The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-03-01
Needed Legislation and Summer
Homes.
To the Editor of The News:

sir-It Is desired that public notice he
given that when our Legislature reasscmbles
II will be requested TO add TO the statutes Of
| tho state the following: I.
An act to authorize the State Board of Ag-
riculturc TO collect and circulate information
relative 10 the neglected and aband ned farms
OF the state of which there are nearly 600.
Section |. The State Board of Agriculture
shall collect all necessary information in ro-
gard TO tho opportunities for developing the
resources of the state. through tho re-occupn'
tion of neglected and abandoned farms, and
cause the facts obtained and statement of the
advantages offered 10 be circulated where and
n such manner as tho said board may con-
slider for the lest interests of the state.
Sec. 2 In order properly 80 carry out the
provisions Of section ! Of this act, a sum not
exceeding $1,000 is hereby appropriated and
the state auditor is hereby directed 10 draw
his orders ON the general treasurer from time
to time for such portion of said sum as may
bo necessary upon presentation Of vouchers
approved by the Governor.
Sec g. This act shall take effect immodi-
ately.
1t may not be known to many that the Office
OF our State Board Of Agriculture Is located
in the Board Of Trade Brilding, Market
square The secretary, Mr.. George A. Stock
well, who is both cffl tent and courteous, bo-
ing daily In attendance uron his duti = ready
TO impart such information and render such
assistance rs IL i'm his power To hcstcw.
He receives numerous requests from all
parts of the country asking for reliable iufor-
nation relative TO our farming int rests, cs-
pecially those connected with the proposed
act The service he is thus called upon 10 per
form Is not rendered as II should be, and rs he
would like to rcnder IT, the reason being that
IL is not made special nor IL any particular
sum OF moro oy assigned for IL. The proposed
act Is designed 10 change that conditiOn-a
special service required and special sum Of
money TO be appropriated for its use.
Other states in New England, through their
boards of agriculture give special attention
10 the subject by establishing bureaus of in.
formation and the publication Of circulars con.
tanning catalogue Of the number and giving
the desc iption aod rice Of each farm TO be
disposed of. The successes has been very graf
flying TO all interested Rode Island should
not be behind ber nrighbors in such good
work. This can be done by wise methods
planned and execute by those interested i'm
the success OF the movement aided by the
law and having at commend n sam that will
surely be sufficient 10 accomplish the end in
view. 1t is not the part CT wis, legislation so
much to save money as to exptnd it in n way
that will promote prosperity Money spent
in the improvement Of our highways bring an
adequate return. We want our state 60 be so
well furnished with facilities for business and
otherwise that people will be attracted to il
and become residents. This is the sort of i'm
vestment We want our rulers 10 make. IL
-.
conservatism and thus be left behind in these
times oc energy and progress. We need
the energy and experience gained by
men who visit other places, come in contact
with people from all parts Of our own and
other countries and have the spirit Of the age.
There is reason 10 think that existing con-
ditions cooperate TO MAKE nm opportunity for
an important change In the economic and so
cial el ments in the life of the state. It evi.
dent that many of the farms mentioned in the
proposed act and our farms i'm general, would
be, IS ccially by the aid of good roads, a
profitable investment, not only for transient,
tut for those who seek permanent residence
in the state. The change Of ownership in
many cases would cause the introduction and
use of improved methods OF farming, give
profitable employment to many and would in.
business in every art of the section so occu-
pisd. IL would cause the establishment of |
better conditions the beginning of n new order |
of things which would be permanently favor. |
able to the interests OF our entire population. |
1t is known that many people on visit to |
our state during the summer, and wishing to |
become permanent residents, regret that with |
all our natural advantages so little is dose by |
us to provide facilities for the better enjoy. |
ment Of country life. 1t IL necessary in order |
10 compete with other summer resorts and |
obtain profitable guests for our boarding |
places in the country, that facilities be pro-
vided for carriage and bicycle riding. Such |
facilities If furnished would be much apprc-
ciated by those of cur summer guests living |
in the country who desire an easy access to
the seashore. FRANCIS GALLAGHER.
Provid, nco, Feb. 25, 1897.