Fat ww Wy DAG f w wine by GDA RANT ASA NA DANS flab NA ped AAV, AWG aK Wit Nd Ye . Peco A EVO 5 Cea, v ey! es Cue ere we Wy ewes Wy veel aly YY IY Wey Wy YUN, Ney J ue i IN, Y, NAS Ged SS wigs iy) we RTM CI Oy YOY, NOR INNA Yy W SPYING \/ WI A GVANG “Uw Ne Avis Wo syieuls uve UMly pe SIS IES MN Sh VO Asus 8 q f} a \ 7 ad vy J z PN Wc UE gue ee ON vv owes Wy ONG vy VU A ASA wel Vv wie . SIRAS ONE AN DE mn wy eh dee ! ee seecee Atay e tN Bs SSN yee yyy ( i Par a. F v0 R L [ SMITHSON] Grive " SG AUN, =e wy va A aR wh Bw Re, Pita. A y, - t ; roe SOS UU as vey “ MSO SMe v yey. wi oe pean OG wou | were veweveiy > PS 5 Cae Gi eh ANa TAARAAA Nanan, DAA cA NA naalal RA AAAARIS ‘) A A Annn: | ANAND nnn an CCE Ka r CS » aa n y ante ' Py j ‘ . % 4 . ; * . : er : ; ; Wi Bx? A a F ngs i 4 ; j 2" ; } ' \ 7 t Hy va x ‘ - “oe RAE SS Maye a = bi caeme RL PROCHEDINGS NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION, [Hoh LD AT WASHINGTON, D. C., FEBRUARY 15, 16, AND 17, 1872. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1872. 42D te aa SENATE. ( Mis. Doc. 2d Session. v No. 164. — ————— = PROCHEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION, HELD AT WASHINGTON, D. C., FEBRUARY 15, 16, AND 17, 1872, i . Va! e.. i? 7, ial, '$ WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1872. So 28 Nag S> IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, April 22, 1872. Tesolved, That the proceedings of the convention of delegates from agricultural col- leges, State agricultural socicties, &c., held in the city of Washington on the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth of February, eighteen hundred and seventy-two, and ¢com- municated to the Senate by the Commissioner of Agriculture, be printed, and that four thoasand additional copies be printed, of which one thousand five hundred shall be for the use of the Senate, and two thousand five hundred shall be for the use of the Com- missioner of Agriculture, Attest: GEO. C. GORHAM, Secretary. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, i May 10, 1872. The followimeg resolution, originating in the Senate April 22, 1872, was concurred in hy the House of Representative es May “10, 1872: Resolved by the Senate, (the House of Representatives concurr ing,) That there he printed twenty-one thousand additional copies of the report of the proceedings of the con- vention of delegates from agricultural colleges, State agricultural societies, &c., held in the city of Washington on the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth of Febru- ary, eighteen hundred and seventy-two, and communicated to the Senate by the Com- missioner of Agriculture, of which {ive hundred copies shall be for the use of the Senate, six thousand for the use of the House, and fourteen’ thousand five hundred copies for the use of the Comniissioner of Agriculture, of which one hundred copies shall be sup- plied to each delegate to the convention. Attest: GEO. @ GORHAM, Secretary. e Pre CEBDIN OF THE . NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION, THURSDAY—FIRST DAY. Pursuant to the following call the National Agricultural Convention met at the city of Washington on the 15th of February, 1872: THE CALE. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, Washington, D. C., December 20, 1871, Sip: By the act of the 2d"of July, 1862, Congress donated to the several States a portion of public lands, in the ratio of their population, for the purpose of establishing agricultural colleges, thereby evineing a purpose to promote that great interest through the instrumentality of the respective States. Many colleges have been, and doubtless many more will be, established. State agricultural and horticultural societies and boards of agriculture have also buen established by law in many States. A correspondence and consultation between friends of these interests have led to the conelusion that a convention of delegates rep- resenting them, for the purpose of conferring upon subjects of mutual interests, would promote the good of all. It has been suggested that I take the responsibility o‘finitiating such a meeting. I therefore propose that each agricultural college, State agricultural society, State herticu!- tural society, and State board of agriculture, depute two delegates to mec! in convention, at the city of Washington, on Thursday, the 15th of Fel ruary next, te take. such action regarding the interests of agricult: as they shall deem expedient. I ain, very respectfully, FREDERICK WATTS, Commissioner. Counnissioner Watts called the convention to order at 10 e’eloc k, and addressed it as follows: ADDRESS OF COMMISSIONER WATTS. it gives me great pleasure and encouragement to see so many individ- uals collected here for the purpose of advancing the interests of agricul- ture in this country. It is absolutely necessary that we should come together to confer upon this subject. AS early as 1862 the Congress of the, United States gave evidence of 4 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. its determined purpose te aid the cause of agriculture and to promote . its interests; and in furtherance of that object they made a very large appropriation of the public lands. Ten million acres, about, were ap- propriated to the States severally, with the injunction that they should establish one or more agricultural colleges. Those lands have been’ actually appropriated by this act of Congress of 1862. We received it not only as a donation to the cause of agriculture, but we received it more especially as an earnest from Congress itself of its disposition to encourage this subject, and to promote it in all its interests in the United States. It is not surprising at all that it should do so, because it is a pursuit in which one-half of the inhabitants of the United States are actually engaged, and the other half actually dependent upon the results of their labor. Isay it is not surprising that the Congress of the United States should have taken this deep interest in the promotion of that object. Like all other subjects, that of agriculture requires co-operation. The nature of the business of the agriculturist is such as to separate him from the rest of mankind; he is segregated from the mass of society; he bas not the opportunities afforded him to consult with his neighbors and friends on those things which are likely to promote his interests. He is unlike the professional man—unlike the merchant and mariner— for the same opportunities are not afforded him for consultation and ar- rangement of designs by which his interests may be promoted. When I came to the position which I now occupy here, the first idea that occurred to me was that we were a head separated from a body. The people of the country in their ageregate capacity, in the shape of agricultural societies and colleges and. horticultural societies, were the great body of agriculture, and ‘this Department a separate head. I felt the want at once to be able to put my hand upon the man or set of men upon whom [| could repose that confidence which was absolutely neces- sary. The difficulty occurred at once, we do not know the agriculturists; we do not know each other; there is no co-operation between us at all. Now, gentlemen, you have becn’ brought together here mainly for the purpose, almost exclusively, for creating this system of co-operation be- tween this head of agriculture and your body. Wehope very much from the mere consultation upon this subject which we may have, a subject of peat interest to the country. Tam oblibed to say to you that in the assembling of this convention great difficulties occurred. I felt great apprehension that offense might be given by the selection of individuals to represent these great agricul- tural interests which have so ramified the land, so extensive, covering so much ground that they extend over the entire country. All, no doubt, would feel willing and glad to take a part in this convention. Well, the question arose, who were to be invited to meet here? Itis very well known to any individual who has had any experience in the ways of the world that if we got two, three, four, or five hundred people here no business could be done; it would be made up of speaking and discussions which would be profitless in the end, and that the result to be attained would not be attained at all, because of the number present. It was then, gentlemen, because we wanted a consultation upon this subject as a matter of business, that we selected the agricultural col- leges, State agricultural societies, and State boards of agriculture and the State horticultural societies. There was nothing invidious in this; nothing was intended to make an impression that they had any superior claims to consideration as delegates here than any other of the many societies that exist of an agricultural character in the United States, but * NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION, 5 merely for the purpose of keeping the number within those boundaries | which would make it a business convention and would make it useful for the purposes for which it was intended. Without regard to the call, which was very specific and must have been understood, many of the States of the Union elected delegates far beyond the number to which they were entitled. I suppose there are some of the States that would have had delegates here to the num- ber of one hundred if there had been no objections, some of them thirty or forty at least. Now, gentlemen, it is with the kindliest feelings that this selection has been made, for the purpose of doing the greatest amount of busi- ness and producing the very best results. While we know that there are a great number of delegates here who do not represent those socie- ties, we will be most happy to have those gentlemen come into the convention and be interested in the convention. I know that the con- vention will evince cordial feeling upon this subject. And while we must from necessity, 2s a matter of business—while the committee on eredentials will be obliged, upon the invitation laid down, to contract the number, yet we hope those men will come in here and give us their confidence and assistance in the convention. I will now ask you to appoint a chairman pro tempore. Dr. Loginec. I move that the Commissioner of Agriculture act as chairman pro tempore. : . The motion was seconded. Dr. Lorine. I think it would be important, as I propose to call for the correspondence that has been held between the