The Globe-republican., 1893-12-01
MORTON'S REPORT.
Uncle Sans Farming Department
Heard From.
The Secretary of Agriculture Has Some
thing to say About Paternalism. the
Free Distribution of seeds and
Other Matters.
Department of Agriculture.

"ASHlNTIcN. NV hS SSShS
tary of agriculture. in his report just
submitted to the president, regrets the
vague character OF the department or
canization. which he says offers 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
NAV leritirnately serve the cause of
agriculture
Referring TO the sum appropriated
fer the use of state experiment sta
tio1s. he says: This appropriation is
unlike any other public moneys legis-
lated out Of the t-easur Of the United
States because there is no officer OF the
United States authorized to direct.
limit control or audit its itemized ex-
penditures.
He suggests that the stations should
be entirely divorced from the depart
ment and the sum appropriated
charged directly to them, or that the
secretary should have some power to
direct and restrain their disburse-
neuts so as TO insure q legitimate ex-
perditure of tbs same.
In reference to expenditures, the sec
rotary states that his strenuous en-
Geavor, in view of the depleted public
treasury and of the imperative de-
mand> of taxpayers for economy in
the administration of the government.
has been to nationally reduce expen-
ditures by the elimination from the
pay rolls of all persons not needed for
an efficient conduct of the affairs of the
department"
He gives the number of employees
when he took charge as 2,491. and
states that there are now on the pay
rolls only !, 1894 a reduction of SOB; and
of the l 1894 he says that eleven are on
duty in the office of the civil service
commission. to which they were as
signed ty request of the commission.
He has. during the first quarter of
the fiscal year. reduced expenditures in
comparison with the corresponding
quarter of last year by over $500
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 He argues the APP
preparations should be made in gross
for the clerical force and that full dis
cretion should be given to the head of
the department in the matter of re-
enumeration. affirming that there can
be no good reason urged against the
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
fits growth trEced from the year 1889,
when Commissioner of Patents Els
worth obtained an appropriation of
81 200 for the purpose of collecting and
distributing re varieties of seeds and
for other purposes He shows consider
able saving to 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, to increase their efficiency it 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 YES
sci inspection in the percentage of
cattle lost at sea, the ratio being
for the last year less than one-half
of l per cent The law at 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
to confine it rigidly to products in.
tended for direct export to countries
exacting the same.
Promiscuous free distribution of pub
LEGATIONS is condemned. and the sug-
gestion made that after supplying
copies free to libraries and educational
institutions a moderate price should
be charged for the remaining copies
OF the weather bureau it is stated
that the work has been carried on with
improved efficiency and economy, a re
ductiou in cost of maintenancy of near
ly 10 per cent being effected, and est
AAAeAN ASh wv aS~oA SSoA oSihG SoHAC
spond;ngly reduced A reorganization
of the bureau has been partially eff
fected. designed to modify expenses
and magnify the value of the services
to agriculture, commerce and the PEG
pie at large
"A year from this time, it is hoped
after consultation with the congress
sional committees and other represen
tative forces which are endeavorinp te
Intentionally develop and define dutie.
for this department that useful pro
gress IN the right paths may be truth
fully reported"
Concluding his report, Secretary Nor
ton says: That there are in the United
States more than 5000 600 farms. or
which dwell more than 80, OOO, 900 peo
pie furnish more than - per cent. O.
the value of exports of this country
The department is. therefore. he argues
intended to be charged with response
bility and duties touching interests in
timately affecting the life. property
and happiness of(he whole people