The herald., 1897-12-24
OFFICIAL
IMBEClLITY
ROuSeS the Ire of Senator
White
THE MONUMENTAL IGNORANCE
SHOWN BY THE DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE
THE MONUMENTAL IGNORANCE
The Recent Bulletin Concerning Cali
fornia Fruit Production Should
Be Given Contradiction

Special to The Herald.
WASHINGTON, d. c., Dec. 23.-Sec-
retary of Agriculture Wilson is greatly
excited and not little chagrined over
the bulletin recently sent out by the de-
partment on fruit raising. 1t contained
some of the most objectionable mistakes
pertaining to that industry in California
ever made by the department. The blum
ders were pointed out by Senator White
who is indignant over the shabby man.
ner in which the alleged pomological ex-
perts of the department have treated the
state.
To illustrate the absolute imbecility
of the document. it states. for instance
that no oranges are raised in California.
Ordinarily no attention would be paid
to such a matter, but the document has
been given the official Endorsement OF
Secretary Wilson and has been sent
broadcast over the world.
The bulletin makes no mention of the
production of grapes south Of latitude 3S
degrees, that territory embracing the
Fresno region and other big grape-rais-
ing sections. 1t is stated, however, with
apparent seriousness, that two insignifi-
cant varieties, which have their origin
in Massachusetts, grow fairly we'll in the
state. Figs are not mentioned as Cal
ifornia product, but it says that this in
dustry Is flourishing wonderfully in
Florida The Japanese persimmon does
not grow in California, according to the
bulletin, but almost every variety of
pineapple Is successfully cultivated in
the state. No mention Is made of raisins.
The state is not credited with any abil-
ity to produce walnuts, and very little
notice Of many varieties Of apples and
peaches is made.
After inspecting the remarkable docu
ment, Senator White demanded an ex-
planation from the department, and Po-
mologist Bracket attempted to shift the
responsibility by throwing the blame
upon the California fruit committee. He
declared that the catalogue was fur
nished that committee by the American
fOHlOlOSlCdl SOClctyy dui do tiiC SdhlOh
MIA committee paid no attention to it,
Californias S industry was rated accord
ing to former reports. He directed atten-
ton to the alleged fact that the bulletin
contains no negations that California
does raise fruits accredited to other
states, but Senator White answered that
the bulletin purports to state the espe-
cial localities devoted to the raising Of
particular fruits, and that, therefore, in
view of the failure of the bulletin to spec
ify, no other Interpretation can be placed
on the document other than that Cali
fornia is not adapted to the production
of the fruits named.
Senator White told Secretary Wilson
that there was not a fruit dealer in
Washington, including the street ven
dors, who could not have furnished more
accurate information regarding Califor-
mia than is contained in the bulletin. He
thinks that the state board of trade, as
well as the chambers of commerce of
California, should issue a warning
against the misleading publication, and
he is especially anxious that accurate
information be furnished at once to the
department.