The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-12-13
REPORT ON AGRICULTURB|
THE YEARS WORK REVIEWED
BY SECRETARY MORTON,

The Force Reduced by SOB Men
Free Distribution Of Seed-Work
of the Animal Bureau-Improved
Efficiency Of the Weather Bu-
reau-Recommenda
Secretary of Agriculture Morton says in
his annual report that he has been able to
reduce the force Of his department by sos
persons whose services were not needed,
leaving him with force of 1894. His esti-
mates show a saving OF 1865. .656. "a over the
appropriations for the current year. The
Secretary asks for authority to direct dis
bursements of money appropriated for State
agricultural colleges and experiment sta
tions and suggests that reports Of the misuse
OF such funds be investigated.
Careful comparison of meat exports for
1898 and 1892 shows that microscopic inspec-
ton has not increased foreign sales and the
Secretary thinks 1t does not pay The in
specticn cost the country six and half per
cent. OF the value ofmeat exports to the coun-
tries demanding it. The Secretary asks for
legislation compelling the Immediate
destruction OF any animal or carcass con-
demned by the United States inspectors for
IN extension OF the work in regard to tuber-
culosis in cooperation with local authori-
ties until danger to human life has been re-
duced to a minimum: and for civil SER
vice examination for inspectors and assistant
inspectors with the requirement of diploma
from regular veterinary college.
The completion ofe1periments in sorghum
sugar Is announced on the ground that
stage has been reached when "individual en-
terprise can and should take advantage OF
what the department has accomplished" On
the advice OF Professor Wiley some further
experiments with sugar beets and with sugar
cane in Florida nre recommended.
The Secretary has, during the first quarter
of the fiscal year. reduced expenditures. in
comparison with the corresponding quarter
of last year, by over $56,000. -, .
Tho distribution OF seed at the public OK.
psnse is reviewed at length, and 1t Is shown
that considerable saving has been effected in
the purchase and the distribution Of the seed
this year.
The work of the Bureau of Animal Indus
try 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 attach for violation ofthe department
regulations by railroad companies transport.
ing infected cattle. A further reduction, IT
is said, has been affected by vessel inspection
ii VI CottiO AOot a. oOoy luC
ratio being for the last year less than one
half OF one per cent. The law at present
does not provide for the inspection Of horses
imported into the country. and an amend
ment in this respect Is suggested.
Promiscuous free distribution Of publica-
lions is condemned. and the suggestion Is
made that, after supplying certain copies
free to libraries and educational institutions,
amoderate price should be charged for the
remaining copies. ..-'.
OF the Weather Bureau, it is stated rnat
the work has been carried on with imI roved
efficiency and economy, g reduction In cost
OF maintenance of nearly ten per Dent.
being effected, and estimates for the fiscal
year being correspondingly reduced. Are
organization of :. the bureau has been
partially effected, designed to modify ex.
penses and magnify the value OF the service
to agriculture, commerce, and the people at
large. A system Of exchange with the de-
partment and the Central Meteorological
Observatory Of Mexico Is announced. on
terms similar to those In operation with
Canada, while the desirability OF full tele-
graphic reports from the Bahamas Is en-
pbasized.
In conclusion the Secretary says "a
year from this time. it is hoped. after con-
sultation with. the Congressional COM
mittees and other representative forces
which are endeavoring to educationally de-
yelop and define duties for this department,
useful progress in the right paths may be
truthfully reported."