Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1890-11-10
sEC'Y OF AGRICULTURE,
10 His Annual Report Expresses Hope
full View for that Iudustry.

The Secretary Of Agriculture in his an
pusl report expresses q hopeful view of
agricultural affairs, as indicating the OBJ
yious benefits to the farmers Of certain leg
islation which be specifies He asserts that
it is evident that the economy in legislation
at the last session of Congress directly ben
Gifted the farmers. The improved value
of cereals. he believes. is largely due to
the silver legislation, which. moreover. has
lessened the influence of Russia and India,
our wheat competitors, in the British mar
kets.
Our increased trade IN cattle and animal
products traces to energetic and effective
measures adopted for the eradication OF
pleuro pneumonia and the growing appre-
citation at home and abroad of the depart
me nts of ability to suppress or efec,uslly
cou;rel the contagious animal diseases. A
similar energy has been directed to the
pork interests. The secretary strongly rec
ommends the inspection Law still more COM
preheusivs of all animals slaughtered for
the interstate or foreign trade. The sec-
retary considers the outlook favorable for
home sugar industry and predicts that in
the near future half of our sugar will be
produced from native care, sorghum and
beets.
In the provisions Of the tariff bill, Sec
rerary Rusk finds what he regards ~ some
glaripg Inconsistencies, in that it gives en-
tire control of sugar manufacturing and
bounty payments to the subordinate officers
OF the treasury department in spite of the
fact that heretofore the department Of az.
riculture was charged with the general su-
pervision of the sugar industry both in IFS
cultural and manufacturing phases. II
makes..it the duty Of the secretary Of treas
ury furthermore, to furnish regulations A.
TO the importation Of animals, the inspec.
tioo of which involves upon the officers OF
the department Of agriculture, and to de-
eide upon the questions involving famil-
iafity with the subject of animal dis
eases ut home and abroad and whereas
Secretary Of Agriculture 10 the only officer
required by Law to &c informed 40 to the
existence of animal diseases in foreign
countries, snd ss to the possibility or probs-
biiity of such diseases being communicated
| to our domestic animals. The production
of raw silk as an indigenous industry vas
referred to in not very encouraging terms,
though its Importance vas emphasized by
reference to imports Of raw silk which
| largely increased during the year, and are
valued for the year at upwards Of e24, 900.
COO. The necessity for favorable ,ezssla
ton, ~ veil ~ improvements in machinery
! is insisted upon Secretary Rusk believer
that the recent changes 10 the tariff on the
lines will encourage manufacturers and
provide . market for home grcwn fax.
/ Reference was made to the forthcomiu.
transfer Of the weather bureau to the de
partnent Of agriculture With the deciara
tion cf the Secrstay's desire to widen tn
| pre- sent scope Of the buSeau, and TO 10
crease ifs benein to agriculture He ais
insists strongly upon the necessitv Of NOR
frequent representation Of the Department
as the agricultural and kirdsed societies
for the benefit Of she department WORKER
Who viii be brought inso closer contac
with the farmers, and they will becem
more familiar With the ~ants and bel
means for meeting them
/ The frequent cccurrencs of importan
international agricultural gatherings men
i toned. the fscs il psineed out 1t thes
i United Stases, the erestest asricuitufl
Il country in the sorId. is most fre1ueniI
coaspicnous By iss ahsence. The seer,