Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1892-01-19
Wants 10 be Investigated.

vans w w hhf','ie"t'"s
On Monday last Representative Jerry
Simpson introduced a resolution in the
House asking for an investigation into
the affairs of the department of agricul-
ture. This resolution was introduced by
the following preamble which shows the
nature OF the inquiry recommended =;
"Whereas, there may have arisen in the
minds of several of that worthy class of
people, known rs tilIers of the soil,
grave doubts concerning the great re
suits already attained in the interest Of
American agriculture by this depart
ment. by reason of belief more or less
prevalent that presumed authoritative
data concerning crops, growing or har-
vested, have been furnished to boards of
trade, chambers of commerce aud con-
ventional grain dealers, who NAV be
characterized as market wreckers' and
as operators in futures prior to the
conveyance of this Knowledge to the
toiling husbandman; by reason, also, Of
a quite considerable impression that
obtains that garden seeds are purchased
for the purpose of distribution among
the farmers of the land that were grown
, long ago that they are destitute of
proper terminating qualities; and
further, by reason of an extensive feel
ing in the mind OF the general public
that is practically interested in agricul-
tural pur.uits that the department is
made harbor for large number Of
employees. because Of political consider
atoms and influences inimical TO the
public veal :" Therefore, etc
When Secretary Rusk read this start
ling swoop of Mr., simpson he was not
in the least disturbed, but az once pro-
eeeded to get up swoop OF his own
"All have to say" remarked the dis
tinguished farmer secretary in the most
complacent manner possible, about the
resolution of Mr.. Simpson il that
heartily welcome anything which will
compel members OF Congress to learn
more about this department than many
of them now do
'Siugularly enough although Mr..
Simpson. understand, owes his election
to farmers votes, aud poses as distiuc-
lively representative Of the farming
interests, he has paid bat little attenti IN
to this department and its work.
Speaking of this apparent indiifer-
enee on the part of Mr.. Simpson.
learn from DR.. Wiley, chief chemist of
this department, 10 my very great sur
prise. that although one of the most in
teresting experiments being conducted
under the auspices OF this department is
now being carried on at his own home,
Medicine Lodge q refer to the very
successful experiment in the application
of alcohol In the manufacture of sugar
from sorghum, au experiment fraught
with important and valuable results to
the farmer- Of Mr.. simpsons own state
he himself. so DIR. Wiley informs me,
has never taken the pains to personally
visit and inspect our works at Medicine
Lodge, a very marked contrast, by the
war, to the active interest of Senator
Plumb.
"As to the quality of the seed sent out
by the department. /, would be strange,
indeed, il, out of some 100000 pack
ages, there were not founi few that
did not ge inmate, or that few should
be misplaced so that seeds sent out Ia
belled one thing should prove to be the
seed of something else, snch mistake
will occasionally occur when millions OF
these things are banded by a large force
of persons engsged temporarily for this
purpose. We have no other means OF
doing it.
| "Iu regard to the conveying OF stats
teal Information 10 boards of trade and
others ahead of It's commune alton to the
farmers, that is time worn
accusation. and one which con
fess had heard so often that
when came to this department. was 6
little in doubt whether some such prac-
tics were not in existence.
Zone of the first things | did was tc
study on. the courss by which this in
formation was given to the public, and
I tell you If anybody eau discover any.
thing approaching inpropriety or favor.
isism in the distributions OF our eroI
reports, he must be smarter man thar
am.
''0ur cotton reports are given out al
neon on the 10Th OF each month report
being handed to myself AID to the rep
resentative of the Associated Press sim
ultapeously, and the reason for giving
it cut so early is that, il it did not reach
y "A