Commissioner and the delegates; and I think, with him in the chair, that matter will be managed as nobody else can manage it. . Commissioner WATTS. It would be entirely inconsistent with the programme that I should occupy this chair. That has been a subject of consideration with me, and under the circumstances it would be entirely inconsistent. Senator MoRRILL. Let me name Dr. Loring as president pro tempore. The motion was seconded. Commissioner Watts. I beg leave to name Professor Bowman of the University of Kentucky as chairman. . How will the convention determine this question ? Dr. LorinG. I will relieve the convention by most respectfully de- clining. Senator Morriny. Well, then, I will withdraw my nomination if it is desired. Commissioner WATTS. Professor Bowman is named as chairman. Regent BowMAN. I beg leave to decline most heartily, but concur in the nomination of Dr. Loring, of Massachusetts. his Commissioner Warts. The only nomination betore the convention is that of Mr. Bowman. Mr. Bowman was unanimously chosen chairman pro tempore. The CHAIRMAN. Gentlemen of the convention: I thank you most cor- dially for the very unexpected courtesy. I should much prefer that the honorable and distinguished Commissionae of Agriculture should have at least organized the convention. I shall simply desire to co-oper- ate with you to that extent, and without any preliminary remarks I will state that the convention is now ready to proceed to business, and the reception of any motions looking to the permanent organization of this body will be entertained. ‘ 4 6 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. Commissioner WATTS. The first matter is the appointment of a com- mittee to examine the credentials of the delegates. Mr. THompPson. 1 move, sir, that the chairman of this convention appoint two committees, one upon credentials and permanent organiza- tion, and the other upon business and the order of business, each com- mittee to consist of one delegate from each State and Territory here represented. A Mrmbrr. I move that a secretary be appointed. The motion was seconded. The CHAIRMAN. I shall be under obligation to the Commissioner if he will name a gentleman. Rev. Mr. Calder, of Pennsylvania, is named as secretary. He -was elected. * br. Lorine. I now.move that the Commissioner lay before this con- vention the correspondence which has been held between the Depart- ment and the societies represented here before fhe committee on creden- tials is appointed. A Member. It dees seem to me that a committee should be appointed. { want to know who are invited here. : Mr, Tsompson. I withdraw my motion temporarily. The CHAIRMAN. The secretary will read the call. The secretary then read the call, which is printed above. Dr. Lorine. now desire a list of the societies and colleges to which that cipeular was addressed. The CHarrMan. I will suggest, for the convenience of the secretaries and reporters, that as each gentleman rises he will please announce his name. Iwill remark to the convention that I have been furnished by the Commissioner with a list of all the agricultural colleges of the country, and it is accessible to the members of the convention. Commissioner Watts. If the gentleman who made the motion will allow me to read this, probably it will cover what he wants. [List of ‘industrial institutions.” | Dr. Lorine. I have that. A Member. It is suggested tome—I am a stranger to nearly all of you —that there ought to be two committees appointed, to ix the hour of "- meeting and length of the sessions. Mr. THompson. I renew the motion which I made, that two comnit- tees be appointed, one upon ‘permanent organization and credentials, and the other upon the order of business, to be appointed by the chair- man, consisting of one from each State and Territory represented here. Dr. Lorine. I do not seem to get at my information. I grant that I have a list here of incustrial institutions, but I insist won it that the © business which i brought up is still before the convention. A call was made for a list of the societies which had been addressed by the Commis- sioner. Hach society called by the Commissioner should be known, where it is, and who represented it. In response to my call I have had put into my hands the following: “Industrial institutions in the United States which have received the national endowment of land serip.” There is not a State soviety in this country which has received land scrip. “fhe agricultural colleges have. N. ow, l am very anxious to know how far the practical farmers of the United States have responded to this call, and I want:te know what State societies are represented here, 2nd were called Inéve by the Commissioner—I think a very proper point’to make before this convention is organized; and I trust the Commissioner will also: give us a list of the State agricultural societies, representing the practiteal farmers that are invited to this convention, NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. ay where they are and when they were organized, and I wili go right along with the gentlemen for two committees or forty committees. Commissioner WATTS. We have not the information; we were not posted in regard to the facts in reference to the organization of these societies. There was no information in the Department to tell who they were, or what they were, or when they were organized; but we directed our letters as best we could, and published them in the papers. Dr. LoRING. Were there any answers? The COMMISSIONER. Very few. Dr. Lore. Are they to be seen ? The CoMMISSIONER. There is nothing in them. They only said, “In purstiance of your notice, A, B,and C have been elected delegates.” ' ADMISSION OF DELEGATES. Dr. Lorine. New, sir, I will come to the point. 1 am president of the New England agricultural society, and it is the only office that I do hold in the United States, and I am proud of it. [Applause.] One of the first circulars issued by the Department reached me. I responded at once as an earnest and somewhat enthusiastic farmer might, that the New England society would send two delegates. I came to the De- partment myself, when on business in Washington on behalf of the suffering fishermen of Massachusetts, to save them from ruin, and waited upon the Commissioner and asked him how far the call had ex- tended to societies. : Tam here with Colonel Needham, the secretary of the New England society, chosen by the society to represent it in the convention. The Commissioner informs Colonel Needham, the secretary, that the New England agricultural society has not been invited to be present here. Now what I want to know is, whether the correspondence meant any- thing or.nothing; and after the New England society has been invited, if its delegates are to be received in this cold manner. If so, and there is ever another convention, I hope it will be held in Massachusetts, to show you what a warm reception we will give you all there. Mr. PuRNELL. I have a substitute for the motion of Dr. Loring, that a call be made by States, and that the delegates report themselves and in what eapacity they are here. Dr. Lorine. L agree with the gentleman from Delaware; I want not only a call of the States, but a call of the associations that have been invited here. Mr. PpRNELL. They can report as they are called. The CHAIRMAN. The question is upon the substitute offered for the motion of Dr. Loring. Dr. LORING. Very well, where am I? [Laughter.] I don’t represent any State; Lam here from New England. There is no State society from Massachusetts represented here. There is a list of the agricultu- ral societies of this country, a printed list, in the documents of this Department, which I have myself used in addressing a circular to twelve hundred or more societies, asking for information, and I have the responses. Now I presume that from that list certain associations were selected to be present. Why not have that list called?—if the gentleman from Delaware will excuse me. There are no State societies in some States. Mr. Purnew. If the gentleman will allow me, for instance, when the State of Massachusetts is called, let Dr. Loring answer that he is § NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. : from the State of Massachusetts, representing the New England so- ciety. Dr, LorinG. Before what? Mr. PURNELL. Before the committee on credentials. Dr. Lorine. That is just where I don’t propose to have it go. The New England agricultural society has been invited. I want to know whether we have a right to be here or not. Prof. SWALLOW. Mr. Chairman, I think this is a very ‘simple ques- tion; it seems so to me. We can get a settlement very easily; our friends from New England we are very glad to see, as they no doubt are to see us from the West. The history of this thing, which the Com- missioner has given us this morning, is simply this: He sent out a communication of inquiry throughout the country to the various insti- tutions and societies, to know whether they would patronize such a meeting as this. Many of us responded that we would be very glad to come here, like Dr. Loring, of Massachusetts. After this correspond- ence the Commissioner informed us of his idea of calling the conven- tion, and that call settles the status of the convention. Place that call and the credentials in the hands of the committee on credentials, and they will settle the fact whether we are entitled to seats here or not. Mr. Lorine. Mr. Chairman, what I want to know is whether the call was a mockery or a reality ? Mr. SWALLOW. There were communications of inquiry sent out. Dr. Lorna. Just what was read ? Mr. SwaLtow. Not at all. That was not the question of inquiry that was sent ont. Ireceived another one; there may have been two circulars. I do no not know as we have any other document which can be taken.. Let us organize on that document. The CHAIRMAN. The question before the house is the substitute for Dr. Loring’s motion, offered by the gentleman from Delaware. Mr. Drenison. I wish to inquire if there is any delegate from Massa- chusetts, save the one represented by Dr. Loring ? The CHAIRMAN. The chair has not a list of delegates. It does seem to me, with due deference tothe gentlemen who have made the motions, that Mr. Thompson’s motion would bring the question before the con- vention in the right way. From the list, of course, will be eliminated the proper delegates to the convention under the call of the Commis- sioner appointing two delegates from each agricultural society and col- lege. Mr. SwALLow. I will move a substitute for the substitute, the mo- tion made by the gentleman from Michigan, {[Mr. Thompson. ] The motion was seconded. ‘ Dr. Lorine. The business before the convention was upon my mo- tion, and that motion has been amended by the gentleman from Dela- ware, [Mr. Purnell,] that the list of the societies and colleges called respond by name. Now, I will accept that proposition, and if, in that list, the New England Agricultural Society is not called, I shall request the chair to have it called. Mr. SWALLOW. I withdraw my motion. Dr. GREGORY. It seems to me that we are going a very roundabout way to get at a simple matter, the whole convention undertaking to act as a committee on credentials. 