Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1915-09-17
ORGANIZE FIGHT TO
RETAIN FARM AGENT
CHAMBER OF COM
MERGE AND FARM BUREAU
OPPOSE COMMISSIONERS.

ACTIVE eHOrtS 10 convince Cno
county commissioners that they were
wrong in eliminating the appropria-
ton of $1,000 for the support of the
farm agent plan in this county and
to induce them to make provision for
this expenditure in the budget when
it is finally adopted at their first
meeting in October, were under
taken this week by the Chamber Of
Commerce, the Thurston County
Pomona Grange, and the Thurston
County Farm Bureau, which has been
supervising the work of the agent.
o. c. Van Houten is the present
agent, having taken up the work last
January
Action upon the elimination of the
appropriation by the commissioners
will be taken at the monthly meeting
of the Pomona Grange next Tuesday
and this organization, which was ac-
tive in the campaign year ago that
brought about the establishment OF
the farm expert plan in this county,
at the joint expense of the county,
the federal government and the
Chamber of Commerce, is expected
to go on record as strongly favoring
the retention of the county agent
next year.
Action Taken without Notice.
The action of the commissioners
in cutting this appropriation out OF
the budget was taken without any
previous notice or indication and IL
sponsored and supported by Commis-
sioner A. M. Rowe, who is reported
to have no love for the Pomona
Grange from the political standpoint.
Chairman Littlejohn, who is also
director of the Farm Bureau by rea'
son Of his once, says provision can
still be made for the expert II he IL
desired, while Commissioner Dodge
is reported to be rather non-commit-
tai. Rowe's chief objection to Van
Houten is that there are farmers
around here who never saw nor
heard of the county agent" but
Littlejohn says: II understand Mr.
Van Houten has been doing good
work and know of several farmers.
who have been helped through his
advice. If the demand for his re-
tention is strong enough, we can
retain him and pay him out of the
current expense fund"
Replying to Rowe's assertion. Fred
w. Lewis of Brighton Park, secre-
tary of the State Grange, and one of
the leaders in the farm expert move
ment year ago, styled 1T a poor
argument" continuing: "The agri-
culturist is ready at any time to give
advice to those who ask 1T and In
no case where this has been done has
there been anything but better re-
suits. He has visited many farmers
on his own initiative and besides
giving individual advice has helped
the general farming spirit to great
extent"
The employment Of farm experts
by counties was authorized by the
legislature two years ago. Van
Houten is paid $50 a month and
SIS additional for expenses, the
county contributing $500 and the
federal government 5000. while the
Chamber of Commerce has furnished
Office rooms, stationery and other
supplies. Quite number of coun-
ties throughout the state adopted the
plan at the same time as Thurston
and it's more general adoption is ad-
vocated by both federal and state
authorities.
State Commissioners Views.
"It would be wiser to do without
out an agriculturist." was the COM
ment that DR.. H. T. Graves, state
commissioner of agriculture, made
when told of the commissioners ac-
ton. II know Van Houten and
know that he is good man. He has
worked under this department as in
spector. Counties of practically all
Of the states are falling in line with
this plan of cooperation for county
expert between the federal govern
ment, state colleges and counties.
! The counties in Washington where
these men are hired are showing i'm
provement. 1t will look bad for
Thurston county to drop out. At
least give the thing a fair try-out.
| The big results will be shown this
second year"
! Evidence to prove the inaccuracy