The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1895-02-22

WHEREAS, Auc NuSSlau LulStle. Tor
eign plant recently imported into the
United Statec, has extended from the
Dakotas to California on the west. to
New York State on the east. and from
the 34th parallel on the north, render.
ing valueless for purposes of agricul.
ture extensive areas Of our common
territory. It has been carried in every
direction by the railways, in stock and
grain cars and by other means Of car.
rying. 1t Is rapidly spreading from the
lines Of transportation to ultivated
farms, open prairie, public common,
and highway. 1t has already become
50 threatening from its wide distribu.
tion that its eradication has gone be-
yond the power of the individual and
the state, and without the prompt CO.
operation Of the general government,
and immediate, united efforts from all
concerned, 1t will be impossible to era
icate it 1t Is fast reaching the semi.
arid regions Of the West and South
west upon lands owned by the federal
government, where, II once estab-
lished, 1t will continue to pollute all
sections Of the Union. 1t has already
destroyed farms, ruined homes, driven
citizens into exile and greatly dimin.
ished the products Of our fields, est.
mated by millions Of dollars.
Therefore, Be 1t Resolved by this
convention, That we urge upon the
governors Of the several stateS here
represented. the necessity for prompt,
and vigorous action to repel this for.
eign invasion upon our greatest Of ali
industries, that of agriculture. To
that end we would respectfully sug.
gest that the attention of our legisla.
tive bodies be called to this matter by
special message from your excellency.
Concerted Action.
"And be 1t further resolved by this
convention, That we deeme It advis-
able and necessary that the legisla.
lures Of the several states here inter.
ested shall adopt joint resolutions to
be forwarded to the governors OF all
the states Of the Union. urging con-
certed action upon the lines Of destruc-
tion, and preventing distribution Of
said thistle. And
Resolved, further: First, That all
owners of real property be required
to clear their one premises Of this
weed; second, that where such under:
taking shall become Of such magnitude
and cost as to be beyond the financial
capacity of such owners Of real estate,
then we believe that the character and
habits Of this weed Justify and require
the appropriation Of public money to
assist in such undertaking, and we can
not resist the temptation to add that
the necessity for prompt. vigorous and
immediate action is now upon us.
Resolved, further, That the atten-
tion of congress be called to the terri
bic affliction now experienced from
the above causes, by the states here
represented, ard which threaten the
entire agriculture resources of the ma.
tion. and. incidentally. all other inter
ests. and in self -rrotecticr We request
that immediate action be taken where
by all lands which remain In the na-
tional government. including aban.
doned lands, shall be cleaned and
taken care Of at government expense.
Resolved, further. That. in our
opinion, the conditions prevailing In
some of tho states afflicted are such
that the national government must
render direct assistance to the people
In connection with their state govern.
ments. by appropriation Of public
money, IL decisive battle be given to
this common enemy to all material
prosperity"
Another session will be held and
general bill prepared.