The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1908-11-25
HARRISBURG LETTER.

Nov. 23d.-Notwithstanding the Wig
orous efforts and watchful care exercis
ed by DR.. Leonard Pearson, the State
Veterinarian, and Secretary Wilson of
the Department of Agriculture, Wash
ington, the foot and mouth disease has
made considerable progress the past
week, and cases are known to exist in
thirteen counties. While it is believed
that the spread has been checked, the
situation requires every person connect
ed with the quarantine to be constantly
on the alert. Secretary Wilson is in the
State studying the case, and will visit
Buffalo to ascertain why and how any
suspects were allowed t. come into this
country, the outbreak apparently being
due to laxity on the part of the L. S..
Inspectors.
Several hundred cattle and swine have
been put to death, and a thorough tu-
migation of barns, stables and premises
generally has been made. Some APP
prehension has been felt lest the price
of beef and milk should be advanced on
account of the plague; but SO far none
has been made. The western beef seems
to be entirely free from any difficulty,
and the larger portion of the eastern
supply is from that source. England
has stopped all shipments to that coun-
try from here for the present, though
the embargo omaylast only few months.
Governor Stuart has urged the utmost
vigilance and care, promising every aid
the State can furnish to stamp out the
= disease, and in an emergency of this
kind, it is likely that an unusual demand
may be made upon the State for money
to reimburse the farmers for the loss of
their cattle
The discussion on the matter of good
roads is healthy sign, and means that
more roads will be built. 1t does not
necessarily mean that the State will go
: into the business of building roads in
one particular locality or any one class.
, An automobile road from Philadelphia
, would be ideal, but its benefit to the
r farmers of Wayne county or Bradford
would be trifling. The State can afford
} to and should appropriate at least 50,
D 800, 900 annually for twenty years, for
5 good roads, and secure the needed reve.
t nue. by taxation. Some different plan
: from the present should be followed. In
l stead of mile or two here and there in
T. different sections Of the State, system
= should be planned and followed. Cities
e and large towns should be connected,
y and the main arteries OF traffic should be
n improved. The State should not only
n construct the roads, but repairs to such
b, roads should be made under State sup
/ ervision, by competent supervisors. The
II cost OF construction, inspection, repair
ETC., should be kept at the minimum
o figure, and the State should get value
II received for every dollar expended. TC
l. bring about this condition the presen
:, law should be amended, and a prope
l. one passed, giving the State the benef
e of the past few years experience. Com
n missioner HUNTER is an interested ant
|, intelligent official, but is hedged by linn
+ itations.
Recent developments indicate the
It probability of a treaty OF peace owe
y, what promised to be an interesting fgh
q on the Speakership of the next Hous
1t of Representatives. Mr. McClain ha
|, made some progress in his candidacy
i i and so farthe opposition to him has no
d crystallized on any candidate. 1t look
N as though the real fuss is mostly spar
N ring for good places on the various com
:, mittees TO be named by the Speaker
and that can be easily adjusted, once a
understanding is arrived at
N. +. HAUsE.