Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-12-06
THE DEPARTMENT or AGRICULTURE.


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 noxious insects and
destructive fungus growthS and sought to secure
to agricultural labor the highest reward of effort,
and the fullest immunity from loss. It's 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 surplus for expectation, 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 lung plague OF
pleuro pneumonia was serious. Outbreaks ex-l
listed in Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky, and I'M
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 us, and with the con-
tagion already in the channels of commerce. with
the enornuS 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
to eradicate the malady or giving the
state officials power to cooperate with
it 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 eradication
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 few restricted areas which are stlll
under supervision. The danger has thus been re-
moved and trade and commerce have been freed
from the vexatious state restrictions which were
deemed necessary for time
DIFFUSION SUGAR PROCESS
During the past four years. the process OF diff
fusion 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 ag-
riculture. This process is now universally con-
cid IN, hlf 1ah HOG and nCT
and it is through it that the sorghum sugar IN
dustry has been established upon firm basis and
ton of this diffusion process is also extending Ii
Louisiana and other sugar producing parts or thei
country, and viii doubtless, soon be the only
method employed for the extraction Oh sugar
from the cane.
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-
partments of the District government and furnish
evidence that the financial affairs Of the district
are at present in such 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 u advance the interest Of the District
I invite your special attention to their Request
for such legislation as will enable the commits
sioners, 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 Lneiu aSdidDio OhiD
with great difficulty and labor. The suggestions
they make touching desirable amendments 10
the laws relative to licenses granted for carry tsg
the retail traffic in sprituous liquors. TO the OBJ
servance Of Sunday, to the proper assessnent
and collection of taxes, 70 the speedy punishment
Of minor offenders end the management ana con
troll of the reformatory and charitable 1nstltulons
supported by congressional appropriations are
commended to your care and consideration
l again call attention to the present moon
venie' &c and the danger to life aud properly at
tending the operation Of steam railroads througn
and across the public streets and roads OF the
Dis riot. The propriety Of such legislation as
will properly guard the use. CT these raiIroads
and better secure the convenience and safety OF
citzans.is manifest.
THE CLOSING CHARGE
Tae consciousness that have presented but
nperfect statement Of the condition of our
.. rIatrg and it's wants, occasions no fear that
s!ything omitted is not known and appreciated
ly the congress- upon whom rests the response
pity of intelligent legislation in behalf Of great
nation and confdipg people. As public serv-
ants We snail do our duty well il we constantly
guard the rectitude OF our intentions, maintain
undulled our love Of country, and with unselfsh
purpose strive for the public good.
GROVER CLEVELAND,
Washington, Dec. 8, 1888.