Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1893-11-30
MORTON'S REPORT.
Tho Secretary Of Agriculture q Lit
tie Critical
TOO MUCH PATERNALISM CLAIMED.
The Free Distribution Of Seeds ana Books
Condemned-A Reduction of Em-
pioyes and Expenses Ef-
fected.

NnHue CnhThCtcT
panization, which he says "offors opu-
lent opportunities for the exercise OF
the most pronounced paternalism but
he adds that there are many proper
ways In which the federal government
may legitimately serve the cause Of
agriculture He devotes considerable
space 10 review Of what he regards
as anomalous partnership between the
government Of the United States and
the government OF the respective states
for the conduct and encouragement OF
state agricultural colleges and expert
ment stations.
Referring TO the sum appropriated
for the use of state experiment sta
tions he says; "This appropriation Is
unlike any other public moneys legis-
lated out Of the treasury Of tho United
States because there Is no officer OF the
United States authorized TO direct,
limit, control or audit its itemized OK
penditures
He suggests that the stations should
be entirely divorced from the depart
ment, and tho sum appropriated
charged directly 10 them, or that the
secretary should have some power to
direct and restrain their disburse-
ments so as 10 insure Legitimate ex-
penditure Of the same. lie adds that
In view Of tho rumors that have OBJ
tained credence In some Of the states
and territories TO the effect that moneys
appropriated 10 the stations have been
diverted from their legitimate purposes,
o thorough investigation should be
made 10 demonstrate either the truth or
falsity Of such reports.
In reference TO expenditures, the sec
rotary states that his strenuous en-
deavor, In view OF the depleted public
treasury and Of the imperative do
mands Of Taxpayers for economy In
the administration Of the government,
has been to nationally reduce expen-
ditures by the elimination from the
pny rolls Of all persons not needed for
on efficient conduct of the affairs OF tho
department"
He gives the number of employees
when he took charge us 2,497, and
states that there are now on the pay
rolls only 1904, a reduction OF 5O3; and
OF the 1904 he says that eleven are on
duty In the office OF the civll service
commission, 10 which they were as
by VI INC
lie has, during the first quarter of
the fiscal year, reduced expenditures in
comparison with tho corresponding
quarter OF last year by over ESQ, 900.
The classified service is defective,
largely owing TO the inadequate com
pensation with reference TO the services
rendered. These inequalities he at
tributes largely To the appropriation
acts making statutory provisions for
the clerical force, lie argues the APP
preparations should be made In gross
Tor the clerical force, and that full dis
erection should be given TO the head of
the department In the matter of re-
muneration, affirming that "thore can
be no good reason urged against tho
government OF the United States secur-
Ing efficient services In the same manner
that they are secured by the successful
business interests OF the country"
The distribution OF seeds at the pub
lie expense Is reviewed at length, and
It's growth traced from the year 1889,
when Commissioner of Patents Ellis
worth obtained an appropriation OF
$1,000 for tho purpose of collecting and
distributing rare varieties OF seeds and
able saving 10 have been effected In the
purchase and distribution of the seed
this year.
The work OF the bureau OF animal
industry Is reviewed In detail. The
result Of the Texas fever regulations is
pronounced TO be highly satisfactory,
but 10 increase their efficiency II is
suggested that penalty should at
tach for violation of the department
regulations by railroad companies
transporting infected cattle A further
reduction has been effected by ves-
sci inspection in the percentage of
cattle lost ut sen, the ratio being
for the last year less than one-half
OF l per cent The law ut present
does not provide for the inspection of
horses imported into the country, and
an amendment in this respect is sug-
gested. As regards meat inspection
the microscopical inspection has been
greatly reduced, the intention being
70 confne II rigidly TO products in.
tended for direct export to countries
oxacting the same.
Promscuous free distribution OF pub.
lications is condemned, and the sug-
beShoh hiauc tnut htter supplying
copies free 10 libraries and educational
institutions n moderate price should
be charged for the remaining copies.
OF the weather bureau IL Ia stated
that the work has been carried on with
improved efficiency and economy, re-
duction In cost of maintenancy of near
ly 10 per cent, being effected, and esti.
mates for the fiscal year being CORE
spondingly reduced A roorgan ization
OF the bureau has been partially Of.
fected, designed 10 modify expenses
and magnify the value OF the services
70 agriculture, commerce and the peo-
pie at large
A system Of exchange with this de.
partment Mt the central meteorological
department of Mexico on terms similar
10 those In operation with Canada,
while the desirabllity of telegraphiC
reports from the Bahamas is empha.
sized.
Concluding his report, Secretary Nor.
ton says: THAT there are In the United
States more than 5000 900 farms, on
which dwell more than 80, 600, 600 peo.
pie, furnish more than "a per cent. OF
the value of exports of this country.
The department Ia, therefore, he argues,
intended TO be charged with responsi-
bility and duties touching interests In
timately affecting the life, property
and happiness of the whole people"
Promises Of improved service by the
department in the future and recon.
mendations of useful innovations re-