Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-05-03
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
The Bill to Establish 4, Likely In p,xx.
VIEWS OF SENATORS PLUMB AND GEORGE AND
REPRESENTATIVES HATCH AND MCLpRow.

The bill to establish department OF Agricul-
ture has been favorabiy reported in both houses
of Congress. 1t stands on the calendars of the
Senate and House with unanimous reports from
the committees on agriculture. The two bills
differ only in phraseology The provisions are
substantially the same. 1t is provided that a
secretary Of agriculture shall be appointed by
the President, by and with the advice and con-
sent Of the Senate. and that he shall have the
same salary as is paid to the secretary OF each
executive department. An assistant secretary.
to be appointed BY the President and confirmed
10y the Senate. is also created. It's further pro-
rided that the existing agricultural bureau. with
all its appurtenances shall be transferred TO the
department of agriculture.
Senator Plumb. who reported the bill from
the Senate committee on agriculture, was asked
by STAR reporter if he hoped to pass the bill
at this session: Yes" he replied. 1T will
pass. am sure of it. The bill came up the
other day. but went over under objection from
Mr.. Bayard 1t will not come up again in the or
binary course Of business for a week or two. but
when It does we will get vote and pass it. This
subject" continued the Senator. has been
long time under discussion. Seyen-twefths OF
the people Of this country are engaged In agrf-
cultural pursuits. The agricultural interest is
scattered, and is not so well able to protect it
SELF as other interests. 1t is important that this
interest should have its representative among
ceive the care and protection 1t deserves. Why
look! The subject Of our exports Is directly
connected with agriculture and its products our
food supply. the question of balance of trade
all these important matters are intimately inter
woven with the interest of agriculture. We
want broad and liberal man to represent this
department around the Presidents table; one
who is prepared to furnish Information of every
kind, and particularly statistical information as
to agriculture its products, &c. The agitation
behalf pnlarppmaut a n
bureau OF agriculture, has gone on until, l be-
lieve nearly all liberal and fair minded men con-
cede it's right to place i'm the executive depart
ments. Such change will be better not only
for the agricuturists themselves but for all
classes and interests"
would not commerce and other interest"
asked the reporter. "lay claim on much the
same grounds to such Representations"
mo, l think not" responded the Senator.
'They could not do so with prOpriety for none of
them represent such large proportion of our
population, and besides these other interests are
represented and cared for in the existing de-
partments."
Senator George. an ardent supporter Of the
bill, and warm friend Of everything pertaining
to agricultural interests. said: 1.-The chances are
first rate for the passage Of the BILL The
measure has passed the House Of Representa-
tives once or twice in past Congresses, and am
informed that 1t will pass the present House
whenever 1t shall be reached. 1t is q measure
conceded"
Chairman Hatch, Of the House committee on
agriculture, is quite confident that the bill will
pass. If, in the press Of business, vote upon 1t
can be reached.
Representative Muldrow, of Mississippi, who
originally introduced the bill and under whose
auspices 1t passed House of former Con-
gress, also believes the measure will go through
by large majority. The arguments I'm its behalf
used by all friends of the bill are about the same
as the reasons Its favor given by Senator
Plumb: that agriculture comprises more than
half the people of the country. and that I'm ex-
tent and Importance II is entitled to Cabinet
representation.
A PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE PROVIDING FOR DE-
PARTMENT OF INDUSTRIES.
In the Senate Mr.. Kenna has submitted a
substitute which he intends to propose fer the
bill of the committee. 1t creates an executive
department. to be known as the Department of
Industries. with Secretary of Industries at its
head, and provides for division Of agriculture
in charge Of a commissioner, as subordinate
part of the Department of Industries.