The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-12-02
AGRICULTURE IN
OUR NEW DOMAINS
Secretary Wilson Says the Interests
There Call for Attention.
INCREASED TRADE RELATIONS
Render the Condition of Agriculture
i'm Our Insular Dependencies
Matter of Profound Interest
10 Our Farming Glass
INCREASED TRADE RELATIONS

WASHINGTON, December l-Secretary
Of Agriculture James Wilson. in his an
nual report made public tonight in ad-
dition to discussing domestic problems.
reviews our agricultural relations in for
elgn fields He calls for an emergency
appropriation Of a lump sum for future
requirements that cannot all be antici-
pated specially. Exploration by scien-
lists of territorial acquisitions and the
sudden appearance OF pests are some OF
these possible emergencies. Discussing
agricultural resources I'm our new island
acquisitions. Secretary Wilson says:
I'm the territories recently brought un-
der the control of the United States gov
eminent. the agricultural interests ur-
gently call for attention by this depart
ment. Hawaii and the West Indies de-
pend almost exclusively for their pros
perity upon their agricultural produc-
ton. II bchooves the department. there
fore 10 place itself at the earliest posi-
bio moment i'm a position 10 extend TO
the agriculturalists of those territories
which have or may come under the
United States flag. the services and bene-
fits which IL renders 70 the farmers OF
the United States. The increased trade
relations which may be looked for be-
tween the United States and its insular
dependencies moreover renders the con-
ditions Of agriculture in the latter and
the character and extent OF their pro-
ductions matters Of profound interest 70
the people Of the United States"
DAIRY PRODUCTS
On the practicability OF supporting
dairy products the Secretary says that
owing 10 a better home demand, IT is not
commercially profitable to send butter to
Europe just now. as the home demand
at present absorbs the supply. For the
purpose Of obtaining for dairymen all the
facts relating TO the export OF this article
the Department sent an agent 10 Paris
To ascertain what encouragement there
would be to ship butter TO that port and
an agent to Hamburg 20 ascertain the
facts regarding customs duties. as well
as prohibitions and other difficulties that
might meet exporters Of butter TO Ger
many II was found that no line OF
steamers sailing 10 French ports direct
could furnish refrigerator space. so ship
mcnts could not be made during hot
weather. Whenever our home supply of
finest butter exceeds home demand the
Secretary says. it can be probably sent
both 10 Germany and France.
INSPECTION LAWS.
The Secretary recommends the extern
sion and adoption Of the law regarding
the inspection and certiication Of meats
and meat products for export, so as 10
make them apply to butter and cheese.
The Secretary enlarges upon the need
OF nature teaching I'm the common
schools. He says there is growing in
terest IN education that relates to pro-
duciion. and all classes Of intclligen.
people fevor II.
h. ion, s,ff fo 70
sons who have found their way into our
agricultural colleges, the education Of
our people has not been designed 10 pre-
pare them for producing from the soil.
The report announces that the Bureau
OF Animal Industry has perfected dip
which takes the fever ticks from cattle,
so they can be moved north at any sea-
SON. that Il has continued experiments
with anti-tOxin serum 10 prevent and
cure hog cholera. and Il is recommended
that this discovery. having been made
public by officials at public expense,
should not be diverted TO private cost.
OTHER FEATURES
Other features OF the report briefly fol
low
our foreign trade I'm agricultural pro-
ducts Is shown 10 be over twO-third Of
our domestic exports and IS steadily
EFOMln.. Wulle lNr pfbIuttloH u IitiA
products introduced from foreign coun-
tries is rapidly decreasing. causing cor
responding decrease I'm agricultural Inn
ports
Observations and forecast weather sta
tions have been extended around the Car
ibbean Sea and increased through the
interior Of the country especially in the
mountain states.
The natural life zones OF the United
States are being surveyed and the areas
best adapted 20 various crops determined.
Four scientific explorers OF the Depart
ment are abroad getting seeds and plants
In Russia. the Mediterranean region, the
China Sea and South America. Steel
rails are stated to be the coming material
for goods roads where hard rock Is not
convenient.
The report refers to the value and pop
ularity OF the official farmers bulletins.
ana TO soil and tobacco researches.