The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-09-01

b' A w Aihtl Js A. htORAi+eS.
 Brown, R. D. Ryan and Henry V,
 Joppa, August 31.-(Speoinl,) )-one of tho most unique and perhaps the most far reaching educational campaigns ever conducted In the state of Alabama closed at Joppa today
 State Commissioner of Agriculture J. A. Wilkinson with a party of tho best state and federal experts on agriculture have spent ono solid week in Culnaan county discussing with the people subs Jects of vital importance to the farmers.
 Since Congressman K. P. Hobson of the Sixth congressional district of Alabama set the pace last May in bringing the officials of the department of agriculture directly to the people to instruct them in the experiments and knowledge of the department the work has become very popular with other public officials and Commissioner Wilkinson was one of the first in the United States to recognize the importance and practicability of the work and put 1t to effect, Commissioner accompanied Congressman Hobson in part of his memorable tour of the Sixth dis trict and at once made requisition on the federal government for experts to continue the work in Alabama. He has also brought into requisition some of the best men In the service of the state department and has done considerable work over the state.
 CuIman's Distinction.
 But Cullman county has the distinction of having had more attention than any other county in the state, though Commis- sioner Wilkinson gives the assurance that the campaign will be extended to every county in the state just as rapidly as his other duties will permit.
 The work that is being done by these public officials is not yet as fully appre- ciated by the people as should be though Commissioner Wilkinson is very much pleased with the interest that Is being taken.
 There is a very evident desire on the part of the people to learn moro about the scientific principles of improved farm- ing and to gain the benefit of the exper- fence of government experts. but in some quarters there Is still the feeling that these campaigns are conducted for political and other selfish motives on the part of the officials and the work is therefore not as effective as 1t might be-
 Then the fact is fully appreciated that the efforts of these officials is purely un- selfish and from sense of duty to the public. It goes without saying that whatever good there is in tn government departments should be directed to the benefit of the public and such service Slon1d he tp ba ts-. and practical way. The departments of agriculture both federal and state, are established and maintained for the spe- cific benefit of the farmers of the country but heretofore they have never been able to render that practicable service that the officials have desired.
 Hcbson Points Way.
 It remained for Captain Hobson to point the way and other officials have followed without jealousy and giving him full credit for the suggestion Commissioner Wilkinson in discussing the work of Con gressman Hobson in the Sixth district comments 1t freely.
 He conceived the idea that if the ex- perience and knowledge of the vast army of experts employed in the different branches of the department of agricul- ture is worth anything 1t should be given to the people. His idea was that the most effective way to impart this knowledge is to carry it directly to the people. These employees are paid from the funds created from the taxes collected from the peo- pie, great part of which comes from the farmers of the country, and his idea waJ that these men could not be better employed than ia carrying their informa- ton and experience to the farmers in the field.
 The first experiment has proven very effective and the chief officials of the departments are highly pleased with re- suits already accomplished.
 The best men in the several branches of the departments are being assigned to the educational work and more are to be available as soon as possible.
 Permanent Experts.
 It is being arranged to place experts in the various congressional districts who will be permanent fixtures in the respec- tive territories. who will confer and ad- wise with the farmers in questions of scientific cultivation, selection of seeds, interpretation of soils and other matters of practical importance. Such assistance on the part of the government, 1t Is pointed out, will De a matter of great encouragement to the farmers and will inspire a greater desire for better work and better results.
 One of the first men to be placed in the field permanently is J. T. Burgess who has been assi sned through the re- quest OF Congressman Hobson at Tusca- loosa. His speciality is the adaptability of soil to plant culture and 1t Is said that the effect of his advice and CO., operation has already been felt in the Sixth district. MT. Burgess is considered to be one Of the best posted men on this subject in the United States and the farm CTS of the Sixth district are fortunate in having at their command the free ad- vice and cooperation of this expert.
 Burgess Work.
 MT. Burgess has been with Commls- sioner Wilkinson on his Cullman county tour and his addresses have been very