New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-11-22
INVESTIGATIONS IN ORDER.
SECRETARY MORTON MAY BE HAULED
OVER THE GOALS
REPRESENTATIVE BAKER IS PREPARING TO CALL
HIM TO ACCOUNT FOR MULTIPLYING A LAW
PASSED BY CONGRESS.
rBv TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE !

nv TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE
Washington. Nov. FIT is probable that some
OF the official acts OF members OF the Admnistra-
ton will be questioned and perhaps officially in
vestigated by the incoming House Of Representa-
lives. one Of the matters which may be made
subject Of inquiry is the action of Secretary Nor
ton OF the Department Of Agriculture. In refusing
TO execute the law which requires him to buy and
distribute new and valuable seeds among the
farmers An appropriation to enable him TO do go
was made last winter. but he has refused to eXpend
it or to execute the law. and many Of the Repre-
sentatives-elect who represent large numbers OF
farmers. are exceedingly indignant, especially DIS a
motion 10 strike out the appropriation received
only three votes in the House of Representatives
last winter
Representative Baker. OF New-Hampshire, who
member of the last Committee on Agrcul-
ture. Is already preparing to institute an inquiry
into Mr.. Mortons acts a few days ago he wrote
a letter to the Secretary courteousy inquirng
when his quota Of seeds would be ready FOR de-
livery. and If there would be the usual quota. To
this note the Secretary did not deign TO respond,
but delegated his chief clerk to reply that there
would be distribution of seeds this year. inclos-
ing "A printed circular giving his reasons for this
decision. Not to be outdone IN the matter Of hav-
ing others work for him. Mr.. Baker directed his
private secretary to continue the correspondence
as follows:
Mr.. Baker wishes me to remind you that in both
after patiently considering all the arguments you
presented against the appropriation FOR the pur-
chase and distribution Of seeds, almost unani-
mously. you we'll know. voted to maintain the
appropriation, and that their action sustained
In both branches with great unanimity. He also
InstruCts 20 ask your particular attention TO
that part OF the act Of March .. 1895. which directs
thar the seeds for which appropriation is made
shall be ready for delivery on the 10th day Of
January or at the earliest practicable time there
after. He also wishes 10 be Informed By what
authority you eXDend one part OF that appropria-
ton and refuse neglect 20 use another part, the
Of which is more mandatory than the other.
THE decision OF the Attorney General. which Mr..
Morton quotes" said Mr.. Baker to Post" re
porter yesterday does not give him authority to
nullify a plain provision OF law. AS a matter OF
fact, the distribution OF seeds stopped because
Il iIterfered with the business of the seedsmen. In
the report of Secretary Morton for last year the
special agent for the purchase OF seeds submits
letter in which he says that IN the light of my
experience as scotsman consider the free dis
tribution OF seeds by the Department an in
fringement upon and Interference with legit
mate business lie then goes to tell how seeds
furnished by a number OF firms be purchased
and he objects to having these seedsmen lose their
business Having been In the seed business HIM
SELF he wants the farmers 10 buy the seeds so that
the business concerns can continue TO make money
That is the real reason why the farmers of the
country who in the past have been benefited by
the distribution OF seeds, now to be deprived
Of that privilege. Mr.. Morton will find when Con-
gress convenes that he cannot ignore and nulufy
a plain law and set rule for himself without
being called to account therefor