The record-union., 1891-08-12
STATE BOARD OF TRADE.
Communication From the Agricultural
Department Concerning Ir.rigation.

Communication From the Agricultural
Department Concerning Irrigation.
SAN Francisco, Aug. 1l.-There was a
large attendance this afternoon at the
monthly meeting of the State Board of
Trade, showing that the interior counties
of the State are taking great interest in
the development of the State. The meet
ing was held in the rooms of the State
Board of Horticulture, Z. J. Gregory of
Sacramento, the President of the Board,
OCCUPYING the chair.
The Finance Committee reported that
the receipts for the month had amounted
to S3,46l IL, and the disbursements to
81, ,4Sl 65, leaving a balance on hand of
Sl,lT9 30.
Secretary Maslin then read the follow
ing letter from Edwin Willets, acting Sec
retary Of Agriculture:
S'WAsHINGToN, D. c.,
July "A, 1891.
''E. ". lfa8Jj7l, Esq, Secretary Of the
State Board OF Trade, San Francisco,
CdL.-DEAR SIR: Your letter of the 18th
inst, addressed to the Secretary, has been
duly received. In reply thereto l am
compelled to state that the annual appro-
priation for the irrigation inquiry author
lied by Congress is SO small-Sl0,000 only
as to preclude the possibility Of now
conducting any such special investigation
as the resolution of your body suggests,
however interesting, valuable and i'm
portant such an inquiry may prove 90 be.
OF its value and Importance to California
there can be no doubt.
There is, moreover, one portion of the
resolution which would seem to be in
any event outside of the legitimate duties
of the department. I refer to the last
clause, which asks judgment upon the
II. -
guarantee the solvency of their bonds,
issued or TO be issued in pursuance of
law.
"Unless specially authorized by law or
by resolution Of Congress, the depart
ment could not undertake, however
equipped with means, such task as that
indicated III the works / have quoted.
Under such authority, if obtained, all
proper questions can be legitimataly met
and considered. Your pamphlets were
duly received. The department viii be
pleased to be in regular communication
on all irrigation and agricultural ques-
tons with your important body. / am,
sir, respectfully, EDWIN WILLETs,
Acting Secretary"
Mr.. Irish objected strenuously to the
spirit of the letter. The request which
the board had made of the department Of
Agriculture was, in his opinion. legit-
innate one. The Department had, in his
opinion. been established by the Govern
liieut for the purpose Of making Just such
inquiries as desired by the board.
Mr.. Mills agreed with Mr.. Irish. The
letter OF the Acting Secretary was very
disagreeable surprise to him, and he be-
lieved that officials action TO be at least
peculiar. He believed that another at
Tempt should be made to induce the Gov
crnment TO begin the inquiry.
Mr.. Mills reported that the Breeder and
sportsman was preparing a tabulated
abatement for the board regarding the
breeding and achievements of twenty-five
California horses, as compared with a
like number of the best horses of the
world. The progress made thus far
makes a remarkably creditable showing
for the California horses.
Reports We're presented from various
countles stating the quantity OF desirable
lands with price and capability of same.
This brought ont a long and interesting
discussion on theiproposition of convey
ing those important points TO immigrants,
whose coming TO California is influenced
directly by reliable knowledge Of the
price, character and merit of the lands in
the various portions of the State. 1t was
determined to continue Investigations in
that direction with the view of soon pro-
mitigating full facts TO intending home
seekers.
Major i. w. Jones, President of the
Los Angeles Chamber OF Commerce. adj
dressed the board in behalf of his county.
He strongly urged the dissemination oi
facts instead of sentiment, as good cheap
priced land was more desirable induce-
Inent than advertisements of climate.
Investigation having demonstrated the
fact that California dried fruit is almost
an unknown commodity in Europe, that
subject was then taken under discussion.
with the result that resolution, offered
by Mr.. McAfee Of Kern County, in
tended 10 provide for the accumulation OF
funds wherewith TO purchase, ship and
distribute certain quantities of dried fruit
throughout Great Britain, was read and
unanimously adopted. Other matters o
equal Importance were also considered
andacted upon.
To-day's meeting was one of the largest
and most representative ever held by the
State Board of Trade, showing conclus
lively that the institution continues to in.
spire the great interest which the import