1 think the chair is right in the matter, that a committee on credentials should be appointed, and had at the desire of the Commissioner of Agriculture, and that the several States should hand to the committee on credentials a list of the delegates. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION, Me We cannot sit here two days to examine eredentials and pass upon’ them. I propose that the motion of Mr. Purnell be laid upon the table. Colonel NEEDHAM. I object, sir, to the appointment of any committee or to any further organization of this convention until we have ascer- tained who are members of this convention. Out of whom are you to make your eommittee until you have first established who are mem- bers and who have aright to be upon committees? It would seem as though certain persons assumed to be legitimate members of this convention and were determined to sit in judgment upon certain other persons whose claims to membership are equally good with their own. Let this convention decide for itself who has the right of membership ; it is abundantly capable of making such a decision, and it is a duty which it owes to itself and the gentlemen who have assembled under the call, that it should make this decision in the committee of the whole, and not delegate it to any half dozen men whose rights to sit here may be equally questioned with the rights of any others. Until this matter is determined, I object to any further steps toward organization. Mr. Gregory. It is proposed that each State nominate two dele- gates. The CHAIRMAN. Let me state the question. The motion now is that of Dr. Gregory, of Mlinois, to lay the motion of the gentleman from Delaware upon the table. ; Mr. Rei. I simply wish to say one word in explanation, that until this convention has determined who are the members, no gentleman can be selected as a committee on credentials. The motion to lay upon the table was lost. The CHAIRMAN. The motion of Dr. Loring, from Massachusetts, is before the convention. Will the gentleman state it again? Dr. Lorine. I have accepted the amendment of the gentleman from Delaware [Mr. Purnell] offered to my motion, that a list of the State agricultural societies, colleges, and other institutions invited, and rep- resented here, be now called by the chair and responded to by such del- egates as represent them on this floor, the secretary keeping the list as they are called. The motion was agreed to. Mr. MuRTFELDT. | move that the States be called alphabetically. Mr. GREGORY. State societies and institutions also? The CHAIRMAN. Both. The SECRETARY. Mr. Chairman, it is evident, of course, that as 1 am calling the names it will be impossible to tally them. The CHAIRMAN. If I am at liberty I would suggest that an assistant secretary be appointed. Mr. LEwis. I nominate Mr. Charles Murtfeldt, of Missouri. Unanimously agreed to. The CHAIRMAN. Any gentleman present representing any society, having anything in the form of credentials from agricultural or horti- cultural societies or colleges, will please come forward and present such credentials or documents as they may have. Dr. Lorine. I move that the New England Agricultural Society be called in its regular alphabetical order. Carried. ’ The CHAIRMAN. I understand the motion adopted by the convention to be, that all gentlemen from the respective States will enroll them- selves, and then the delegates will be selected to represent the different States in the convention. So it will be in order, without any further action, to enroll all gentlemen with credentials. ; The secretary then called the States in alphabetical order. 10 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION, [A complete list of delegates will be found at the close of the pro- ceedings. | / : Conmissioner Warts. I suggest to the convention that, in aeccerd- ance with this call, I named two delegates to represent this Department. They were William Saunders and’ J. R. Dodge. MARSHALL P. WILDER. In the course of procedure I feel bound, sir, as the president of the American Pomological Society, now in the taven. ty-third year of its existence, to name as ‘deleg gates Marshall P. Wilder and James E. Mitchell, of the executive comiittee. The CHAIRMAN. Any gentleman not having presented his credentials, or any delegate who may arrive hereafter, will be entitled to a seat on presenting his credentials.’ A Member. [ hold a certificate from the Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, but we are excluded, not being a State so- ciety or a college. Mr. WILDER. It should be known, My. President, that the society alluded to by the gentleman was the first society established on the con- tinent for the promotion of agriculture, and I think they ought to have an opportunity to be present. [Applause.] Mr. Epmunps. Mr. Chairman, I now move you that all the persons whose names have been given here, either from State societies, colleges, or whatever they may be, be regarded as delegates to this convention, inasmuch as there are no contestants. « The motion was seconded. Mr. JOHNSTONE. That is out of order, as we have a motion for the appointment of a committee on credentials. Mr. Epmunps. Well, then, Mr. Chairman, I move as a substitute for the committee on credentials, that, instead of that commitéee being ap- pointed, we now regard all the persons whose names have been reported here as delegates to this convention and taken as such. Mr. WHEELER. I move that that motion be laid on the table. The CHARMAN. The first motion which was made was by Mr. Thomp- son, of Michigan, that a committee on credentials and organization be appointed. He withdrew that motion with the understanding that when the list of delegates was made out he would renew that motion. A sub- stitute is now offered by the gentleman from Illinois, that all who are enrolled as delegates from the State and other or ganizations be regarded as delegates, and & motion is now made to lay this on the table. Mr. FreLper. I wish to make a mere explanation. I take it for granted thatno gentieman will offer himself as a member of thisconven- tion unless he has a proper certificate from some society. We came -from the South to be instructed, and I want to go home and instruct my fellow-laborers. And, further more, some of thei railroad companies have agreed to carry delegates back free. Now, if we are denied admission, they will not do that. [ Laughter.] Mr. WHEELER, of Nebraska. Many of the distant States are repre- sented here under the call of the Commissioner of Agriculture by one or two delegates; and if mechanical societies come in here with their dele- gates it is an unjust representation to States near the Capital. If some mechanical societies are to be represented here, let them all have voices on this foor. But I do not think itis right; they dow’t come under the call. And if you met in accordance with the call ot the Commissioner, Jet us carry it out in good faith, or act differently. And coming more than 2 thousand miles to represent the prairies of the West we have to pay oup fares ourselves, and T apprehend the gentlemen from the von can do the same. - NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 11 ? Mr. JoHnson. I believe m getting a committee on credentials, and that it admit all who come here to promote agriculture, if they have proper certificates. Ihave no feeling of jealousy; and I think every man should be admitted who can shew any credentials at all. I believe a committee appointed as this one is proposed to be would show great liberality in admitting members. And I think, sir, it would give form, dignity, and propriety to this convention to do so. The CHAIRMAN. The chair must insist upon strict order. The ques- tion is. upon the laying of the motion of the gentlemanfrom Ilinois {Mr. Hdmunds] upon the table. The motion to lay ‘on the table was lost. The CHAIRMAN. The question now is upon the substitute offered by the gentleman from Dlinois. The gentleman will bear in mind if the ’ motion prevails it carries with it the original motion. Dr. LoRING. it does not carry the motion with it. It substitutes the motion for it. The CHAIRMAN. The question is upon the substitute of the gentleman from Tlinois to the original motion made by the gentleman from Michi- gan, which was to appoint a committee on credentials and permanent organization. The substitute is to allow all delegates who have enrolled to sit here as members of the conyention. A MEMBER. I request the privilege of adding the names ef two dele- gates who have not yet arrived. : The CHAIRMAN. They can be put in afterward. Mr. ALLEN, of New York. I have not occupied a minute of your time yet. But I am the sole representative of the State Agricultural Society of New York; and we are only entitled to two delegates. Now, New York has between four and five millions of people. I see some of the State Societies represented by four or fiye delegates; and now I submit the question whether it is right to overslaugh us by States that have not a million people. I don’t claim any superior wisdom for our small delegation, but i think that votes ought to count according to delega- tions. I am perfectly willing that every gentleman may have a sharein the discussions to the fullest extent, but when wecome to vote we ought to have a fair chance. Mr. ALLEN, of Connecticut. The great Empire State, which is repre- sented by Mr. Allen, is well represented; andI think they ought to have more delegates here; if they have not it is not our fault. If New York is to be represented by one man we are not responsible for it. [Ap- plause. | , Mr. Hancock. I wish to have the substitute reported again, if you please, sir. : . The CHAIRMAN. The substititte is to allow