Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-12-24
THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT.


interests of this great country in connec-
ton with it's relations to the government, or
we might say the relations of the govern
ment to it-for it is the power of powers
in our land-we have done so in way
which we were compelled to think and act
in view of the humble position assigned
our immense producing values in legis'a-
ton and IN the administration of our Ma
tional affairs. We have steadfastly from
the first advocated, and expect in all the
future to continue our advocacy Of meas
ures which shall place the agricultural in
terests upon a plane worthy of their i'm
portance, and worthy of the enterprise and
progressive development which they have
made under our institutions in this great
and growing Republic.
lit is characteristic Of the farmer to be
difident, retiring, and modest in his ways
Take him as he appears everywhere, in as
semblages of deliberation, and on almost
any question, even matters which concern
his pursuits most deeply, and he is content
to yield leadership in all to others, who Will
direct course to be pursued. He is con-
fiding, sincere, and is content with the en-
tertainment of faith that, with all other
interests, his will receive justice, though
he Ito become its especial champion.
Commencing to examine into the grain
producing and food-supplyiig interests To-
cally, and then enlarging the breadth OF
view to embrace their exporting values,
the amazing truth is revealed of the extent
of injury which has fallen upon these in
dustries. The truth comes home to all.
1t comes to the Virginia and the Augusta
county producers, as it does to their breth
rem throughout the extent of all this land
At length concerted action was taken-ag
| ricultural societies, State and local, uniting
in the movement, and Farmers Assemblies
coming directly to its aid, brought senti
ment to its just and fair exposition on
larger scale in the organization OF Ma
tional Farmers Congress. Its first sessions
attracted some attention, but calmly ano
earnestly pursuing policy dictated by
Justice, fairness, and wisdom, its recent
| session at Nashville, in which were repre-
sented twenty four States, delegated com
| missioners to repair to Washington te
invoke the early consideration of matuseo
propositions by the National Legislature
| In less than three weeks after the session
of Congress commenced, bill passed the
House of Representatives creating the De
partment Of Agriculture with Cabinet
minister, and it is hardly to be supposed
that the Senate will interpose any serious
objection to concentrating this just ane
wise measure. We can, with almost un
wavering confidence, feel assured that The
day of cropping blindly along the highway
of progress of these great interests il
passed. We hope that with the incoming
of the new administration, new era vii
begin, which, taking hold of the immense
surplus of our lands, will prepare the way
for its profitable distribution under en-
lightened and reciprocal international laws
The value of the Agricultural department
will soon be recognized in the many bene
fits which will follow it's establishment, al
it will take up the varied interests through
out the land. In watching the progress
made for the establishment of this depart
ment, we have often mentioned some o
the good it coulu accomplish. Soon, VT
trust, those references of anticipation may
be substituted by the announcement of ,ht
blessings realized under its active and be
neficent administration.