The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1908-07-04

In connection with the breaking up
of the big estates into small farms
and the introduction throughout Ire.
land of the system of peasant prop.i-
etorship, the government has wisely
provided for the education OF the FAR
mers so that they may enjoy larger
reward for their labors, says William
E. Curtis in Dublin letter to tn.
Chicago RecordHerald under date of
Juno 10.
A department of agriculture has
been organized, in some respects up
on the lines of that in the United
States and after frequent consultation
between Sir Horace Plunkett, who
was the leader of the movement, and
our own Secretary Wilson at Wash
ington. The question of agricultural
education was taken up seriously, anu
what is known as the "recess commit
tee," formed by Sir Horace Plunkett,
during the winter of 1896 suggested
a definite plan. The committee con.
sisted of himself, Lord Mayo, Lord
Monteagle, John Redman, T. P. Gill
and others.
They presented to the governme3:
a project for state aid toward the de-
velopnlent of agriculture and mechan-
ical industries with a minister re-
sponsible to parliament in charge, as
sisted by two councils-one for agri-
culture, the other for technical ill
struction, composed of gentlemen in
touch with public opinion and familiar
with the weaknesses and the requir:-
ments of the farmers and the small
manufacturers. The act was passed
by parliament in 1899 and a capital
sum of $1,0o0,O0O and an annual ap.
preparation of $sSO,0OO was made for
its support.
The department was promptly H.
ganized with Sir Horace Plunkett. the
leader of the movement. at it's head,
and various other branches of the pub
lie administration not originally con-
tcmplated were placed under his juris-
diction, Including the quarantine Of
animals, the regulation of railway
freights on agricultural products, coun-
ty fairs and markets, the enforcement
of the pure food and drug laws, the
fisheries, the collection and publica-
tion of statistics. the suppression o.
frauds in weights and in the sale of
agricultural requirements and prod
ucts, the colleges of science and art.
the art galleries, the Royal Museum
and library and all technical education
throughout the island. The department
very naturally took up first the work Of
aiding the development and introduc-
ing improvements in agriculture. hor-
ticulture. forestry. dairying, the breed.
Ing of horses, cattle, sheep, swine,
poultry and bees: the protection Of
game and fish, the cultivation of fax
home and cottage industries, such as
spinning, weaving, lacemaking ard
similar household arts; the improve
sa,ent of cooking and household econ
omy. nursing and various other occu-
pations and industries pertaining TO
the common people Of the utmost i'm
portance for their health, happiness
and prosperity.
An advisory council of 104 members
was formed, composed mostly of land.
owners and farmers. with few mer-
chants and clergymen. including the
bishops of both the Roman Catholic
church and the Church of ireland, and
board of technical instruction Of a
similar character. with several profes-
sional educators. the provost of Trim
fly College. the Roman Catholic arch.
bishop of Dublin and representatives
of the clergy of the Presbyterian and
other nonconformist churches.
After considering the problem OF
technical education, which had never
been undertaken in Ireland to any ex-