The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-05-20


be the basis also of more liberal
farm loan policy by our banks. This
systcm. however, is mover likely to- be-
como n Virginia law so long as law
yers largely predominant In our Losls-
iature; the present system affords
many of our lawyer friends. not
only a large. steady, direct revenue
from examining titles. but probably
far greater indirect revenue for con-
Quoting suits arising through aues-
toned titles"
An adequate dog law" in the Plant
er's opinion. would be that which
would cause all dogs to be muzzled
or confined at home, and one under
which any man would be authorized
to shoot dog not confined or muzzled
without having to be answerablo to the
dogs owner for redress The sheep
industry should DO "one of the most
important branches of agriculture" I'm
virginia, and would DO If there were
sufficient removal of the "dog curse. -
Inc enactment OF stallion law is
demanded on the ground that hun
dreds of tho animals are diseased or
III formed: they should stand rigo--
Gus examination for soundnoss ana
fitness.
Our appropriation for the support
of Blacksburg is pitfury inadequate,
and out of keeping with the resources
OF the Commonwealth. our secondary
agricultural schools should be far
more literally provided for. as should
also the several voluntary agricultural
societies which, with the small funds
at their command, gre doing such excel
lent, work for agricultural betterment"
The Times-Dispatch believes in the
most liberal appropriations for agri-
cultural Institutions conducted by the
State. but no appropriation should be
enlarged until 1t is assured that the
institution Is being conducted with the
greatest degree Of efficiency. or has
outlined future policy likely to at
tain such an end II Increased appro
priations mean increased efficiency In
service TO the people, then. and then
only, are they justiHable
a civil service law for State en-
ployes is needed. so that efficiency
rather than favoritism can be made tho
basis OF their appointment The ex-
perience OF the world Is sufficient proof
OF the dcsirnbility OF such 4 system.
Merit should DO the standard for the
selection OF State employees.
The abolition of the fee system for
county ofiicars should also be demanded
ana decent living salary substituted
therefor" The Times Dispatch agrees
with that plank. but would broaden
tho operation OF the salary system go
tina. It would include city as well as
county officers The waste caused by
tho fee system Is costly to the farmers
because 1t heavily Increases their
taxes.
Inc greatest enlargement of the wei,
fare of cur farming population is not.
however. to be received from direct
legislation other than that intended
for general operation Farmers are
just much TO be benefited nv clc,no,.
eieotion laws and fairer tax laws as
any other element of our citizenship
Great good to the farmers Is TO be de-
rivod indirectly from tho State through
the agencies OF It's schools and COL
leges' but much more must be wrought
by Individual Initiative and community
cooperation. The farmer can do nue.,
more for himself than the frlendliest
LEGISLATURE can do for him. His utili-
zation OF the ideas advanced by the
forces OF progressive farming, and his
cooperation with his neighbor in
movements for the common, good of
his community. Will vastly more i'm
prove and enrich his estate in life than
anything that the General Assembly
:nay seek to do in his sp.c,,l ln,nres.