New-York tribune., 1905-02-03
FREE SEEDS ATTACKED.
Il Hambug, Says Senator Lodge,
Trying to Stop Their Distribution.
IyRoM THE rr1nuxE BuREAu.I


Washington. Feb 2-Senator Lodge made a
vigorous attack the distribution of free seeds
when the Agricultural bill under consideration
to-day. Tomorrow Mr.. Lodge will move to strike
from the bill the appropriation for free seeds to
De purchased on contract by the Secretary OF
Agriculture, and will demand the ayes and noes,
SO that Senators who favor the perpetuation OF
the free distribution may be placed on record
"The distribution OF seeds by the government"
Mr. Lodge declared. lis regarded by the news
papers and by the people Of the United States
jest, huge joke, but it is jest that costs the
people Of the United States s2Ooo1O, We hear
great deal Of talk about paternalsm but I can
imagine greater example of paternalisrn than
for the Secretary of Agriculture expend go
OF the peoples money to purchase common garden
seeds, such seeds may be bought at any coun-
try grocery, and donate them some OF the con-
sttuents of members OF Congress This is a
gift, pure and simple, of something purchased with
the funds Of the whole people TO certain favored
constituents of Representatives and Senator's"
When interrupted by Senators who protested
that the distribution of and valuable seeds
was beneficial to agriculture, Mr. Lodge declared
that he had objection to the distribution of
rare and valuable seeds but ne did object TO the
purchase OF common garden seeds TO be sent out
petty favors from members of Congress to their
constituents.
THE major portion of this appropriation is sim
ply to provide pleasant gift for of to
make TO some Of our constituents he said. We
are and we have been. year after year. appropriat
puCuC money 10 enable US 10 make InSSe IltLio
presents. The Secretary of Agriculture should dis
tribute all the seeds. shrubs and cuttings sent out.
AS for common garden and flower seeds, why should
We furnish them to farmers and not furnish
all farmers with free turnp seeds? 1t is perfect
nonsense, and is nsincere for Senators to talk Of
rare and valuable seeds for that is merely the
ancient and respectable cloak under which petty
and improper abuse-the rankest kind Of paternal-
ism-has grown up
Senators Proctor Perkins Latiner. Berry and
Mr. D.
ported Mr.. Lodges contention that economy, re-
garded essential, should begin with the cutting
off OF these commercial seeds which would affect
only members of Congress.
81 regard this distribution of seeds
sheer waste of the public money" said Mr.. Lodge.
There are thousands OF people in my State who
have for seeds It would crafty manv OF
my people to receive watches. Why give to
zach Of them watch?'
Charged with wishing to curta the free seed
distribution because seeds were not wanted in his
State. Senator Lodge deprecated the continual ref
to my State" and your State and urged
his colleagues to regard legislation from broader
point of view and now when economy in every
direction was essential TO let that economy begin
at home" and cut off the $4,000 which was being
appropriated solely increase the personal popu-
larity of members of Congress. Mr.. Lodge said
further that firm in his State last year received
a contract for seeds amounting to $4,000.
Mr. Pettus. Of Alabama, the Oldest member Of
the Senate appealed his fellow youthful Sena-
tors not forget the days when they enjoyed the
vfolets that grew in the flower box on the front
| porch.
| Mr. Latimer defended the distribution Of
| great value and Mr.. Perkins read from the report
| intelligent effort was being made to improve va
/ rieties.
| Mr. Bailey said there was more reason why
| the government should supply seeds for farmers
| TO plant in their gardens than there would be Tor
/ supplying implements for working them.
Mr.. Proctor suggested that the entire appToPrls-
ton of the bill did not exceed the cost OF one pat
1eGhfr md
| the appropriation for the navy was the most WISE
| " spent of all appropriate tions. .. /,
| MI Ferry jntinnated that Mr.. Lodges interest In
the navy was due the fact that his State was d-
| recty benefited. . xo -. ,ooa,
tbenefts and spoke Of his support of the fver ana
! Harbor bill which. he said, benehted Arkansas
/ more than any other State -
| Mr. Pettus defended the seed distribution as one
! Of the most profitable acts OF the government ne
commended secretary Wilson in high terms, saying
tbat he had done more good than all his predecesss
having a farmer at the head or the oepar Hi
| "Oh l wouldn't put lawyer there ne S salu;
1ooLing az Mr. Bailey "even though he came from
| Texas Yes" he added evidently responding 70 d
surqnstion from Mr. Spooner, who sat near MIN
IT think he would administer the once hones'lS'
! NJ proctor announced his personal oppositlop 70
+ba distribution of common seeds, but salu ne Sit
foTrd ~ inpossibe 70 get the committee 10 stIIhe
T. oIt ''It Is a humbug he said; "A cheap cl''OIO'
/ hui one that we can't get rid or -, III, .ba
Without finishing consideration OF the .d,a5 I'm, "a
Sanata after a brief executive session. auJouii'e'