tie Mississippi Valley
Cane Growers Association, the publ
cation and dissemination Of that adj
dress. your lifelong attachment to agri-
culture, and the high and honorable
position you occupy, all tend to make 1t
seem impossible that you can be par
tisan in this matter, and regard the sub
| ject only with an unworthy prejudice.
Permit me to remind you of the vast
| benefits that VIII accrue TO our country
if this Sorghum plant substantiates the
claims of its friends. WHAT plant has
| been introduced into American agrcul-
ture since our people became nation
that will compare with 1t in the promise
| it holds out. Never before have our
| department of agriculture at Washing
ton, and the various agricultural collie
ges and experiment stations scattered
over our land, had such grand oppor-
tuniiy of proving their necessity and
worth to the people as is offered to
them by the study of this one plant.
Look at the questions now pressing
for an answer: Which varieties of cane
are the richest saccharlne matter? Can
our present varieties be improved as
France mas improved the beet plant
Which soils are best adapted to this
plant, and what localities are best suited
tiyation and harvesting the crop and
the uses and value of the seed that call
upon us for investigation. These top
les, together with the proper manage
ment of the juice to get the most sugar
from it, make a demand upon our
sources of scientific agricultural inves-
tigation that is irresistible. Shall we
take up this work and lead the farmers
and capitalists, or shall we hating and
unwilling, follow them and let them
work out the problem as best they can,
If our people alone and unaided can
take up this question and push it to
successful issue, who of us in the future
can have the assumption to stand be-
fore them and descant upon the utility
of departments of agriculture and ex-
pertinent stations. In no way can we
so successfully court ignominy and de-
feat, as to stand idly by and watch our
people as they work away upon these
problems, nor can we pretend that the
times are not ripe for our utmost en-
deavor. Already millions of dollars are
being invested in this Sorghum sugar
and syrup industry. Whether wisely
or unwisely, capital is beginning to flow
into this new channel like water. In
no business is there greater chance
for chaIlatanism and fraud and the need
for scientific men and all the help that
science can give is imperative at this
juncture. The guiding hand of science
should be visible at every step in the
history of this movement.
In your departm ent as chemist &C
knowledged as standing at the head of
all investigators in this matter. Con-
eress has made liberal appropriation
to carry on investigations; what in
view of these conditions is to prevent
the most satisfactory results emana-
ting from yolr department. Our peo-
pie are unwilling To take mere person
al opinion for accurte scientific data.
IF your reluctance in this matter comes
from the first of these your position is
most untenahle; if from the latter, you
are in duty bound to make the cause
known to us.
close with the same thought with
which l began, and call upon you in
the name of the people of the West to
so define your position upon this
northern sugar cane industry that we
can know by consistent words aad &C
tons where you stand. With all due
respect.
Most sincesely yours.
w. A. HENRY.
Professor of Agriculture.
University of Wisconsin, Madison,