Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-12-19
"A, NAME WEDNESDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 10,

N0s DG\JGNxO0 1
mented by the Industrious labor and men,
tai interference of man. Seed influences
crops, and science and investigation tells
US Ito illustrate by q simple fact) that
the planting of the seed end of potato,
is the most profitable. There is an in
telligent relation between all these fac
tors, which study, investigation and ex-
perience alone can make serviceable and
profitable. Time ON an occasion like
this is inadequate to examine but q small
portion of the extended field of scien-
tific agriculture. We cannot, however,
be too thankful that we have engaged
in agricultural pursuits scientific men,
who are unfolding the hidden secrets of
nature for the advantage of all. Scien-
tific men who are reliable in their facts,
and not mistaken in their conclusions.
By accurate observation in skillful
hands science oftentimes gains as much
by failure as by success. Our agricul-
tural stations unfold the science of "En-
tomology" which tells the farmer how to
destroy the legion of insect pests which
destroy the fruits of the orchard and our
farm crops. A recent definition of sci
ence has been rendered in these words:
"Science is knowledge and it is an old
maxim that "knowledge is power"
Patrons, cultivate this Kind of power.
Mechanical science has greatly aided the
pursuit of Agriculture. The first plough
with its cast iron share, mould board and
land side, was first made and patented
less than century ago. 1t called forth
an elaborate paper from Thomas Jeffer-
son. There were but few and very
clumsy farm tools in colonial times.
The march of improvement has steadily
moved onward. and the moving and
threshing machines and other achieve
ments in farm Implements, sometimes
worked by steam, are wonderful and
even marvellous. Our husbandmen are
far ahead of the farmers of Europe, for
they are held by the almost imperial pow
er of hereditary imitation in the old beat
en- track of past centuries, while the
American farmer is progressive, and
years ago made q wise departure, and is
willing to recognize the fact that physi-
cal labor aided by science increase the
profits of the husbandman greatly. Pat
rons, let us continue to build higher. This
leads me to speak of the estate College
of Agriculture" The National Grange
has always taken deep interest in the
State College of Agriculture, and at the
last annual meeting reports were made
by the several delegates in regard to the
condition of each Institution in the several
States represented. The information
impaired was not altogether satisfactory,
particularly from some of the Southern
States; but in many of the States these
Colleges are the source of favorable COM
ment and just pride. The citizens of
Michigan and Maine have reason
to congratulate themselves that the true
intention Of the College for Agricultural
pursuits have not been disregarded, but
that the doors of well conducted and ap-
propriate institutions are wide open for
the sons and daughters of farmers and
mechanics. Let us rejoice that SO many
have availed themselves of its privileges,
and after complete education have re-
turned to do honor to the farm and other
Industrial pursuits. The National Grange
passed resolutions in favor of the State
College of Agriculture by a unanimous
vote. l commend the State College for
the people to your continued support and
influence.
There are in the United States interest
ed in farming, $40, ,493 of our popula-
ton. The value of the farms and stock
is $l2 ,1O4 ,0S1 ,9O7. The assessed value
vided, would give to each inhabitant 1897.
The assessed value of the farms, if divid-
ed, would give to each farmer q farm
worth s., ,0l9, and the yearly production
of the farms in this country, if divided
equally, would give each farmer 1852.
The farmer is much better off than the
average citizen.
We have very gratifying exhibit of
the great resources of this nation to pav
of our National debt. Our largest in
debtedness was in 1865, when it reached
the sum of 81, ,756, ,431 ,571. .43, which was
a debt of S78.26 to each inhabitant, and
the interest was $4.29 for each citizen to
pay if required to do so. We have re-
duced the debt yearly One-half. 1t is
now 81 ,538, ,781 900, and is now only
debt of $28.41 per capita, and the inter-
est per capita is only 95 cents. 1t is a
most marvellous result, and is largely due
to the labOrer on the farm, and other
productive interests of the country. This
great progress is likely to beget extrav-
agance in high places, and demands the
solicitude and watchful care of the peo-
pie. The net expenses of the govern
ment in 1860, were $63, 130, $3.50, the
receipts from customs were @53. .187 ,511.
In 1888, expenses of Gov
ernment are found to oe &265, ,409, , ,137 "a
Receipts from customs in
1888, were 214,706 ,490.93
Receipts from Int. Rev.
in 1888, were 1l4,72O,37s.9s
Total, 1859, ,426 1866. 81
We find that our receipts create q sur
plus of nearly &l00, 900, 600; the rapid
payment of the public debt and the re-
firing of so many of our bonds creates a
necessity for an adjustment Of our
sources of revenue. The burden of in
direct tax on the people must be les
sened. The Treasury Of the United
States has no need Of 30 large an income.
In the adjustment of the tariff 80 soon to
come the farmers should feel deep in
terest. But few, if any, Of our farmers
favor free trade. Many favor protec-
ton to American manufactures, to the
extent Of keeping all our industrial es-