all delegates who have enrolled their names to sit as members of the convention from all so- cieties. Dr. Lorine. Who have responded to the call? The CHATRMAN. Yes, sir. _ . Mr. Hancock. I presume it will be extended to those who have not arrived, or are not enrolled. . Mr. Hammiron. Would it be in order to move an amendment to the amendment ? The CHAIRMAN. Yes, sir. Mr. Hawmmiton. Then I move that all votes taken be by the call of yeas and nays, and be voted on by States; then New York and Pennsylvania will count. [“ Question, question.” Be NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. The CHARMAN. The question is on the substitute offered by the gen- tleman from Illinois. ‘ Carried. Mr. THompson. I now move that a committee on business and one on organization be appointed by the chair, consisting of one man from each State, the member of each committee to be appointed by the delegates from the States. The CHAIRMAN. The question is upon this motion. Mr. EpmMunpDs. It seems to me that a committee of five is sufficient for either, and not one from each State as contemplated by the original me- tion. It makes the committee too unwieldy. A eommittee of five is as good as a thousand. Let us make a working committee, and not get so many that they cannot do anything. The CHAIRMAN. Does the mover designate the number ? Mr. THompson. I propose to have those committees represented by the States. Let every State and Territory have a voice in the busi- ness of this convention. Dr. Lorine. I trust that the motion of the gentleman from Michigan will prevail. The motion was unanimously agreed to. The CHAIRMAN. It will be necessary for the convention to take atem- porary recess. What is the will of the convention ? Dr. Lorine. I move we take a recess of ten minutes. Carried. RECESS. . . The convention then, at 12 o’clock, took a recess for ten minutes. ASSEMBLING. The CHAIRMAN. The convention will please come to order. The first thing in order will now be for the delegations to report the members of the two committees which have been appointed by order of the conven- tion. There will be a call of the States, and I hope each gentleman will send up the names promptly. Mr. ROBINSON, of Ohio. I trust they will be announced. The SECRETARY. We find it almost impossible to catch the names and record them properly. Mr. Rogwinson. We can announce them and send them up in addi- tion. The SECRETARY. We have made a corrections already. A MEMBER. I suggest that a gentleman be appointed to collect their papers. Mr. Rozryson. It will introduce us if we hear the gentlemen’s names. The CHAIRMAN. The names for the two committees can be handed up on one slip of paper. A Member. Is it understood that both committees be appointed now ? The CHAIRMAN. Both propositions were carried. Is it understood that where there is but one delegate he shall serve on both committees? [‘‘ Yes, yes.”] The ‘ShorEr ar Y called the roll of States alphabetically. The follow- ing is a list of the two committees : COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS. Alabama, R. M. Patton; Arkansas, EB. J. Searle; California, - NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 13 Connecticut, D. C. Gilman; Delaware, W.H. Purnell; Florida, Georgia, Samuel Barnett ; Tlinois, J. M. Gregory ; Indiana, Allen Fur. nas; Iowa, E. R. Shankland ; Kansas, H. J. Strickler ; Kentucky, J. B. Bowman; Louisiana, ; Maine, 8. L. Goodale ; Maryland, Samuel Register ; Massachusetts, Charlés L. Flint; ‘Michigan, VWaxG. Beckwith ; Minnesota, W. W. Folwell ; Mississippi, ; Missouri, Ga. Swallow ; Nebraska, D. H. Wheeler ; ; Nevada, ; New Hampshire, V. 0. Gilman; New Jersey, N. N. Halstead; New York, Ezra Cornell ; North Carolina, J. D. Bridges; Ohio, N. Olmer; ; Oregon, ; Pennsylvania, F. Taylor; Rhode Island, George F. Wilson ; South Carolina, General Wade Hampton ; Tennessee, Hunter Nichol- son; Texas, Thomas G, Williams; Vermont, Peter Collier; West Vir- ginia, A. Martin; Virginia, J. W. ’ Mallett ; Wisconsin, J. H. Twombly ; American Pomological Society, Hon. Marshall P. Wilder; District of Columbia, Chalkley Gillingham ; ; Dakota, George N. Propper; Depart- of Agriculture, Hon. Frederick Watts; Utah, James McKnight. COMMITTER ON ORGANIZATION. Alabama, 8S. G. Reid; Arkansas, KE. J. Searle; California, ——— ; Connecticut, J. S. Allen; ‘Delaware, W. H. Pur nell; Florida, : Georgia, Jonathan Noreross Illinois, George Edmunds ; Indiana, A. B. Claypool ; Iowa, A. S. Welch; Kansas, Gr: Lines; Kentucky, J.B. Bowman; Louisiana, ; Maine, C. F. Allen; Maryland, A. B. Davis; Massachusetts, Daniel Needham ; Michigan, J. Webster Childs; Minnesota, William W. Folwell; Mississippi, ; Missouri, R. J. Lewis; Nebraska, D. H. Wheeler; Nevada, ae New Hamp- - shire, Governor Frederick Smith ; New Jersey, Governor Theodore F, Randolph; New York, Lewis FE. Allen ; North Carolina, William J. Yates ; Ohio, J. P. Robinson ; Oregon, ; Pennsylvania, A. B. Hamilton; Rhode Island, George I’, Wilson; South Carolina, D. W. Aiken; Tennessee, W. O. "Atwater; Texas, John Hancock ; Vermont, Henry ‘Clarke: Virginia, Lewis E. Harvie ; West Virginia, A. Martin ; Wisconsin, Hon. G. W. Hazelton ; District of Columbia, J. KE. Snod- grass; Department of J Agriculture, William Saunders; Utah, James McKnight. During the call the chairman said: Is it the will of the convention that the “Department of Agriculture should be represented upon this floor? [‘‘ Yes, yes.”] The CHAIRMAN. We will now have the attention of the convention, that we may read over these committees to verify them. °* Mr. SWALLOW. Is not the National Agricultural Society entitled to representation ? The CHAIRMAN. I believe it was understood that it would be enti tled; the Department of Agriculture also. Mr. SwALLow. I move, as there is a representation here from one of our national societies, that Dr. Le Moyne be put on the committee. Commissioner WATTS. That will throw it all into confusion. Mr. WILDER. Without understanding, Mr. President—and I only mention the name of the National Pomological Society, being twenty- three years of age, that with due respect I thought it ought to be named; but I don’t quite understand the resolution. 1 withdraw my motion. The CHAIRMAN. Then it is understood that the delegation will be limited to States and. Territcries unless the convention order otherwise. Colonel NEEDHAM. I now move the committees on organization and 4 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. eo business be called, and that they have leave to retire, and that the eeu vention take a recess for thirty minutes. Seconded. Mr. ALLUN, New York. Where will they go to? 2 [Laughters| Commissioner Warts. The committee on business can occupy the ofliee ef the Commissioner, and the committee on organization the reom just east of the Commissioner’s effice. A Mrmpenr. Which is east? [Laughter.] Mr. Lives. I desire to ask a question. Have the committees been instructed? What is to be the duty of the organization committe? | Laughter.| y The OHAIRMAN. Whatever they please. | Laughter. i Mr. Lines. What is the duty of the business committee ? The CHAIRMAN. Whatever they please. [Laughter.] Mr. Lives. Well, that is a very extraordinary degree of liberty. pear } Iw ish the convention to instruct the committees in regard to what can be done. |‘ No, no. *) Well, I suppose I can be heard for a minute at least. Laughter. ] The CHATRMAN. The question is that the convention adjourn for one- half hour, and that the committee on organization, in the mean time, arrange for the session of the convention. A Memenr. I made that motion half an hour ago. RECESS. The motion was carried, and at-1 o’elock the convention took a recess for half an hour. ASSEMBLING. The CHAIRMAN. The convention will please come to order. PERMANENT ORGANIZATION. Governor RANDOLPH. The committee on organization have requested me to report to this convention that they hare placed in nomination as its permanent— President, Dr. George @. Loring, of Massachusetts, [applause,} with the following—- Vice-presidents: Alabama, 8. G. Reid; Arkansas, Thomas Smith; ‘Jifornia, ———-; Connecticut, E. H. Hyde; Florida, ———; Georgia, Herbert Fielder ; Delaware, W. Hi. Purnell ; illinois, J. O. Cunning- ham; Indiana, ‘Thomas Dowling; lowa, E. RB. Shankland ; Kangast Joseph Dennison ; Kentucky, J. B. Bowman ;, Louisiana, ———; Maine, S. L. Goodale ; Marytand, A. B. Davis; J Massachusetts, Hon. Marshall P. Wilder; Michigan, T. 0. Abbott; Mmnesota »W.S. King; Nebraska, D. H. W heeler ; Nevada, aa New Hampshire, Natt Head; New Jersey, George o Cook; New York, Ezra Cornell; North Carolina, N. W. Woolfin; Ohio, J. P. Robison ; Oregon, alr Pennsylvania, H. N. MeAllister; Rhode Island, George P. Wilson ; South Carolina, D. W. Aiken; Tennessee, Hunter Nicholson; Texas, William J. Hutehins ; Vermont, Oro: sby Miller; Virginia, Thomas Branch; West Virginia, A. Martin ; "Wisconsin, Hon. G. W. Hazelton ; District of Columbia, Chalkey Gillingham; Department of Agriculture, William Saunders ; Utah, James MeKnight. . Recording g secretary, Kt. F. Johnstone, of Michigan. Reading secretary, ©. W. Murtfeldt, of Missouri. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL | CONVENTION. 15 Corresponding secretary, J. R. Dodge, ot Department of Agriculture. Mr. WiLpER. I am extremely obliged, sir, to my fellow-associates for placing my name on that honorable list, but there is a gentleman from Massachusetts here far better able to fill the post than myself. £ know, sir, that perhaps it is hardly in order to decline before I ascertain that I have been elected, but I beg to amend the list, and io insert in . the place of Wilder the name of William S. Clark, president of the agricultural college. Agreed to. The CHAIRMAN. The question is upon the adoption of the report as amended. The report was unanimously adopted. _ Governor RANDOLPH: I move that a committee of two be.appointed to conduct the presiding officer to the chair. Carried. ' The CHAIRMAN. I would appoint Dr. Gregory and Dr. Robinson. A MEMBER. I rise to a point of order. It is customary to appoint the mover on a committee. The CHAIRMAN. Then I would appoint Governor Randolph and Dr. Gregory a committee to escort the president-elect to the chair. Governor RANDOLPH. Gentlemen of the convention: It gives me very great pleasure to introduce to you, as your presiding officer, Dr. George B. Loring, of Massachusetts, who received the unanimous vote of the committce on organization, and has also received your unanimous support. [Applause.| ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT LORING. GENTLEMEN OF THE CONVENTION: Ji is unnecessary for me to say to you that 1 have really been ealled unexpectedly to this position. I was not aware of the purposes of this meeting in detail, nor aware in any way of the organization which was proposed to govern your sittings during the convention in Washington. That [am profoundly grateful for it, it is also unnecessary for mae to say, because I see here repre- sentative men from every section of this country devoted to agriculture, the fundamental business of this whole land, and anxious that it shall be put upon a foundation which shall give credit and prosperity to this entire country. [Applause.] Now, gentlemen, we have met here as two classes in the community. tam sure there is no man in this convention who would decline for one Single moment to be called a practical farmer. [Applause.} The busi- ness of this whole industry rests in the hands of you and those whem you represent, those men who have prepared the way by their strong arms and their steady purposes in the practical affairs of life, for that great system or American farming upon which can be erected a higher and nobler structure, that untiring industry which planted. agriculture in the early days upon the shores of the Atlantic, which carried it on into the interior, inch by inch, and which enabled it, my friends, to lay the foundation of the financial success of the country in those early days when your third President congratulated himself that the United States had liquidated more than one-half of the old war debt from this very business which you represent here to-day. [Applause.] That Which, commencing in that simple and primitive form along the Atlantic coast, has spread with such giant stride across the prairies of the West, has opened the path for civilization in every form, until this whole land has become the abode of culture and elevation, and of high educational, and, as I believe, high religious purpese, 16 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. Practical business farming, my friends, as carried on by the farmers themselves, not only lies at the foundation of the financial prosperity of this country, enabling your administration, which new directs the public affairs of the land, to base its success in all efficient endeavors, and which in all time to come will secure the permanent and reliable prosperity of that country which you love above all others on the face of the earth. Now, gentlemen, you represent another branch of agriculture; and that is, that portion of the community which is determined to base the practical business of agriculture in America upon that firm foundation of the educated mind of America. The agricultural schools, colleges, and societies are here repre- sented by their best and wisest men. I see before me not only the teachers of agriculture in those institutions, but those earnest, honest, and devoted men, who, having been crowned by Providence with marvelous success in life, in their business transactions, have devoted their great earnings to the work of educating the young men, and the young women, too, in the practical service of life, an honor and a credit to this country, and representing a class of persons, let me assure you, unknown elsewhere than in your own United States of America. [Ap- plause. | I see also before me those who are anxious to know in what way the educational institutions of this land shall best subserve the interests of agriculture. Now, my friends, I have learned recently, from one of the brightest and most distinguished nembers of Congress in his advocacy of the distribution of the public lands of this country to the great edu- cational fund, that the foundation of the entire political life of this land depends upon the success of your educational institutions. I believe also that this, of all countries on the face of this earth, requires an educated people. I know of no place here for ignorance; none for idleness. Itis an industrious, well educated, active and vigorous community, in which each man, recognizing his own individuality, is determined that the com- munity shall be raised to the high plan of which it is capable, and that the great principles of society and state, and the greatest elements of humanity, shall be thoroughly developed. I believe in education as the foundation, therefore, of all American institutions. I am sure that in no other way can you keep the labor of this country elevated to that standard which you ask for, as the fathers and brothers of those who may be toiling to-day with their own hands for a subsistence. There is no other way by which you can keep the compensation of those men, young and old, up to that standard required by American institutions and to which every free-born American, or American by adoption, is entitled. It is the cultivation of the masses of the people alone which gives pe- culiar value to that ownership of land which is especially the Ameri- can’s perogative, and which, by abolishing the feudal tenure, clothes every man with a possession of acres, upon which he can build not only his dwelling, but his civil and social rights. Whenever this law is un- derstood, then will the agitation of the land question which vexes Mr. Gladstone and Lord Derby cease, and we shall see an approach to that uniformity of free civilization in which the American believes. [Ap- plause. | Now this is the business which you have in your hands, and for the purpose of putting such business as that upon a sure and firm founda- tion, I think our venerable and respected Commissioner of Agriculture has called you together. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. = 17 Now, one word with regard to this institution under which we are gathered. I have great confidence in the capacity of an institution like this to be of vast service to the American Government. I think it should rot only be a Department for the investigation, in a somewhat limited manner, of certain questions interesting to the practical farmer himself, nor a Department for the simple furnishing of the farmer with those articles in his business which he may not be able exactly to get else- where, but that it should be a Department going hand in hand with your agricultural college, and that it should lend aid and consolation to agri- cultural societies. That there should be placed in its hands.such a thorough and perfect understanding of the value of the public domain of the United States that every man furnishing himself with land-serip shall find that land-scrip already located for himself, and covering lands which he may desire in his business, and that there should not be a uni- ' form scrip scale, but a graduated one, in which the people of the United States should understand that there is a difference in the quality of their jands, and that that great fund of land which they now possess shall be disposed of on exactly the same principle that the wise husband- man would exercise towards his own possession. I trust, therefore, this Department will one day be clothed with higher powers and in- spired with higher purposes. 1t should not be in any living sense a pensioner or a beggar, but it should take its stand alongside of those Departments which give strength and power tothe Government, aud on which the Executive of this great land leans for support when important questions of state come before him for decision. It should be a Depart- ment of land, of water-power, of the great resources of the country, show- ing continually what your land is worth and where your resources lic. There is another branch of this institution in which I have taken pe- culiar interest. ‘There is here one of the most perfect museums in the land. I think the scientific men here will agree with me that the prin- ciples are most admirable, and that the system which -is adopted for classification is one that will be of vast service to the whole inquiring community. That this museum should be liberally supported there is no manner of doubt; and I trust the convention, before its adjournment, will express itself in a most foreible manner in favor of this branch which it is their bounden duty to preserve and protect. Gentlemen, I have detained you longer than I intended to, and longer, perhaps, than you desired, and thanking you for the honor you have conferred upon me, I now call for the regular order of business. [Applause. ] Commissioner Warts. There was so little time afforded the commit- tee on business to act, while they discussed some subjects and came to a partial conclusion, they thought they would only make a partial report to the convention, and ask the indulgence of further time to make a final report. And the secretary will read what the committee did do. The SECRETARY then read the following : : REPORT OF THE BUSINESS COMMITTER. The committee having assembled, the Hon. Commissiener of Agricul- ture submitted, along with some remarks, the following preamble and resolutions : Recommended that the convention meet at 10 a. m., and adjourn at 3 p. ; That so far as they are now informed, there are four topics requiring the attention of the convention, namely : 1, The expediency of seeking further land-grants from Congress for the promoti°® of colleges of agriculture and the mechanic arts. S- Mis. 164-——2 18 NATIONAL AGRIGULTURAL- CONVENTION. 