Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-01-09

| less and impartial enforcement of ev.
cry existing law, so long as it continue.
| to be the law.
Among some of the most earnest anl
sincere friends of temperance in thu
| State, there is Il strong feeling that, the
| prohibitory amendment should agar
be submitted 10 the people, that the.
may have an opportunity to declare
themselves upon the question. They
believe that such an expression of the
popular will would give renewed
strength to the law, and lead to more
complete and thorough enforcement ii
those portions of the State where Off
Gals have failed to do their duty.
If you are satisfied that the people
desire to express themselves upon this
matter, it will be your duty to give
them an opportunity to definitely pass
upon the whole question at the polls
Agriculture.
The commissioner Of agriculture re-
ports that our agricultural interests
are in fiourishing condition, and that
there is strong feeling of encourage
ment among the farmers of the State
The Experiment Station and the
State University are aiding much by
teaching the science of agriculture.
They are constantly bringing to light
new truths and new methods. which
have marked effect in stimulating
every line of farm work The more
general use of modern farm machinery
and better scientific knowledge have
served to stimulate production without
a corresponding increase in cost. Crops,
with the single exception of corn, have
been abundant. Prices have been high,
and farmers have found a ready mar
ket for their producets
The commissioner further says that
the condition Of our farmers as q whole
is constantly improving. Their in
debtedness has largely been decreased,
and many mortgages have been cam
celed. Farms are better equipped
than ever before. and thrift and pros
perity are everywhere noticeable. The
usual number of Farmers Institutes
have been held. and have been well at,
tended. Their work is of great educa-
tional value and is fully appreciated.
The commissioner has endeavored to
secure the most practical and success
full agriculturalists in the country as
Instructors. and the corps of teachers
at the University of Maine have aided
greatly in promoting the success of
these meetings.
Crop bulletins have been Issued quar-
terly during the year. They are sent
to between seven and eight thousand
farmers of the State, going largely to
those who have personally expressed a
desire to receive them.
The Maine Dairymen's Association,
which includes in its membership many
OF the most progressive dairymen in
the State. advocates, the employment
of an instructor, whose duty it shall
be to urge better methods in the pro-
duction and handling of milk and
cream, the work to be under the direc-
ton and control of the commissioner
of agriculture.
Much can be done for the advance
ment of our dairy interests, if proper
effort is made along the right lines
and the value of these products can
be largely increased. '' f.
A man thoroughly equipped for the
work and competent to give instruc-
ton could greatly stimulate the
growth of this industry by the intro
duction Of the best methods.
1t is unnecessary for me to urge the
importance of encouraging in every
possible way the interest of agricul-
ture. upon which so many of our peo-
PIE depend for employment and sup
port The prosperity of the farmer
means the prosperity of the whole
State. and his interests are the most
important that are entrusted to our
care. e.sftt~ -4.e
Maine Cattle Commission.
The cattle commissioners have con-
demned and destroyed more cattle and
horses during the past two years than
ever before in the same period. Own
ers of cattle are coming better to I'M
derstand the dangers Of tuberculosis,
and the commissioners are called upon
to make a larger number of investiga-
tons. AS result. many more cases
are being discovered, and better pro-
lection is being afforded from the dam
ger of infection.
The appropriation made by the last
legislature has proved inadequate, and
you will be asked to grant a still larger
sum. 1t is unnecessary for me to
point out the Importance of continuing
this work. l know you will willingly
provide whatever amount may be
needed to enable the commissioners to
pay promptly for all cattle and horses
which they may find it necessary to
destroy. fH
The National Guard.
The total number of citizens of this
State, between the ages of eighteen and
forty-Iive. able to perform military
duty. according to- the last returns, is
104,26S. Under the present law, the
active militia is designated "The Ma
tional Guard of the State of Maine
AS now constituted, it consists of two
Regiments of Infantry of twelve Com
panics each; a Naval Reserve; a Signal
Corps; and an Ambulance Corps; a
total of 1875 men.
There has been great improvement in
the work of these troops as a result of
the active interest in the service which
has been shown by both officers and
men. The Spanish War has given us
many veteran officers whose services
are of great value, and whose work has
done much to improve the morale and
increase the efficiency of the Guard
The annual encarnpment has been pro-