The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-07-03

WISE proper and necessary is evidenced by the fact
that every civilized nation the face of the earth
including our own has such an official bureau, and
that in every state in the union there is official
establishment of this similar character. The ap
probation which the farmers of the country as
whole, have of the national department of agri-
culture is shown by the recent passage
by congress Of bill creating the COM
missioner OF agriculture cabinet officer. In the
light OF history and our present Industrial con-
dition, remembering the labor, the difficulty, the
dlscouragemen which attended Its initial creation;
witnessing the efforts everywhere being made to
advance the dignity of the profession OF farming;
and to bring TO its aid all the scientific statisca
ana organizing assistance possible, surely this is no
time to talk OF ab0iishing the one department of
the state governrnentdevoed exclusively to the in
terests of and of the farmer We should regard
such an action as the longest step backward which
1t would be possible for people to take at this
time. Our profound interest in the advancement of
our farmers, keen desire that nothing should be
done to check this advancement our observation of
the values of such agencies i'll other communities
and our firm conviction that such an agency should
contribute immensely to the advantage OF our COM
unity, leads to take this broad but positive posi-
ton on this subject in general Now it is possible
that our own particular state department is not as
efficient as would like to have ii, or as 1t might
be made. II IS possible that the laws governing it
are not such as to secure the greatest efficiency 1t
is possible that the administration of the depart
luSlt IL hOL ouCH 10 INC Greatest USE
fulness We cannot say, for we do not know. On
these matters of detail we are not in
formed. And while we unalteTably
opposed to the abolition of the department we are
by no means opposed TO such changes in the stat
uteS or such reforms in It's methods as may be
essry to secure and increase theuSefllness of this
important arm of the state government. Far from
It, 1t Will be our pleasure to advocate feerleSsly
and zoalously such changes as may be shown to be
proper to this end. And we think all farmers, and
especially all members of the alliance, should join
hands with us in this determination. We will I'M
dertake 10 publish-and with pleasure--any CON-
mun1cations exposing such weaknesses in our
present department as may exist, or suggesting
measures by which it may be strengthened Upon
one thing only shall we insist-namey that the CON-
:nunications shall be fair honest and dictated solely
by disinterested desire genuinely to improve the
conduct of the department, and to make it of more
value to the farmer. We shall also ourselves,
from time to time take occasion 10 express our own
views on the subject they may be formed from
an investigation of matters as they now exist.
And VIC are sure the present commits
sioner of agriculture and the other officers
of the department will cheerully second our
efforts in this direction We are reformers but not
iconoclasta WEI willing to improve but not TO
pull down. We commend these thoughts to the
earnest consideration of our readers. If certain
school in neighborhood were not educating the
children as well as could be wished, because of
lack of means to keep the school open sufficient
number of days, or because the school house leaked
or because the teacher was incompetent, would it
be wise to pull down the school house and abolish
the whole concern? No! Rather patch up the house.
turn out the teacher try to raise more money to
keep the school open for q longer time, and SO,
without losing what of good has been already had,
more might be added thereto. We earnestly beg
members. therefore, to stand by the department
of agriculture Crteise it fearlessly but fairly and
honestly; investigate its workings; improve it; in
SiSt that il shall be Derfcpt rnSslhla
by it, for it belongs to the farmer; it is OF can be
made, agency of immense benefit to the farmer
and if we should lose 1t we should suffer, in our
opinion, an irreparable loss