Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1890-11-26
Report of Hon. Absal0m K0iner Chairman
of the State Beard of Agriculture.
THE SUBJECT OF IMMIGRATION AND OTHER
QUESTIONS DISCUSSED.

THE SUBJECT OF IMMIGRATION AND OTHER
QUESTIONS DISCUSSED.
The following extracts from the report
of the Chairman of the State Board of Agri
culture will be read with Interest,"
Immigration still continues" says the
report, "to be mixed and perplexing ques-
tion in Virginia, with but little prospect of
immediate solution. There are conflicting
local interests giving rise to confictin g
theories. For near twenty years the pre-
yailing opinion has obtained that relief to
our agricultural interests can be found in
promoting increased foreign immigration to
the State. Atlntervals immigration boards
and societies have been organized 10 that
end. Agents with publications. have been
sent to foreign lands to furnish information
and induce immigration. but all have pro-
ven almost entire failures In view of this,
and for the purpose of procuring land pur-
chasers rather than mere laborers, the
Board on entering on its duties decided to
direct the attention of the people of the
States and of our own State to the variety
Of resources, not only agricultural, but 9th
erwse, which may be developed into COM
pensating values here under the public eye,
and bordering on the wharves of domestic
and foreign commerce.
WHAT THE AGENT DID.
can agent of business qualifications and
ability, who had already made the subject
study and had experience in such society
organizations, was employed to visit the
best fields of operation and present the ad.
vantages of the State by public addresses
and printed matter. He succeeded in
awakening considerable enquiry and per-
sonal visits to the State. A system of re-
ception and information committees for the
several counties were designated by the
agent to direct and protect the coming
strangers from the grasp and imposition of
sharpers, who had done the cause of immi-
grafton harm in the past. by taking advan.
tage of the uninformed, VINO in most cases
departed from the State with damaging re-
port.
HOSTILE CRITICISM.
"This plan had fairly commenced when
it was arrested by hostile criticism and
potential influences, and finally it was aban-
doned and the agent discontinued. The
old plan of publishing matter and sending
it abroad by the mails and by newspaper
publications was again adopted under the
direction of the Committee of Immigration.
spared from the working operations of the
department., were devoted to this object
at the instance of those who still had con-
fdence in this mode-upon the supposition
that the publications should be numerous
and very extended. There has not yet
been sufficient time to make full proof of
this work. The Commissioner reports that
thus far the inquiries for land are less fre-
quent and the visitors diminished.
FoRLoRN HOPE.
sOn the other hand, it is regarded almost |
a forlorn hope to attempt to work the for
eign field with the small resources Of the |
department.; that it were better to direct |
our efforts in securing better handling of |
the most productive lands and secure the |
most profitable results from the expendi- |
ture made. In short, we need better fam
ing rather than moro attempts at farmii e. |
''To the attainment of so desirable an |
End, all are agreed that more attention,
study and education in the higher develop
mont of agriculture have become necessary
to successful prosecution of this great in
dustry
Tn ~the head of Farmers Institutes,
Mr.. Ko,,> says: "The States most ad-
vanced ia yfiouture have for some years
been making liberal appropriations for the
purpose of conducting in the various Sec
bions lectures and colloqnies 10 the several
branches of husbandry." Continuing the
report says:
THOROUGH TRAINING FOR FARMERS.
''Nothing short Of thorough training in
the most approved methods, directed By
judgment in ths exercise of
anHagging industry and economy, will
secure successful results. 1t is folly to sup
peso that the thoughtless, slip she'd routine
lf the past year will sustain the increasing
demands upon the agriculture of the pres
ant. Though all live on the product of the
soil. yet there is a deplorable disposition to
neglect it's Intelligent cultivation.
''Under existing conditions it is unwise
10 attempt to cultivate the extensive area
which was brought into cultivation with
more and abundant and cheaper labor. The
of the best portion will produce
more than an attempt upon the whole.
There must be a new departure-not only
q the practice; but agriculture needs the
help Of every legitimate support.
The confident belief and urgent solicitations
Of many, to induce the Board to assist in
holding farmers institutes, had led to an
experiment. which resulted satisfactorily in
and arousing fresh interest
''Much of the discomfort which has
sprung up in agricultural circles" continues
Mr.. Koiner, 'thas grown out of the bslief
that this paramount Industry has been neg
ecsed and disparaged, while other depart
nents of learning have long since received
,he fostering care of the government.
The report suggests to the Legislature
10 take timely action in the matter of hav-
ing Virginia properly represented at the
Chicago Exposition.
THE TIMID LEGISLATOR.
This is what Chairman Koiner has to say
about the way the legislator is controlled by
the sportsmeD:
"The birds are Of very great advantage
to the farmers, and should be protected by
mere stringent laws; but, alas, the voter,
with his dog and gun, looks the timid legis-
ator in the face and his heart fails him.
altogether and the sheep and birds are
abandosed to the tender mercies Of the dogs
aud gun. Chivalrous Virginians would
face world in arms, but have depiorable
weakness for sport at the sacrifice of impor-
tant Interests! Let US hope for better things
soon."
The worst attacks of indigestion Sim
mons Liver Regulator never fails to relieve.
The Women Did Ii.
Speaker Reed faces the music very hand
T., I;.1o