Rock Island daily Argus., 1888-12-04

and energetic action could be successful rnere
were in none Of thuse states any laws authorizing
this department to eradicate the malady or Civ
ing the state officials power to cooperate with 1t
for this purpose. The department even lacked
both the requisite appropriation and authority
BY securing state cooperation in connection
with authority from congress, the work OF eradi-
cation has been pressed successfully and this
dreaded disease has been extirpated from the
western states and also from the eastern states
with the exception Of a few restricted areas
which are still under supervision. The danger
has thus been removed and trade and commerce
have been freed from the vexatous state re-
strictions which were deemed necessary for a
time
During the first four years the process of difu-
sion, as applied to the manufacture OF sugar
from sorghum and sugar cane has been intro
duced into this country and fully perfected by
the experiments carried on by the department OF
agriculture. This process is now universally
considered to be the best, economical
one, and it is through it that the
sorghum sugar industry has been established
upon firm basis and the road to its future sue
cess opened The adoption OF this diffusion pro-
cess is also extending in Louisiana and other
sugar parts of the country, and will doubtless
soon be the only method employed for the ex-
traction Of sugar from the cane. An exhaustive
study has also within the same period been un,
dertaken of the subject of food adulteration and
the best analytical methods for detecting it.
part of TIN result of this work has already been
published by the department, which with the
matter in course of preparation will make the
that has ever been published In any
country. The departm Mt seeks progressive
development 1t would combine the discoveries
of science with the economies and aneloration
Of rural practice. A supervision of the endowed
experimental station system recently provided
for, is a proper function of the department, and
now in operation This supervision is very i'm
portant and sh uld be wisely and vigilautly di-
rected TO the end, that the pecuniary aid Of the
government in favor of intelligent agriculture
should be applied as to result in the general
I - paAf Of all anfs1a htNz
| jnstifying the appropriation made from the pub
| lie treasury.
| The adjustment OF the relations between the
| government and the railroad companies which
| have received land grants and the guaranty of
| the public credit in aid of the construction of
| their roads should receive early attention The
| report Of majority of the commissioners ap-
| pointed II examine the affairs and indebtedness
| Of these road, in which they favor an Extension
| of the time for the payment of such Indebtedness
In at least case where the corporation appears
| to be able to comply with well guarded and exact
| terms Of such extension and the reinforcement OF
| their opinion by gentlemen of undOubted business
| Judgment and experience appointed To protect
| the interests OF the government as directors oil
said corporation may well lead to the belief that
| such an extension would be to the advantage oi
| the government The subject should be treated
as business proposition with view 70 fina
realization of its Indebtedness by the government
| rather than a question TO be decided upon
| prejudice or by way of punishment for previous
| wrong doing.
The report of the commissioners of the District
| of Columbia, with It's accompanying documents
| give in detail the operations of the several de
| partnents Of the district government and furnisf
evidence that the financial affairs OF the district
are al present in such satisfactory condition as K
justify the commissioners in submitting TO tn,
congress estimates for desirable and needed i'm
proyements. The commissioners recommend
certain legislation which, in their opinion, is nee
essary To advance the interests of the district,
invite your special attention to their request fol
such legislation will enable the commissioner
without delay to collect, digest and properly ar
range the o. by which the district i
governed and which are now embraced in sew
eral collections making them available only viii
great difficulty and labor. The suggestions the.
make touching desirable amendments to tn
laws relating to licenses granted for carrying OF
the retail traffic i'll sprituous liquors. To the oh
servance of Sunday TO the proper assessmen
and collection Of taxes, TO the speedy punish
ment of minor offenders and TO the management
and control Of the reformatory and charitable in
stitutions supported by congressional appropria
tions, are commended TO care aud consideration
| again call attention 10 the present incOnver
ience and the danger TO life and property attend
| ing the operation of steam railroads through an
and across the public streets and roads of III
District. The proprlety of such legislation n
will properly guard the use of these railroads an
better secure the convenience and safety Of cit
sens is manifest
In conclusion the president says:
The CONSCIOUSNESS that 1 have presented 20
| but an imperfect statement of the condition c
our country and its wants, occasions no fear tina
anything omitted is not known and appreciate
by this congress, upon whom rests the respons
bility of intelligent legislation il behalf of grea
nation and a contiding people.
As public servants we shall do our duty well
we constantly guard the rectitude Of our intel
tions maintain unsulled our love of country, an
with unseltish purpose strive for the public gooC
GROVER CLEVELAND.