The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-11-10
RUSK MAKES HIS REPORT.
HE TAKES A HOPEFDL VIEW OF
AGRICULTURAL AFFAIRS.


a Claim that the Legislation of the
Past Session of Congress Has
Directly Benefited the Farmers--Im-
provement in Values Attributed to
the Silver Legislation.
s WASHINGTON. Nov. 9.-The Secretary of
Agriculture hss presented his annual re-
port to the President The secretary ex-
presses a hopeful view of agricultural
affairs, and asserts that without ignoring
the efforts Of natural causes in enhancing
values, it is evident that the economic Leg
islation of the last session of congress has
directly benefited the farmers; the i'm
proved value Of cereals, as he believes, be-
ing largely due to the silver legislation.
He traces the increased export trade
in cattle and animal products to
the energetic and effective measures
adopted by the department for the eradicat-
lug OF pIeuro-pneumonia. He declares that
not case of contagious pleuro-pneumonia
has been alleged to exist amoug American
cattle shipped to British ports since last
March. He strongly recommends a law for
the inspection of all animals slaughtered for
interstate or foreign trade.
THE HOME SUGAR INDUSTRY.
The outlook for the home sugar industry
is considered favorable. A good article of
sugar, it is shown, has been produced prof
ltably from sorghum, varieties of which,
with the large sugar consumption. have
been developed through the efforts of the
department. Analysis OF beets grown in
the various states from seeds distributed
last spring indicate high per cent. of
sugar and afford conclusive proof that a
large section of the country is adapted to
the successful culture of the sugar beet
He announces the establishment of three
national sugar experiment stations, devoted
one each to cane. sorghum and beet sugar.
In the provisions of the tariff bill Secre-
tary Rusk finds some glariug inconsistent
cies, IN that it gives entire control of sugar
manufacturing aud bounty payments to a
subordinate officer Of the treasury depart
nent, in spite of the fact that heretofore the
department of agriculture has been charged
with general supervision of the sugar in
dustry, both In its cultural and manufactur-
ing phases.
REGULATIONS ON CATTLE.
1t makes it the duty of the Secretary of
the Treasury to furnish regulations as to
the importation of animals, inspection of
which devolves upon the officers of the de-
partment Of agricultural, and to decide
upon questions involving familiarity with
the subject of animal diseases at home and
abroad whereas, the Secretary OF Agrlcult-
urel is the only officer required by law to
be informed IS to the existence of animal
diseases in foreign countries, and as to the
possibility or probability of such diseases be-
ing communicated to our domestic animals.
| A large amount of work has beer
| done in the several divisions of the depart
ment in experiments with grasses, the col
| lection of statistics, examination of food
| products, etc.
The production of raw silk as an indig.
enous industry is referred to in not very
| encouraging terms.
| Reference is made to the Forthcoming
transfer of the weather bureau to the de-
Dartment of agriculture, with declaration
of the secretary's desire to widen the pres
ent scope Of the bureau, so as to increase
| its be7e6ts to agriculture.
| KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE FARMERS.
He strongly insists upon the necessity fol
mere frequent representation of the depart
ment at meetings of agricultural and
| kindred societies, not only to give then
| encouragement but for the benefit of the
| department workers themselves, who will
| be brought into closer contact with tn,
| farmers and become more familiar with
| their wants and the best means for meeting
| them.
| In concluding he says: "I feel amply
| Justified in expressing my general satisfac
| tion at the condition of agricultural mat
terS in our country. A careful review of
the events of the past year and a general
| survey of the agricultural field to-day be-
token marked Improvement in the condi
| tion of our agriculturists, and promise vel
| for their future well-being.o