The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-07


granted during the last fiscal year including re-
issues. trademarks, designs and labels, was 3d.,
GIG, number also qnite largely in excess of
that or any previous year. The report OF the
Commissioner shows the Office to be in pros
porous condition and constantly increasing in its
business. No increase of force is asked for
The amount estimated for the fiscal year ending
June 30, 1885, was $500, 760; the amount est-
mated for the year ending June 80. 1887, was
1858. $780, the amount estimated for the fiscal year
ending June 3d. 1888, is SITS, TO
SUBSIDIZED RAILWAYS.
The Secretary of the Interior suggests a
change in the plan for the payment of the in
debtedness of the Pacific subsidized roads to the
government His suggestion has the unanimous
Endorsement of the persons selected by the gov
eminent to act directors of the roads, and
protect the interests of the United States in the
board or direction. In considering the plan
proposed the sole matters which should be
taken into account in my opinion, are the situa-
ton or the government creditor, and the
surest way to secure the payment of the princi-
pal and interest of its debt By a recent de-
cision OF the Supreme Court of the United
States, it has been adjudged that the laws of
the several States are imperative to regulate
rates OF transportation upon railroads, if such
regulation interferes with the rate of carriage
from one State into another. This important
field OF control and regulation having been thus
left entirely unoccupied, the expediency of fed
eral action upon the subject is worthy of consid
GRAFTON.
AGRICULTURAL INTERESTS.
The Department of Agriculture, representing
the Oldest and largest of our national industries,
is subscribing we'll the purpose of it's organiza-
ton. By the introduction of new subjects of
farming enterprise, and by opening new sources
of agricultural wealth, and the dissemination of
early information concerning production and
prices, it has contributed largely to the countrys
prosperity. Through this agency advanced
thought and investigation touching the subject
1t has in charge should, among other things. be
practically applied to home production, at low
cost, of articles of food which are now imported
from abroad. Such an Innovation will neces-
sarily, of course in the beginning, be within the
domain of intelligent experiments, and the sub
ject in every stage should receive all possible
encouragement from the government. The in
terests of millions of our citizens engaged in
agriculture involved in an enlargement
and improvement OF the results of their labor,
and jealous regard for their welfare should be
q willing tribute to those whose productive re-
turns are main source of our progress and
power. The existence of pluro-pneumonia
among the cattle of various States mas led to
burdensome, and. in some cases, disastrous re-
strictlous IN an important branch of our com
merce, threatening TO affect the quantity and
quality of our food supply This is a matter of
such Importance, of such far-reaching conse-
quences, that hope it will engage the serious
attention of the Congress, to the end that rem
edy should be applied as far as the limits of
constitutional delegation of power to the general
government will permit. / recommend to the
consideration of the Congress the report of the
Commissioner and his suggestions concerning
the interests intrusted to his care.