Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1892-10-13
A FORClBLE POINT IN THE CAMPAIGN.

money, years of growth and the conidenc
of the public
An examination of the cour.e of study
shows that there has been a tendency in the
direction of the elevation of the standard of
instruction and the broadening of its scope to
keep pace with the demands of the times, as
fast as means at command would allow.
The mechanical department has received
additional impetus by the construction of
new buildings, filled with standard machin-
cry of the best models.
The announcement is made that benevo-
lent gentlemen have already signifed their
intention of erecting other buildings. which
will greatly convenience and promote the
usefulness Of the institution.
new farm has been purchased adjacent
to the university, new agricultural buildings
have been erected thereon and the agrcul-
tural department established upon modern
basis having the latest facilities. l think it
can be said that the agitation that has taken
place has been of great benefit to the school,
in that its wants have been sharply called to
the attention Of the benevolent, and that the
trustees, alive to the demands upon them,
have provided literally, to the extent of bold
ness, in making provision from the funds Of
the institution for the wants of the school.
am satisfied there Is sufficient enthusiasm
with the faculty to cause them to meet the
hC" SOHulIOub VIII earliest PURPOSE 10
give the student the very best they can de-
wise, and believe that what has been accom-
phshed warrants the continued fostering
care OF the state. 1t certainly would be a
public calamity for any harm to befaIl the
institution.
Board of Agriculture.
The attempt to maintain an agricultural
bureau in Vermont has always received scant
support from those most interested and,
therefore, small and inadequate appropria-
lions have been made.
l think it good business policy for the state
to increase the opportunities, responsibilities
and duties of the board of agriculture. There
can be committed to this board with advan-
tage the collecting Of information in connec-
ton with unoccupied or uncultvated land,
putting in statistical form all information that
can be gathered concerning the same, and pro-
noting in this way any desirable change in
ownership; they might be charged with in
quiry concerning the forests, matter too
much neglected and about which a variety OF
opinions are held; they might be charged
with the furnishing of Information concern
ing better roads, how to make them and the
best kind for any particular locality. They
could assist in the formation of farmers clubs
in the employ and management of expert
assistants for our dairy interests, and in the
re-establishment and promotion Ofagricultu-
raj affairs in many ways.
-Four years ago an attempt was made to in
duce Swedish immigration upon some of the
abandoned farms of this state. Such inquiry
as l have been able to make concerning this
experiment reveals the fact that the usual
result followed, and that the young gradu-
ally leave and go to business centers, leaving
the older people to care for the farm.
This is not because of the class of people
that came, or because they became|lissatis-
fed with the land, but is incident to our
modern civilization, without full recogni-
ton of which we cannot hope to obtain the
supremacy of our state.
1t would be good investment to furnish
the bureau of agriculture with suitable
means to continue this inquiry.
One of the things that this state lacks at
the present time, in industrial and agricul-
which can be secured with very slight ex-
pense If attended to yearly; this can be
gained and put in suitable book form for
preservation, giving us ready means of COM
parison to know whether one policy is better
than another.
of fear that an actual statement of facts
might uncover condition of things unpleas-
ant to see or know will deter you from doing
your full duty in this matter.
1t is to be hoped that you will see your
way clear to enlarge the powers of the boar
of agriculture and to increase the appropra-
ton to an adequate amount.
The increasing magnitude Of the dairy in
terests of the state warrants the giving of
more attention to this industry. In this con-
nection it is proper to note the work Of the
Darymen's association as important and
growing, and it should receive that encour-
agement which it demands.
Prohibitory Law,
Public sentiment sustains the rigid en- force
ment of the prohibitory laws Of the state to (,
commendable degree. We ought to see to it,
therefore, that nothing is done to retard its
healthy growth or bring i'll repute upon our
good intentions.
Sentences for crime ought to be in proper
ton to the offense committed. No one will
pretend that violation of the prohibitOry
law des erves a life sentence, but by the opera
tions of the mathematical rule of cumulative
sentences under the present provisions of the
law the legal period may reach far beyond
the natural life of the prisoner, in which case
the severity of the law that compels such a
cruel sentence would be held up as an argll-
ment against its proper enforcement and
would appeal so strongly to the sympathy OF
the general public that repeated instances OF
this kind might set in motion wave of un.
healthy agitation that would sweep away the
work of years.
| Would it not be well in imposing sentence
for nOn-payment of fines in liquor cases that
period be fixed beyond which the sentence
could not extend, say three or five years, nc
matter the amount of the fine imposed! II il
could be shown to the court that the respond
ent was destitute of property from which be
could raise the money to pay the fine, il
might be well, in first offences, for the court
/ to impose a sentence to the extreme limit OF
the law and at the same time repO>e in the
court power to collect a certain amount in
money and then take bond for the remain
! der. This should be valid and enforced il
the respondent is ever guilty of a second of
! Tense. Would not the giving of such bond
operate as restraining influence upon the
| offender TO keep him out of the liquor bust
ness? As it is there is too much temptation
Tor him to try IN reconr, himself by increa sef