Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1891-03-11
From the Richmond Times.1
A pERPLExING QUESTION.
WHAT MIR. KOINER SAYS IN RELA-
TION TO IMMIGRATION.

WHAT MIR. KOINER SAYS IN RELA-
TION TO IMMIGRATION.
Report of the State Board Of Agr1cul.
ture-The commissioners Statement
Labor 8tatist1cs-The Raising OF
Fowls-Eruits and Vegetables.
Colonel Thomas Whitehead's report of
the State Board of Agriculture has just
been Published in pamphlet form and the
following excerpts are taken from the same.
Mr.. Absalom Koiner, chairman of the
Board, has the following to say: sImmigra-
tion still continues to be a mixed and per-
picking question in Virginia, with but little
prospect of immediate solution. There are
cor ficting local interests giving rise to con-
flictine theories. For nearly twenty years
the prevailing opinion has obtained that re-
lief to our agricultural interests can be found
in promoting increased foreign immigration
to the State. At intervals immigration
boards and societies have been organizedito
that end. Agents with publications have
been sent to foreign lands to furnish infOr-
nation and induce immigration, but all have
proven almost entire failures.
SIN view of this, and for the purpose OF
procuring land purchasers 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 otherwise, which may be
developed into compromising values here
under the public eye, and bordering on the
wharves of domestic and foreign commerce.
An agent of business qualifications and
ability, who had already made the subject
q study and had experience in such society
organizations, was employed to visit the
best fields of operations and present the ad-
vantages of the State by public addresses
and printed matter. He succeeded in awak-
ening considerable enquiry and personal
visits to the State.
ga system of reception and inform tion
committees for the several counties were
designated by the agent to direct and pro-
tect the coming strangers from the grasp
and imposition of sharpers, who had done
the cause of immigration harm in the past,
by taking advantage OF the uniformed,
who in most cases departed from the State
with damaging report.
PLAN ARRESTED.
"The plan had fairly commenced when it
was arrested by hostile criticism and poten-
tial influences, and finally this plan was
abandoned and the agent discontinued. The
old plan of publishing matter and sending
it abroad by the mails and by newspaper
publications was agaiu adopted ander the
direction of the Committee of Immigration.
Almost the entire funds, which could be
spared from the working operations OF the
department., we're devoted to this ooJect-at
the instance of those who still had conf1d-
ence 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 tue inquiries for land are less frequent
and the visitors diminished.
''On the other hand, it is regarded almost
a forlorn hope to attempt to work the foreign
field with the small resources of the depart
prent; that it we're better to direct our
efforts in securing better handling Of the
most productive lands and secure the most
profitable results from the expenditure
made. In short, We need better farming
rather than more attempts at farming.
ITO the attainment of so desirable an
end, all are agreed that more attention,
study and education in tho higher develop
ments of agriculture have become necess ary
to a successful prosecution of this great in
dustry.
FARMERS INSTITUTES.
"The States most advanced in agricnl-
ture have, for some years. been making
libsral appropriations for the purpose of
conducting in the various sections lectures
and colloquies Of the several branches of
husbandry; in which are presented the most
valuable results of the experImentations of
Europe, England, and the American sta
tions, and the most advanced practice in
general farming. These schools of instruc-
tion follow the analogy of the Teachers
Institutes" II is sought to instruct the
farmer in the scientific principles which
govern the laboratory of nature, while
evolving the products Of the soil, and to en-
able him to conduct his manipulations in
harmony with the same
stWhile the sciences involved in How
Plants Grow may not unfold the mystery,
yet they disclose the components in their
various stages of formation and transforma-
tion which enables the husbandman to fur
nish the req quisite food. While generous
Mother Earth, in all ages, has afforded a
subsistence to man, yet her kingdom if
governed by fixed laws, which must be re-
spected in order TO accomplish the best re-
suits. The arts employed in the various
departments of hus5andry by the advanced
thinkers and practitioners are keeping pace
with the inventions of thie rapidly progress
sive age, and dare not be neglected by the
Virginia farmer. Business will not brook
the delay of obsolete customs. 1t is on the
rail, and they who would prosper must bt
in time-sall aboard
MOVED TO THE COUNTRY.
"On account of the reduction of the salary
of the Commissioner be has removed hil
family to the country. It is to be regretted
that his salary is not sufficient to enabl.
him to visit the differ ent portions of th'
State and mako PER- iorai examination o.
the agriculture of the State and acquaiu
himself with the diff ,rent sections. Also