2. The subject of establishing experimental faruts and stations for the promotion of agricultural knowledge. Cie Bl 3. The question of modifying the military instruction given in the national colleges of agricultural and mechanic arts. 4. The best methods of co-operating with one another, and with the Department of Agriculture. The order of discussion the committee leave to the convention. Under the fourth head, ‘co-operation with the Department of Agri- culture,” the Commissioner of Agriculture has prepared an elaborate paper. ed oa Siryrn. I move that the comtnittee have further time. Car- ried. Mr. C. L. FLINT, of Massachusetts. There was a paper submitted by the Commissioner of Agriculture to the business committee, which ought to be laid before the convention, and I suggest that he be requested to read it. The motion was agreed to. Commissioner WATTS. The act of July 2, 1862, is an earnest expres- sion of Congréss that a scientific education is essential for the develop- ment of agricultural knowledge, and evinces the determined purpose of the Government, through the agency of the State legislatures, to es- tablish institutions of learning where the youth of the country may be trained and properly fitted to elevate the standard of active practical ° life, and secnre for it the increased fruits of skillfully directed labor. It becomes those, therefore, who are directly interested in this subject to take active measures to second the effort, and make use of the means which have been adopted by Congress for their benefit. In the prose- cution of this object it is manifestly the duty of individuals interested in its promotion to examine the subject, and point ont the detailed pro- eesses by which the design and bounty of Congress may be made most available. This convention, composed of such as have taken an active part in the prosecution of agricultural study, has been convened to consider this. ‘Phat the points which necessarily present themselves may be duly considered, we present the following resolutions : Resolved, That it will greatly conduce to the suecessful operations of agricultute throughout the world that its operators should have the light of scientific knowledge to guide the work. Resolved, That we recognize in the act of Congress of July 2, 1862, the foundation upon which may be organized and built colleges and schools, where the scientifie prin- ciples and knowledge of agriculture may be taught, and that it is our anxious desire, and duty to foster and encourage them in the work of educating farmers. Resolved, That in the establishment of agricultural colleges and schools, their organ- ization should embrace the following principles : i. They should be instinctively agricultural in their government and teachings ; that whilst no branch of learning shall be excluded, whether it be the knowledge language, of mechanics, or military tactics, yet the main design should be a know! edge of all those branches of natural and exact science and practical skill which peen- liarly belongs to a finished agricultural education. 2. That in any sueh college or school actual manual labor should be practiced and taught. 3. That females, as well as males, may be admitted as pupils. Resolved, That horticultural and agricultural societies, and agricultural colleges and schools, are co-laborers in the same field, and tend to promote the same object—the proper cultivation of the soil; and that ail these should unite on any plan of educa- tion by which the light of knowledge should be made to shine upon their work. Resolved, That the Department of Agriculture is also a creature of theGovernment, established for the same great purpose of cherishing aim! promoting the interests of agriculture, and that its efficiency must necessarlty depend upon its intimate connec- tion with all other agricultural institutions which exist in this and forvign tvountries ; and we tkerefore recommend to the said Department that it establish such a relation ‘ \NATIGNAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 19 with the agricultural colleges and schools, and horticultural and agriculinral sovicties, as that there may be a continuous exchange of information, seeds, roots, plants, and publications, as shall be mutually advantageous, and conduce to the leading agricul- tural and horticultural interests of the country. ry Ale The PRESIDENT. You hear the preambles and resolntions presented by the Commissioner of Agriculture ; what actson will you take? Mr. Rogrson. I move that it be referred to the committee on business. The motion was seconded. Commissioner Watts. It was read before the committee, and the committee referred it to tne convention. Mr. SwaALLow. I move that the paper be laid on the table until the fourth subject reported by the business committee be brought before the convention. Carried. ; . Mr. Grecory. 1 understand that there are some reasons why the first topie should be discussed early. I move that, therefore, it be now taken up. Agreed io. Mr. GreGcory. I would ask for a reading of that part of tha bill of 1862 making’ appropriations. Mr. Rospison. Will it be out of order to move the adoption of that part of the commitiee’s report that the convention sit from 10 o’cleck a.m. to 3 o’elock p. m.? _ Mr. FoLWELL. I would like to move a substitute that this subject be made the special order for to;morrow at 10 o’clock, and that it be re- ferred, inthe mean time, to five members. . The PRESIDENT. Itis already voted to consider it af the present time. A Mzemper. I move to reconsider it. Mr. GrrGoryY. I hope it will not be reconsidered, as 1 think we are ready to proceed. The PRESIDENT. it is moved by Dr. Robison, of Ohio, that the recom- mendation of the committee that the convention meet at 10 o’clock in the forenoon and adjourn at 3 o’clock in the afterifoon be adopted. Carried. The PRESIDENT. The convention has already voted to take up and consider this question at the present time. Mr. FoLWELL. I withdraw my motion for making it a special order. “EQUALIZATION OF LAND-GRANTS.”—ADDRESS OF PROFESSOR FOL- WELL, OF MINNESOTA. Mr. PRESIDENT: I will only ask for a little time to consider this ques. tion new. . I beg to call your attention to the act of July, 1862: And be it further enacied, That all moneys derived from the sale of the lands aforesaid by the States to which the lands are apportioned, and from the sales of land-serip hereinbefore provided for, shall be invested in stocks of the United States, or of the States, or some other safe stocks, yielding not less than 5 per centam upon the par value of said stocks, and thatthe moneys so invested shall constitute a perpetual fund, the capital of which shall remain forever undiminished, (except so far as may be pro- vided in section fifth ef this act,) and. the interest of which shall be inviolably appro- priated by each State which may take and claim the benefit of this act, to the endow- ment, support, and maintenance of at least one college, where the leading object shall be, without excluding other sci¢ntific and classical studies, and including military tac- tics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts, in such manner as the legislatures of the States may respectively prescribe, in order to promote the liberal: and practical education of tlfe industrial classes in tha several pursuits and professions in life. (Statutes at Large, vol. 12, p. 504, sec. 4.) 20 NATIONAL. AGRICULTURAL. CONVENTION. This section clearly sets forth the objects had in view by Congress in that piece of legislation. It is well known that the act of 1862 apportioned the public land in proportion te the representation of each State, giving 30,000 acres to each Senator and Representative in Congress. It is quite evident that the apportionment was an unjust one. Hleven States or Territories then unrepresented got nothing at all. There were many large States which got very small portions, and many small States which got very large portions. That basis of allotment was changed by the census of 1870, and will be changed anew by each succeeding census. Really it changes from hour to hour. I think it is time to call for an equalization of the grant. The law of 1862 gives Minnesota, with her 83,000 square miles, 120,000 acres, and New York, with her 47,000 square miles, 990,000 acres. If there was a new apportionment this year New York would get only 870,000 acres, while Minnesota would be entitled to 150,000 acres. Our additional share of 36,000 acres, at $5 per acre, would be worth $150,000. At the close of another decade, Minnesota wouid be entitled, upon the same basis, to at least four additional shares, equal to 120,000 acres, which would be worth, at $5 an acre, $600,000. New York might lose two, or even three shares. The results of the census of 1870 would be that each of the New England States would lose one share and Massa- chusetts two; Chio, Louisiana, and Kentucky would lose oné share each, and Tennessee two; Texas, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Kansas would gain one; Illinois and Lowa would gain two. We have been agitating this matter in Minnesota for three years. I simply wish at this time, Mr. Chairman, to open the matter, and not fully to discuss it. Those of us who have come here in favor of this have no bill prepared. We might just as well ask Congress for one hundred mil- lién as for one million acres of land. We have yet one thousand millions of acres unsurveyed. Now, to remedy this unjust apportionment of which I have been speaking, I would ask Congress for a large additional land-grant, to be portioned according to area; but I would fix a certain minimum, say five hundred thousand acres, and a certain maximum, say two million acres. ; The Government has, during its whole histery—and you might go clear back to the old confederafion—granted lands for education upon the basis of area, as, for instance, one section or two sections per town- ship. The distribution according to population was a departure from an old and well-settled policy of the Government. I think it well to return to that policy. The grants of lands for education have not been liberal on the part of the Government. ‘lt has given to railways and wagon roads over two hundred millions of acres, but to education of all kinds but eighty millions. In regard to the matter of military instruction, some say—although, perhaps, I ought not to anticipate my friend, Dr.Gregory, trom Ulinois— that we find it difficult to carry out the provisions to the letter of the law. Since the close of the late war a new system of tactics has been mtroduced, with which the volunteer officers are unacquainted, and the War Department will not detail officers of the Army to the colleges. My own view is that Congress should enact that whenever the Secretary of War cannot or will not detail an officer to-give this military instruc- tion it should not be required. One other point. Any new act which shall equalize these land-grants should very clearly state that the resulting endowments are for wniver- sity purposes. 