Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1908-12-09
State Secretary OF Agriculture
Has Plan to Stop Migration
From Iowa
MAKE PUBLIC FARM RESOURCES
Simpson Would Adopt Measures to
Induce Rural Population to Remain
and to Bring People from Other
states-Reports on State Fairs and
Progress in Farm Work.
Epecial to Times-Republlcen.


Des Moines, Dec 9.-Advertise Iowa
and populate the state. That is to be
the way we will stop the movement
froma Iowa out to the newer states or
keep'up movement into the state that
will more than offset all the outgo, if
the advice of Secretary John Simpson
of the state department of agriculture,
is followed. In his annual report today
to the state farmers institute he pre-
sented this thought. 1t is notorious
that Iowa's rural population has been
steadily decreasing. Mr.. Simpson would
by advertising Iowa resources and op-
portunities not only attract desirable
citizens but prevent immigration to
other states. He urged an appropriation
for commencing this work and carry
ing it on thoroughly and systematic
ally. The state institute applauded his
proposals.
Secretary Simpson also reviewed the
years work and the year in agriculture
in Iowa. He recommended that the de-
partment be authorized to issue bull
letins from time to time and to send
them to the people, then to have the
Year Book printed biennially. He would
also have the department take charge
of the collection of all farm statistics.
Agricultural education has made
great progress in Iowa under the ap-
preparations made for extension work
cbnn CD I,a11 q
good many counties of the state. The
past year eighty-five counties of the
state held farmers institutes and s955
was paid by the state in aid of these
institutes.
There were eighty-nine fairs held in
the state last season aside from the
state fair and $6s00O was paid out in
premiums The total value of fair
property was s615,O00. Thirteen local
fairs paid out each over $1,000 in prem
iums. A great many new and novel
features were added, which indicates
that greater interest is being taken in
these fairs
The report concerning the state fair
of 1908 as made by Secretary Simpson,
is most f1attering. 1t was the greatest
Of the fairs Of Iowa in every respect,
with an attendance of practically 20S,-
900, receipts of s136,764.66, and $685.
G7S.S7 paid premiums. The fair has
a balance on hand of $25,328.73. There
! were 1891 exhibitors and 13,0S1 entries.
The number of entries in the live stock
department alone was 4,460.
During the year there was expended
in permanent improvement a total of
s5s, 800, which brings the total of ex-
penditures in seven years to $357,800,
of which $159,O0O was by direct appro-
.priation and s1s0,70O came from fair
receipts.
Secretary Simpson presented to the
board for Endorsement formidable
list Of recommendations as to coming
improvements. The things actually
needed are cataloged in the following
order:
Amphitheater of f1re-proof construc-
ton, for $4,000.
More land to make larger race track
and give more room.
Building for farm implements and
machinery.
Manufacturers and liberal arts build
ing to replace old tiretrap used for
exposition hall.
Completion Of show pavilion for
swine.
Dairy and horticultural building.
Sewer system.
Additional equipment for electric
light and power
Sheep barn and completion Of horse
and cattle barns.
Large auditorium for holding meet
ings.
A part of these Improvements can
be made in the future, as in the past,
from fair receipts but the larger build
ings will have to be appropriated for
by the legislature Iowa has thus far
been to little expense in this regard
as compared with other states.
There is but one other state fair
showing larger receipts from the fair
proper, and that is Minnesota. In
Texas and Michigan more money is
received but much of it comes from
race gambling and the sale of liquors.
The Iowa receipts for 1908 showed
gain Of 33 per cent over the previous
year. OF the s34,407.91 increase, s24,-
$50 was from increase Of ticket sales.
S6,2S5 from concessions, and $1,762
of entrance fees in the speed depart
ment.
The net expense of the 1908 Iowa
fair was ss4,53s.21, the net profit s44.-
191.45.
Mr.. Simpson made an interesting
comparison of the live stock at the
Iowa state fair and the international
live stock show at Chicago, now in
progress. The entries compare as fol-
lows: Breeding cattle-Iowa, 800; In
ternational, e2s; sheep-1owA, 600: in
ternational, 626: sheep-Iowa, 500: in
ternational, $50; swine-Iowa, 2,275;
International, none; total-Iowa, 4.460;
International, 2,O66.
President Cameron of the state fair
also made a brief report in which he