Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1888-12-06
TIE prr.nrnrSr OF AGRICULTURE.


its efforts to develope the processes, enlarge the
results and augment the profits of American hus
bandry. 1t has collected and distributed practical
information, introduced and tested new plants.
checked the spread of contagious disease OF farm
animals resisted the advance of noNous insects and
destructive fungus growths, and sought TO secure
TO agricultural labor the highest reward of effort
and the fullest immunity from loss, Its records
Of the year show that the season of 1888 has been
one of medium production. A generous supply OF
the demands Of consumption has been assured.
and a surplus for exportation moderate in some
products and bountiful in others, Will prove ben
efaction alike TO buyer and grower
THE CATTLE INDUSTRY
-Four years ago it was found that the great
cattle industry Of the country was endangered,
those engaged in it were alarmed The RAPID
extension Of the European hung plague Of
pleuro pneumonia serious. Outbreaks eX
isted in Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky, and in,
Tennessee. The animals affected were held I'M
quarantine. Five counties in New York and
from one To four counties in each of the states
Of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware
and Maryland, were almost equally affected.
With this great danger upon ms, and with the con
tagion already in the channels Of commerce, with
the enornns direct and indirect losses already be
ing caused by It. and when only prompt and en-
ergetic action could be successful, there were I'M
none of these states authorizing this department
20 eradicate the inalady or giving the
state officials power to cooperate with
il for this purpose. The department even lacked
both the requisite appropriation and authority
BY securing state cooperation IN connection with
hNfHtAllN Alhul kbslEINSS tllt Nhik OF
has been pressed successfully, and this dreaded
disease has been eNtrpated 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 re
moved and trade and commerce have been freed,
from the veNatous state restrictions which were
deemed necessary for a time
DIFFUSION SUGAR PROCESS.
During the past four years. the process of dit.
fusion as applied 20 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 ag-
rculture. TLis process is now universally con
sidered to be the best and most economical one,
and it is through it that the sorghum sugar in.
dustry has been established upon firm basis and
the road 10 its future success opened The adop-
ton of this diffusion process is also extending In
Louisiana and other sugar producing parts OF the!
country and will doubtless, soon be the only
method employed for the extraction OF sugar
from the cane.
FOOD ADULTERATIoN.
An exhaustive study has also within the same
Ieriod been undertaken of the subject of food
adulteration and the best analytical methods
for detecting it, part of the results OF this
work has already been published by the depart
nent, which, with the matter in course Of
preparation viii make the most complete treatise
on the subject that has ever been published IN
any country.
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS.
The department seeks a progressive develop
ment 1t would combine the discoveries of
science with the economies and amelioration Of
rural practice. A supervision Of the endowed
experimental station system recently provided
for is a proper function of the department and
Is now in operation. This supervision Is very
important and should be wisely and yigilantly
directed to the end that the pecunlary aid Of the
government in favor of intelligent agriculture
should be so applied as 70 result In the general
good aud to the benefit of all our people thus
1ustifying the appropriation made from the
TIE GOVERNMENT AND THE RAILROADS
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 and OF the constitution of
their roads shoulc receive early attention. The
report OF the majority of the commissioners APP
pointed to examine the affairs and indebtedness
OF these roads IN which they favor an extension
Of time for the payment Of such Indebtedness in
alton appears to be able to COM
ply with tho well guarded and exact terms
Of such extension and the reinforcement OF their
opinion by gentlemen Of undoubted business
Judgment ana experience appointed to protect
the interests OF the government as directors OF
said corporation may well lead to the belief that
such an extension would be to the advantage of
the government. The subject should be treated
as a business proposition with view to final
realization Of its Indebtedness by the government
rather than that question TO be decided upon
prejudice or by way OF punishment for previous
wrong doing,
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
The report of the commissioners of the District
Of Columbia with its accompanying documents
gives in detail the operations OF the several de-
partmeDts OF the District government and furnish
evidence that the financial affairs of the district
are at present In such an unsatisfactory condition
as TO justify the commissioners In submitting TO
the congress estimates for desirable and needed
improvements. The commissioners recommend
certain legislation, which, In their opinion, is
necessary " advance the interest Of the District.
invite year special attention TO their Request
for such Legislation as will enable the commits
sioncrs, without delay, to collect, digest and
properly arrange the laws by which the district
is governed. and which are now embraced in
several collections, making them available only
with great difficulty and labor. The suggestions
they make touching desirable amendments to
the laws relative to licenses granted for carry tHC
on the retail traffic in spiituous liquors, TO the OBJ
s. rvanCe II SUNDAY, to the proper assessment
and collection OF taxes TO the speedy punishment
of minor offenders and the management and con
troll Of the reformatory and charitable institutions
supported by congressional appropriations, are
commended TO your care and consideration.
| again call attention % the present incon-
yeuie ce and the danger 10 life aud property at
tending the operation OF steam railroads through
and across the public streets and roads Of The
Dis rieJ. The proprety OF such legislation as
will properly guard the use Of these railroads
aud better secure the convenience and safety OF
ctzsns.is manifest
THE CLOSING CHARGE.
Tie consciousness that have presented but an
riarrfect statement Of the condition OF cur
"a try and its wants, occasions no fear that
utthng omitted is not known and appreciated
IS the congress, upon whom rests the responsi-
ny Of intelligent legislation IN behalf OF great
nat on aud q conhding people. AS public sery-
hnts We snail do our duty well II We constantly
guard the rectitude Of cur intentions, MAINTAIN
undulled our love Of country, and with unselhsh
purpose strive for the public good.
GRoYrR CLEVELAND,
Wa hington, Dec. 3, 1888.
The Growth Of Jerusalem.
ba haobrsnbfeu upa T.r,