1am quite clear on that matter myself. The act of 1862 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. Zt here before me reads, “‘ colleges, where the leading object shall be, with- out excluding other scientitic and classical studies, and including mili- tary tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agri- culture and the mechanic arts.” Universities are institutions which exclude no studies, and such institutions are clearly contemplated in this law. If there was any such thing as the tacking on of one part to another in the law, it is the practical or technical education which is tacked on to the liberal education in the other classical and scientific studies. I am in favor of a university education, in which all industrial departments shall have room; and I would be ’ elad to see a provision in the law whieh I hope this convention will demand of Congress, that any institution,whatever which fails to conduct the departments of agri- eulture and the mechanic arts in the most efficient manner practicable shall forfeit the whole endowment. We of Minnesota are willing to ac- cept land-grants upon such conditions every day. “AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION.”—ADDRESS OF PROFESSOR, GREGORY, OF ILLINOIS. In the presence of this body of men I feel somewhat diffident, where gray hairs abound and where I see laborers who have done so much for the promotion of agricultural education. The question of the necessity of further grant of lands for the promo- tion of agricultural education is, to my mind, obvious beyond ail de- bate. Ido not think that there can be among ’ those who are informed at all any two opinions upon the subject. The proposition of President Folwell has been before some of us, per- haps all of us, in the printed form; and I noticed in the proceedings of Congress the passage of an act by the House of Representatives for the granting of the net proceeds. My impression was that this forestalled, if it should pass the Senate and become the law-of the land, anv efforts to secure additional special grants for agrioulture 4nd mechanical edu- cation. But the proposition itself now pending before the Senate seems to be objectionable in more than one respect. It seems to me that the appropriation of an entire school fund, whether State or national, te the single purpose of paying the wages of common-school teachers is a misappropriation of a considerable part of it. It seems to me that a system of public education having for its object the education of the whole people must recognize some other agencies than the simple work of the common-school teachers in the school-room. And I appeal to the gentlemen here to-day, for I see some who have, like myself, had some experience in laboring for common _ schools, if the great stumbling. block in the way of the improvement of those schools, the exercising of the great end and objeet of those schools, is not the want—the great want—a want almost impossible to be supphed, of good teacher rs. I have made the proposition im public, when I had some public connection with this question, that with a distribution of their public-school fund such as 1 would indicate to them for the training of teachers, [ would guarantee, and I think any ‘superintendent of public instruction in the ‘United States would under- take to guarantee the same thing, that, without one doilar’s expense more than is now incurred, we can double the product of the common schools within ten years. I know that the superintendents will say: “Tf you will give us means to train the teachers for your common schools, then half the time will be worth the whole now expended in those schools.” We all do know this: that there are ey schools o> oD NATIONAL AGRICULEURAL CONVENTION. bh taught, or in which the motions of teaching at least are made, in which there is no product; and some of us can testify that we got more our- selves frem three months’ schooling under teachers who knew how fe teach than from three years under those who did not. On my way here from Iinois, as the cars stopped from point te point, i took the preeaution to pencil down what seemed to me a very just apportionment; and I want te say te my friend Professor Folwell that the apportionment of land to States that have land, and land-serrp to States that have land, is net and cannot be an equitable apportion- nent. Fifty or fifty-six cents or one dollar an acre for scrip, what does it amount to? He has already told yon it is worth five dollars per aere to them in Minnesota. Then the older States, it seems,«lid not get half as much money as the new States that got less scrip but more lands. With your permission, gentlemen, I will read this resolution, not now to be acted upon, but as a more compact statement of the matter: Whereas the education of the people—the whole people—in 2 country and under a Government such as ours, is of such vast public importance,-and must necessarily involve such immense and contined expense, that it may justly be asked of the states- men of this age to seize the opportunity offered by the possession of a great public domain to create a fund and which shall guarantee through coming ages the existence and support of public schools; and Whereas no system of common schools ever did, nor, from the nature of things, ean, exist and be maintained in full efficiency and power without the coexistence of a cor- responding system of higher education for the preparation of teachers and the advance- ment of science; and Whereas the system of higher education requires numerous and efficient normal schools and high schools for the training of teachers for the common schools, and thor- oughly provided polytechnic, scientific, and literary colleges and universities for the advancement of seience and the useful arts and for the training of teachers for the normal and high schools and other institutions and for the care of Government and scientific works; and Whereas the wide and rapid extension of the,system of agricultural and polytechnic schools and colleges, under the direct and liberal patronage of the Governments of Europe, demands corresponding efforts by our own Governments, national and State, to give our arts and manufactures equal chances in the markets ef the world, and in the always increasing risks of commercial competitions: Therefore, Resolved, That this convention of the agriculturists and educators of the several States represented heartily coneur in the proposition now pending in Congress, to devote the entire net income of the public lands henceforth to the promotion of public ” education. But, ; ‘ Resolved, That, in our opinion, the devotion of this entire fund to the single purpose of paying the wages of common-school teachers is neither wise uor expedient, since it affords a larger aid than is needed to stimulate the employment of teachers the requisite time, and leaves wnaided other branches equally necessary to the true and valuable education of the people, all experience proving that the main and serious defect in our present common-s¢hool system is too frequent and forced employment of incompetent teachers, whose labors are often useless and sometimes even hurtful. Resolved, That this convention recommend, and respectfully urge, upon Congress a wise distribution of the fund in question between the common schools, the normal and high schools, and the agricultural, polytechnic, and other State colleges and wniver- sities. Resolved, Thet this convention further recommend the following as the basis of such distribution : j ; ist. One-third of the fund, or the income thereof, to be apportioned to the States on _the basis of the number of children between the ages of six and fifteen years, to be used in the payment of teachers’ wages or in the purchase of school libraries, on sueh plan as earh State may determine. - 2d, One-third te be apportioned to the several States on the same basis as before, to be used im the support of normal schools and of normal classes in high schools, in such way a8 the several State legislatures may determine: Provided, That at least one-half of such fund shall be apportioned to the several schools in the proportion of the number of normal pupils who shall complete the normal course and pass the examinations pre- . neiticht by the superintendent of public instruction or other proper State authorities ; ana, 2d. The remaining third to be apportioned to the several States as follows: One- half on the basis of the papulation of such State, and one-half on the basis of area of NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 28 the States, to be used in the support of the agricultural, polytechnic, and other State colleges and universities, in such way as the several States may determine. i yenture in these resolutions to include this matter of detail, because many of you will remember that in New York State $18,000 were appro- priated for teachers, or normal classes in the academies of the State, and everybody was got into these classes that could not be got into the academy in any other way, This compactly expresses, with perhaps some other limitations that I would add, my ideas on the subject, I only wish to detain you for a moment to say that having worked for the last few years in two States in connection with the agricultural eolieges and having been interested in the progress of these colleges before the grant of 1862 in the State of Michigan, and since that grant in the same State and in another State, lam prepared to state that the States accepting the grant and undertaking the work did so under an apprehension, in some eases at least, of the value of this grant that has proved entirely false and falla- cious. It is claimed that the earliest movement for the establishment of ‘industrial schools and universities was made in the State of Illinois. In 1851 a convention was called in that State, passed resolutions in favor of such an institution, and providing for a petition to their State legis- lature to ask Congress for this grant. It began first in a single connty, and soon the whole State was aroused. Resolutions without number were passed, laid before their legislature, and whistled down the wind for some time, and laughed at as perfectly absurd—the idea of becoming an educated agriculturist! But the agriculturists rallied, and the result was that the State of [linois sent the first joint resolutions asking Con- gress for the grant. It was expected that this fund would give at least half a million.dollars, or more than that. Congress, as you know, passed the law. It was vetoed. it was repassed and signed by anrIllinois President, Abraham Lincoln, [Applause,] As an Illinoisian I am not here to ventilate my State pride, but I mention these facts to prove that we have been along time thinking upon this subject. Tlincis was the first to accept it, and supposed in accepting it it was getting a grant of 480,000 acres of