The National tribune., 1885-09-10

vision Will prove OF great economic value to
the country.
THE DAIRY DIVISION
has been but recently started, but under the
charge Of Mr.. Allen Dodge largo amount of
useful information in regard to the dairy pro-
ducts of the country has already been ascer-
tanned, and much good has resulted in the de-
lection of fraudulent manufactures of butter.
The Chemical and MicroscopicaI Divisions have
aided this Division greatly in its investiga-
tions as to impure products, and to the labors
of the Department may be attributable in a
large degree the decrease in the amount of bo-
gus products now in the market.
THE FIRST COMMISSIONER
was Hon. Isaac Newton, who devoted a great
deal of earnest effort in placing the Depart
ment of Agriculture upon the proper founda-
tion at the Outset. Indeed, so persistent were
his labors that he died before his term of office
had expired, and the Chief Clerk of the De-
partmcnt acted as Commissioner until the ap-
pointment Of Hon. Horace Capron. Mr. Capron
was man of wider intelligence than his pre-
deccssor, and the Department made rapid pro-
gress under his management. He, however,
resigned his position to so to Japan and estab
liSh a Department Of Agriculture. The next
Commissioner was Hon. Fred. Watts, whose
honesty of intention could not be questioned
but whose executive ability was not of the
highest order. He was succeeded by VIM. c.
added considerable energy and foresight. He
made many reforms in the Department which
increased its efficiency, and turned it over to
his successor, DR.. George b. Lorng, in good
condition. DIR. LOring had been a Member of
Congress and understood thoroughly the meth
DDS of legislation. He had reputation as a
scientific farmer, and he was man of culture,
wealth. and refinement His administration
of the Department was marked by substantial
progress and the increase of avenues Of invcs-
tigation. The Department increased its hold
upon the people of the country, and the value
of the information furnished under the direc-
tiOn of the Commissioner of Agriculture is suf-
fciently attestcd by the fact that Congress or
dcrcd an edition of 100000 of the last Annual
Report and 10000 of the Special Report by tho
Chief of the Bureau Of Animal Industry.
With the advent Of the Democratic Admin
istration, however, a change of Commissioner
was made, and Dr. Loring yielded to Hon.
Norman j. Colman. Mr.. f. G. Ncsbit is the
newly-appointed Chief Clerk, and has proved
himself efficient and apt i'll the requirement of
his new duties.
THE PRESENT COMMISSIONER.
Hon. Norman J. COlman was born near Rich
field Springs, n. Y, in 1927. He removed to
Kentucky, and taught school at Louisville,
where he studied law, attending the Louisville
Law University, from which he graduated,
taking the degree of Bachelor of Law. In due
mcnCed the practice of law al New Albany, Ind,
| having as partner his fellow-student and
fellow teacher nj. G. Kerr afterwards the
| Speaker of the House of Representatives. The
| relations between these two men were Of the
closest and most antCtCEatc character, and no
Scli-sacriiicc was too great for one to make for
| the other
In 1853 Mr.. Colman went to st. Louis, where
| he has since resided, and established CcInan's
| Rural World, an agricultural Iarer Which he
| has published for upwards of 30 years and in
which progressive Journal lie made record
| which clearly commits him to earnest anl cn
ergetic work to make tbs Department of Agri-
culture Of more direct and widc-rcacLiug
advantage to the country than it has been
| hitherto.
In 1865 Go he was member Of the State
Legislature of Missouri and received in 1868
the nomination for Lieutenant Governor. In
1871 he was popularity mentioned for Governor,
and came within a few votes of receiving the
| nomination. He however, received the uomi-
nation for Lieutenant Governor by acclama-
| tion, and was elected.
lie is compa,tly built, energetic man, and
is ALREADY instiiling into his Office an amount
of industry and enthusiasm which renders the
| opening of his administration an auspicious
| one.
Mr. Coimans reputation as al agricultural
| thinker. writer and speaker is national. His
| record Is one of success in every branch Of in
dustry and enterprise with which he has been
identified, and he has long enjoyed the prestige
! of having made more speeches before the vari-
Gus agricultural societies and kindred organiZa-
| tions than any man of the present day. In the
| now prosperous associations known rs the Mis-
souri, horticultural Society, the National Cane
Growers Association, the Mississippi Valley
Dairy tssoris,ion and various State societies for
the promotion and development! of every branch
OF agricultural cndcayor may be seen the result
Of Coy. Coiman's handwork, unJ during his
| canvass for the position which he now holds,
agricultural organizations from that section of