Perth Amboy evening news., 1906-08-11
SEED GIVING
J. is OPPOSED.
Free Distribution Likely TO be
q Fought by Some at Next
q Session of Congress.

| WASHINGTON, d. c., Aug. H.
Indications are hat the Congression-
al Free Seed Distribution will be
fought more bitterly next session
b9han ever before. Encouraged by
the1 pronounced opposition of the
ISenate7 and house committees on ag-
riculture to this appropriation, and
its almost universal condemnation by
the press and public, those interested
have undertaken a campaign of ed
|tieation,' to use a hackneyed term.
dealers make no secret of
their opposition to the free distribu-
tion OF common garden seeds. In an
open letter to the public, Mr.. Henry
w Wood, of Richmond, Va, presi-
dent of the American Seed Trade
Association, says that the seed deal
ers oppose the practice because it is
an unjust interference with a legiti-
mate industry, and because it Is a
waste of public money. Mr.. Wood
points out that the total packet-seed
trade of the country amounts to
100, 900 packets, of which the
government gives away 10000, 600
and the dealers sell 10000, 900.
What industry could survive if the
government gave away free, half as
much as those engaged in the indus
try sOld?" he asks. He also suggests
that 1t is time for congress to change
Oil and give away axes, saws, pocket
knives and looking glasses, and give
the poor seed merchants a rest. The
American Seed Trade Association is
composed of growers, wholesalers
and retailers and is thoroughly in
earnest in it's opposition to govern
men interference in its business. The
Wholesale Seedsmen's League is also
out against ii. Between them they
are in touch with about ten thousand
persons engaged in growing and sell
ing seeds, and with at least fifty
Thousand storekeepers who carry
seeds in stock. AS some of the larg-
er seed merchants have more than.
one hundred thousand customers
who purchase seeds in small lots, it
is expected that they will have been
in communication with, hundreds of
thousands of people before next ses-
sion. "h
The Oranges have taken up the
natter in a systematic manner. The
farmers are tired Of the idea that
their votes can be Influenced by the
receipt of a package of seeds which
they can buy at the corner grocery
for five cents and which usually ar
rives too late for planting. They say
they do not want sunflower and
pumpkin seed from congress, and
point out that the $242,0 600 now
wasted in this manner would support
National Agricultural College, the
like of which the world has never
seen, with eighty professors at
$4,000 a year and sufficient funds to
maintain the institution. Divided
among the agricultural colleges, it
would give each state institution be-
tween five and ten thousand dollars
more than they now receive. This,
the farmers say, would do much
more good than the distribution of
rutabaga, turnip or parsnip seed.
An analysis of the vote on this
question in the House of Representa-
tiVes last May show that the Free
Seed Distribution item was inserted
in. the agricultural appropriation bill
by democratic votes.
D While there Is no politics in the
matter, those opposed to this distri-
bution. will try to get their friends to
write to senators and representatives,
urging them to vote against the APP
preparation mex session. The Ma
Grange, many state and local
oranges have already adopted ersolu-
tons eondemning the appropriation,
II other oranges and societies of
banners are expected to do likewise.
aase press will doubtless continue its
hostaaity as it has always roundly de-
ounces this form of petty graft.