The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1885-07-17
4
The address of Commissioner Cofaan-S"g-
0estions of Greater or Lesser Value.

The address of Commissioner Cotman-Smg
0estions Of Greater or Lesser Value.
The agricultural college convention
opened its session at Washington on the
Sth. 1t was called to order by Hon. w
F. Switzler, OF Missouri. Commissioner
Colman was chosen temporary chairman
and Prof. George Fairchild temporary Sec
rotary; a committee on credentials was
then named.
COMMISSIONS Colman, in his opening adj
dress OF welcome, briefly sketched the dis
cussions in congress which preceded the
magnificent grants OF land for the endow-
ment OF agricultural colleges in several
states, and said it would be conceded that
the general public professed a degree of dis
appointment in the outcome OF these insti-
tution After alluding in detail to some
OF the branches which should be funda-
mentally taught in all agricultural colleges,
he referred at length to some of the opera
tons and plans which might be carried out
on college farms by college faculties, and
which would be more particularly under
the auspices of the department of a%gricui-
luic, duu u unc SpcClui advantage vi Optr-
ations and plans involving problems which
could only be solved by Investigations car
ried on simultaneously in different local.
ties.
The p~eculiarities consequent upon chang
ing seed from one soil and climate to Others
were strongly suggestive that good would
from a well conducted series OF ex-
periments made over widely diversified eli
and conditions. They said the
urtIar fha Cxafa,, 81 ,nfaroI, ,.o IS .o11, |
and the greater the number of sim
tests, the sooner could be
tabulated the results out OF which to de-
1uct principles for future guidance and ac-
lion. AS an example of special work for
localities, he would mention inves-
,~igations relating to the cotton plant. The
could collect seeds of many
and assign them to all colleges in
he cotton states, with instructions which J
you'd secure similarity of treatment
throughout their growth. Semi-weekly in
pections might be made when every detail !,
I progress connected with rainfall, temper !
time OF first Towering, continuation !
| the blooming period, quantity and quail
" OF lint, ETC., should be carefully noted. .
process should be continued for q .
cries OF years, but when completed could l
OF fall in being OF great benefit to all en-
aged III the culture OF crops. Determine n
ons would be reached as to adaptability 4
certain kinds to certain climates, better :.
than those now cultivated, would u
, indicated formany localities, and profits G
ould be enhanced. The first fact to be
'veloped by such experiments would be .
ellcltlng OF knowledge necessary to an r
telllgent crossing OF varieties for the pur- III
use OF combining in one the excellencies OF N
any. He could see the necessity for a I'll
national experimental farm, also, IN
lich he woul have established near the -
pltal, and. ii he might go farther, he 7"
'uld establish on it permanent national
worlds exposition where products OF ie
is and other nations might be exhibited. 70
believed that at no distant day this ~
'uld be realized, for agriculture, the nurs- %
mother OF all industries, was entitled to Nj
ch recognition. tr,
After the conclusion OF the commissions os
opening address the temporary officers
re made permanent. Commissioner Col
n In the afternoon announced he had re- va
we'd a letter from Miss Cleveland, OF the ali
cutive mansion, which he did not think NO,
S intended as a private communication
said Miss Cleveland has manifested Il
interest in one of the industries in no
oh the country was interested.
he letter read as follows: nv
Mansion Vashington-I ven his
2 to ask if the subject OF silk culture in Bi.
United States is one which will receive Ca
ention from the agricultural convention. do,
I'd myself feeling a deep interest in this 49,
lstry, not only because it seems right 'er
lifting that we should produce our own mo
in successful competition with the old De
Id, but because TIL. industry when so ba,
lbllshed, as it may ,e by the encourage rer
It OF the government, will afford one
avenue of self support to women. up
sure you desire with me to see such ave- A
increased in a worthy and legitimate A !,
{. | am hoping to nave the pleasure OF -.
ing your bureau before long. Very "a'
y yours, clal
"RosE ELIZABETH CLEVELAND" sioI
lie letter was received with applause pro
tvrs