Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-09-10
FARMERS ARE INTERESTED
Large Numbers write Regarding the
Work of the 7mprOvemen
Commission.

Washington. Sept. 6-Although Presi-
dent Roosevelt will not return to Wash
ngton until the latter part OF this month
the corps Of White House stenographers
are having n busy time. They are writ
ing letters to farmers all over the coun-
try in reply to queries which are pour
ing in upon the executice offices relative
to the work OF the Presidents pet
scheme OF improving the conditions 81
farmers of the United States The TIL
lers OF the soil are monstrating their
enthusiasm over the Presidents pro-
gram, but as most o. their letters are
written in lead pencil the progress Of
response IS somewhat delayed.
They are making suggestions as to
what they think tho commission should
go 10 work on. These suggestions range
from good roads down to the kind Of
books the farmer boys and girls ought
to read. They discuss township lihrarics
farmers institutes. consolidated schools
clubs for farmers wives. CO. operative
creamerics and elevators, preserving
how TO make the best chow-chow, and
other matters 81 interest to those who
live apon the soil.
POLITICS CHARGED.
In democratic camps the assertion has
been made that the Presidents plan 10
improve the condition o. tho farmers
was adopted because of the political eff
feet it would have. Bryan supporters
have seen in II an attempt to influence
the agricultural vote and have claimed
that the administration is posing as the
only genuine friend OF the tillers of the
soil. Maybe this charge is true, but the
effect OF the creation OF the commission,
If so. has not been what the orlginators
planned. II is said at the bureau Of
forestry, which is the temporary head
quarters OF the commission. that very
few of the letters received have even
mentioned politics.
That word of the Presidents new COM
mission has reached our township" is
evident from the letter heads upon which
the communications which have been re-
ceived here are written. They come from
Kansas Indiana, Iowa and all through
the middle West and the South. Large
numbers OF letters have come from New
England and some from the far West.
That the American farmer is alive and
keeny sensible Of his tremendous impor-
fare is evident from these letters. They
ring with the cheerfuness OF prosperity.
of fertile fields and sleek stock and well
filled barns.
PLANS OF COMMISSION.
The commission is arranging to hold
ITS frst meeting IN tnis city within
the next week or 10 Gays. 1t will or
Ganize for work at once. Prof. l.. II.
bailey of the New York College OF
Agriculture has accepted President
Roosevelts invitation to act as chair
man of the commission. The commits
sion, therefore. will he composed OF
Prof Bailey, Henry Wallace of Des
Moines, Ia; President Kenyon l.. But
terrified OF the Massachusetts Agricul-
tural College; clifford Pinchot, chief
OF the United States bureau of fores
try, and Walter H. Page OF North
Carolina, editor of the Worlds Work.
Prof Bailey is one Of the most wide
~ known writers upon agricultural
subjects in the country. In addition
TO writing and compiling number of
authoritative books, he has edited the
Encyclopedia OF Agriculture, tne
fourth and last volume Of which has
just been sent to press.
1t is expected that NJ the forthcom-
ing meeting the commission will block
out the field OF investigation so that
the fullest available data may be
gathered and digestel for the report
which President Roosevelt has re-
quested.