The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-12-02
Annual RepOri OF tho Commissioner
of AgrleuItnre.

Annual RepOri OF the Commissioner
of AgrieultHre.
WASHINGTON, December l.-Nor-
man Oolmsn, Commissioner OF Agri.
culture, today submitted his second
annual report TO the President. He
detcribes in general terms the pro-
gres9 made in agriculture during 70.
cent years and the conditions which
contribute 10 make this "the best fed
nation on the globe" He sets forth
nj length thu benefits to he derived
and expected from agricult exper-
iment stations. The stations and col
leges OF the several States are con.
stsntly urged to enlarged experiment
tstion beyond present resources, and
often fnd themselves Striking new
leads" which they cannot follow, all
for want OF means. Hence the gen.
eral interest in the bill now before
Congress "foi the establishment of
agricultural experimental stations In
connection with the agricultural col
leges," and the prevalent opinion OF
its importance and the desire for its
early enactment. No measure, he
says, 10 now pending or proposed OF
greater import or bearing a brighter
promise OF deep seated and
lasting benefits TO the agri-
cultural interests OF the United
States In all their branches. In com.
menting upon the work OF the Bureau
OF Animal Industry be describes the
spread OF pleuro pneumonia, and says
every effort possible under existing
laws has been made to locate the
diseased animals and isolate all that
have been exposed. 1t would have
been most fortunate II every animal
exposed 70 the disease and liable to
contract il could have been summarily
slaughtered and the contagion thus
Sradicated. With disease OF this
character at Chicago, 1t has been truly
said that the cattle induetry OF this
country has reached a crisis. There
can be no doubt that il will be soon
and widely disseminated unless
prompt and efiectual action can be In
stituted for its speedy suppression.
Even now il msy have been scattered
10 some extent in the West, and the
Investigations OF the next year will
probably bring other outbreaks 10
light. The matter Is a most important
one, oVeIshsdSwing IN urgency all
others affecting our agricultural popu-
lAiion, and Of vital interest also to ev-
cry consumer OF beef, Of milk, OF
butter and OF cheese. To'prevent the
spread OF this sGourge, which has
already greatly affected our foreign
and interstate commerce, additional
legialation by Congress is now essen
tial Much valuable work has al
ready been done in Maryland, and the
danger OF tho dissemination If the
cOnlsgi0n from that State has been
greatly legeened. No work has been
done in the State OF New York, be-
cause Il was evident that the appro-
pTiation was not sufficient to secure
any favorable results there on account
Of the injection. The disease also ex
lists in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and
Virginia, but the State authorities
have not yet accepted the rules and
regulations OF the department for co.
operation. l greatly regret the neces-
tity OF announcing the existence OF
this dangerous disease over such a
wide area, but the serious results TO be
apprehended from II make 1t impera-
tive that the truth should be known,
in order that such Legislative action
may be taken ae indicated by the
emergency" Upon forestry he says
there ia practically no reproduction at.
tempted or forest planting done worth
mentioning in comparison with the
enormous annual consumption. "Aa
first step of REFORM" he Pays,
"undo ubtedly the land policy OF
the United States In the timbered
regions requires change according "a
the conditions Of those localities. Be
sides the good example which the gov,
eminent may SGT in taking better cart
OF It's own timber lands, 1t might ap
propriately extend it's operations by
planting on large scale in bodies o
several contiguous sections in the tree
less States and Territories OF the West
The military reservations in thes
States, owned by the general govern
ment, would form a most desirable
field Of operation. Only by such ex
tensive planting can a desirable modi
fication Of the extreme climate on tn,
Western pains be expected" TIT
Comm ssioner calls attention to thu
need OF fund to be used in sending
specialists TO foreign countries in re
sponse to invitations TO take part ii
scientific Investigations Of all sorts
he thinks reports made from tn,
standpoint OF the needs OF this coun
Try, instead OF from the foreign view
would be very valuable.
Annual Report Of the Commissions
Of Railroads.
WARRINGTON. Decenhar --Tb