The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-12-31

, The adoption and judicious management
of this method would soon enlist the conf
dence and cheerful cooperation of all the
producing industries of the state, for it
would keep officially posted, at regular in
teryals, before the public the best obtain
able record of stock and crop, and other
industrial conditions throughout the
state. By maintaining a system Of ex-
change the commissioner could also OBJ
tain from other states bulletins showing
the conditions there. This would enable
him in the bulletin issued by him to keep
the people of Texas informed as to the
possibilities and probabilities of results in
other sections of the country in all mat
tiers of products wherein their interests
are coincdent with ours. This method
would also permit the commissioner to
have the annual report published much
earlier in each year than is now possible.
'In conclusion, l desire to express my
sincere appreciation to the many farmers
throughout the state who responded SO
promptly to inquiries made to them for
information in regard to acreage cOndi-
tons and other statistics.
"In addition to the general appropria-
tons for the support of the department
during the ensuing two years, an appro-
priation should be made and especially
set aside for the agricultural bureau. to
Up uStu III luCECublub thS VI "a
hibits and for preserving those already
on hand. This is an interesting as we'll
as instructive feature of the department.
The collection of exhibits now on hand
is valuable and attractive, and the out
lay necessary for its preservation would
be no waste of money. Thousands of
people who visit this department in the
course of each year and view it's speci-
mems of Texas productions express their
establishment at the variety, quantity
and quality of these productions. Nor
are these expressions confined to visitors
from other states and foreign countries.
They are the utterances also of our own
citizens, who come for business or pleas
ure from different points in the state.
With small appropriation it can be
made a credit and pride in proof of
the states great capabilities.
Another important subject, which is
in close kinshp with the agricultural
and Industrial development of our state,
and to which l now briefly invite your
attention, is that of the public roads.
That some other system than that which
is now operative in the state should be
formulated is, think, apparent to every
one who has given the subject thought.
1t is not necessary to present arguments
in behalf of change. The condition of
the roads, at all times and in all sea-
sons, is of itself convincing evidence of
the necessity for improved system. If
| mistake not, it is clearly the wish of
the people that there should be radical
reform in these regards. A number of
representative citizens assembled in con-
vention at Galveston. and were in ses-
sion for several days, during last sum-
mer considering this subject and devils
ing means and methods for improve
ment. The results of their deliberations
will be made known to the legislature at
its approaching session. The recommen-
dations and suggestions then to be Of
fered obviate the necessity of any ex-
tended argument from me in this con-
nection. Ny desire is to make in this
but brief allusion to the existing ne
cessity for change and to ask your CO
operation with efforts that are now be-
ing made to effect it.
SIN conclusion, I desire to express my
sincere appreciation to the many farmers
throughout the state who responded so
promptly to inquiries made to them for
information in regard to acreage con-
ditions and yield of crops.
Il wish also to express my apprecia-
tion to the several clerks of the depart
ment for their continued interest in the
several branches of the work"