The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1902-02-07

on the balance has been reduced one
third
Pennsylvania Reports Progress.
As evidence Of the state Of agriculture
in general, possibly the condition Of the
older States is after all the best index
10 the national industry. II so. Pennsyl-
vania might be taken as representative.
Contrary TO the prevailing impression that
farm lands in the East have declined in
value, il is officially stated by the secre-
tary Of agriculture Of Pennsylvania that
the price Of improved farm land in that
state has advanced. and that there is no
lack OF tenants for farms that are at all
favorably located and in good condition %
The fall in the value Of Eastern lands
has contributed in certain localities re-
organization Of the system Of farming
in which live stock and certain STAPLE
crops closely correlated with live stock
are dominating features. Prince George
county, Nd, including that portion of
Maryland which lies between the city Of
Washington and the Chesapeake Bay. was
a district Of great afiueace prior 10 1850
Land was worth 500 per acre
Large estates averaging from 500 to
Loco acres were the rule. The civil war
affected this portion Of the South as
many other portions, by wrecking the es-
tates aud dislodging young men, who
were highly educated. from their country
homes TO join the professional ranks in
large cities.
"Meanv lille the soil has remained much
the same nd the cities have grown fur
nishing u better markets every year.
with the lcrease IN population Recent
enquiries about lands and farm property
for sale have been followed by purchasers
from different parts Of the country. The
prices OF farm lands vary new from s.
TO SO per acre according 20 proximity to
shipping POINTS, conditions Of land. fences.
and buildings.
Near cities land brings from 500 10
$50 per acre. Where the owners of farms
have lived in the cities il has frequently
occurred that poor coioTed tenants have
permitted the property 10 run down 70
such an extent as to be not especially
profitable a good farm in fair condition
can be bought for from SO 20 S25 per acre
The large estates still remain. as a rule,
20 be divided up. Labor is scarce. and
there is a general demand for farmers.
The state has done much FOR this local
ity through the agency OF the Agricultural
College and Experiment Station.
Education Touched On
Education and public schools are given
/ considerable attention.
The mining industry IS then taken up.
and the influence Of mining on manufac-
lures and social conditions is given. The
combinations Of railroads and the coal
industry receives attention and thoughtful
! discussion. Several chapters are devoted
I 10 technical progress in the industry.
On the subject OF transp CrtatIOn the eX-
haUsJive report SAYS
The magnitude OF the railroad inter
ests OF the United States may best be
shown. perhaps. by a statement respect
ing their mileage. Oficial statistics OF
June so, 1900 showed an aggregate OF
[ 1885 miles Of single track. This has
I been increased up TO the present time Sc
that there Gere probably more than 200
COO miles OF line in the country by the
Z close Of 1901"
over "a Million Employee
For the FIRST time in our history the
number Of railroad employees exceeds
+ 00O. 600. and about one-ffth Of the capital
F Of the country is invested in railroads.
Freight and passenger rates and all
I matters OF railroad interest are discussed
/ Legislation ana court decisions respect
I ing pooling are given