good land, We had no public land, and so were compelled to.take the scrip. After we had accepted it, and engaged as a State to build and maintain a college, then came another act of Congress, ex post facto, I think, which cut off a large portion of the value of the original grant. Additional restric- tions were imposed upon the location of the scrip, and thus it was much reduced in its value. Now, I do not think that the gentlemen from the colleges of the newer States were a party to this. They are too large hearted and too liberal; but I do think the land speculators surrounded Congress and secured the enactment of laws taking the money out of our pockets. This ought never to have been done. And but for the large donations of one country and the appropriations of the State legislature, never willing to yield in its purposes in this matter, we should to-day be wallowing in the dust of deteat. Ve are all practical farmers here. There is not another employment under: heaven that requires such a wide range of knowledge as the cul- tivation of the soil. And if we are to get men who are to be the leaders and organizers of agriculture, to make them competent for the work we must have in our colleges every single gem im that great coronet of knowledge that lies around the brow of the nineteenth century °>- resented, [Applause. | > 24 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. It las been bruited all over Europe that ten miilion acres of land were given for this graut, and we thus stand pledged before the world to some grand thing for agricultural education. Now I don’t care what apportionment is made, so that "we all get enough of it for our great work. There is an abundance, a thousand million acres of public land. Mr. FOLWELL. Unsurveyed ? } Professor GREGORY. Yes, unsurveyed and unsold. Now, the schools and colleges should have a large share of this land, instead of its being appropriated wholly to the railroad companies and other corporations, each one of which, like the flies that beset the old horse in summer, are ready to be regorged as soon as the other is gone. {Laughter. | , é I don’t care what proposition is adopted, mine or President Folwell’s, or any other one. But if there can be found an equitable basis that shall give us, not a delusive scrip that must go into the hands of speculators who push the prices down as long as you have any land to sell and push it up as soon as they get it into their hands, then let us have it. Give us money or give us lands; but in any case give us something that is substantial. Mr. FImLDER, of Georgia. Mr. President, I offer the following reso- lution : Whereas the bounty of lands devoted by the United States Government to agricul- tural colleges in the several States was not accepted by the State of Georgia until the year 1866; and © Whereas soon after that time the State government thus accepting said grant was interrupted and set aside by the General Government, and the new government of Georgia neglected to carry into operation an agricultural college as was required by the act of Congress; and Whereas the present legislature of that State are anxious to have the benefit of the bounty of the Government so forfeited by neglect: Therefore, ; Resolved, That this convention most respectfully petition that the Congress of the United States extend the time for the State of Georgia, and other States in like manner that have not yet received the benefit, to put in operation a commercial college as con- templated by the Government. I simply desire to refer this resolution to the committee on business; and on that committee will be one of the ablest men in the State of Georgia. Reterred. Mr. FOLWELL. I now move that the resolutions of Dr. Gregory and my own matter be referred to a committee of five members, and that the subject be made the special order for to-morrow at 10 o’clock. The motion was agreed to. Mr. BARNETT. I move, sir, the appointment of a special committee of five, to whom shall be referred the subject-matter of the fifth resolution in the report of the Commissioner of Agriculture. Oarried. Mr. GrreGory. I move the reference of the report of the business committee relating to military education to a committee of five, to report at some hour to be decided by the convention. Carried. Mr. NicHOLSON. I move that the subjeet of experimental stations and farms, as mentioned by the business committee, be referred to a committee of five. Mr. Lnwis. I rise to a point of order. The point is this: As I under- stand it, this report and resolutions have already been referred to the business committee as a whole, and now it is proposed to take it in de. tail and reter it to different committees. The PRESIDENT. The propositions already made have simply covered NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 25 the points made by the business committee itsélf, and therefore the chair considers that they are entirely in order. The question is on the motion of Mr. Nicholson from Tennessee. Carried. Mr. SWALLOW. I move we now adjourn. The PRESIDENT. If the gentleman will excuse the chair, he desires to make the appointment of ‘these committees. Mr. GREGORY. it is known to many of the members of the convention that a convention was held in Chicago in August last. At that conven- tion it was voted that a committee of one from each State be appointed io prepare a plan for the establishment of experimental stations, Under the instruction of the convention I appointed such committee after the convention adjourned. By request of several members of the commit: tee I called a meeting of that committee to be held in the city of Wash- ington to-day. E call for a meeting of this national committee, that they may organ- ize and proceed with their work. There are several members of “the committee here ; I do not know how many. Mr. MARTIN. T move that this convention recommend all the colleges and universities of the country to introduce a suitable text-book on agriculture. Such a work as Morrison’s Manual, it seems to me, should be studied as well as chemistry or botany or any other study. The PRESIDENT. The chair would announce the following com- mittees : EQUALIZATION OF LAND-GRANTS. Messrs. William W. Folwell, Minnesota; J. G. Bowman, of Kentucky; D.C. Gilman, of Connecticut ; J.C. Abbot, ‘of Michigan; Herbert Fielder, of Georgia. MILITARY EDUCATION. Messrs. J. M. Gregory, of [llinois; W. S. Clark, of Massachusetts; Henry Clark, of Vermont; J. Wd. Klippart, of Ohio; H. E. Alvord, of Vir- ginia; A.8. Welch, of Iowa. EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS. Messrs. Hunter Nicholson, of Tennessee; Daniel Needham, of Massa- chusetts; John Hamilton, of Pennsylvania; 5. Wi. Johnson,, of Con- necticut; L. I’. Allen, of New York. The PRESIDENT. The following has been placed in my hands: WASHINGTON, D. C., February 15, 1872. DeaR Sir: The members of the National Agricultural Conv eieion with their friends and ladies accompanying them, are invited to be present at the third reception and sociable of the Pennsylvania republican association, to be held on Monday evening next, the 19th instant, ati the Masonic Temple. Tickets will be supplied on applica- tion. to Yours, truly, JOSEPH M. WILSON, Of the Division of Statistics, Department of Agriculture. Dr. GrorcE B. Lona, President of the Convention. Mr. ALLEN. What is that? The PRESIDENT. That is merely a courteous invitation, and nota ques- tion for discussion. [Laughter.] A MEMBER. Do they have dancing? ‘ 26 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. A MempBrr. What do they do there? Has it any connection with - agriculture ? The PRESIDENT. They propose to investigate the fruits of agriculture. Mr. GREGORY. I move that Professor A. 8. Welch be added to the committee on military education, as he is well qualified to assist the committee in its work. Carried. [Inserted above.] The PRESIDENT. I would appoint as the committee on the— PIFTH RESOLUTION. Messrs. Barnett, of Georgia; Curtis, of the District of Columbia; Smyth, of New Hampshire; Reynolds, of Illinois; Robinson, of Ohio. Mr. Kine. I move we do now adjourn. Agreed to; and at 3 o’clock p. m. the eonvention adjourned. : aeweetest ee COMPLETE LIST OF DELEGATES. Alabama—State Agricultural College, Judge T. A. Walker, Jackson- ville; State Agricultural Union, Captain John FT. Burns, Selma; State Agricultural and Mechanical Association, S. G. Reid, president, Mont- gomery; George R. M. Patton, Florence; Colonel J. M. Sutherlin, Green- ville, Arkansas. —State Agricultural and Mechanical Association, Hon. Powell Clayton, Pine Bluffs; Hon. Thomas Smith, H. J. Searle, Arka- delphia; National Agricultural Association, F. C. Johnson. California.— : ‘ Connecticut.—State Agricultural Society, H. H. Hyde, Stafford; State Board of Agriculture, J. S. Allen, vice-president, Hast Windsor; T. 8S. Gold, West Cornwall; Sheffield Scientific School, Professor 8S. W. Jehn- son, New Haven; Professor D. C. Gilman, New Haven. Delaware.—State Agricultural College, W. H. Purnell, Newark. . \. Georgia.—Siate Agricultural Society, Herbert Fielder, Cuthbert Alver, Stafford; Barnesville, E. L. Somers, Barnesville; Samuel Barnett, Atlanta; Jonathan Noreross, Atlanta. Florida.— : Iilinois.—State Board of Agriculture, Hon. John P. Reynolds, Roek- ford; Hon. George Edmunds, jr.; Industrial University, Professor J. M. Gregory, Champaign; Judge J.O.€unningham, Champaign. indiana —State Hortieultural Society, Hon. Allen Furnas, president, Indianapolis; Hon. LD. G. Nelson, Fort Wayne; State Board of Agri- culture, Hon. Thomas Dowling, Terre Haute; Hon. A. B. Claypool, Connersville. fowa.—State Agrieultural Society, Colonsl John Scott, president ; State Agricultural College, Hon. A. 8. Welch, president, Ames; State Horticultural Society, Hon. G. G. Wright, Des Moines; Hon. John Cleg- horn, Des Moines; Dubuque Horticultural Society, H. R. Shankland, president, Dubuque; George W. Jones, Aines; Woodbury County Agri- cultural Society, Hon. G. W. Donnan, Des Moines. Kansas.—State Agricultural Society, H. J. Strickler, president, To- peka; Alfred Grey, secretary, Wyandotte; State Horticultural Society Hon. C. B. Lines, Wabaunsee, Dr. William M. Howsley; State Agricul- tural College, Joseph Denison, president; Charles Reynolds, Fort Riley WATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. Pie Kentucky.—University of Kentucky, J. B. Bowman, regent, Lexington. Louisiana.— Maine.—-State Agricultural Society, Hon. William P. Wingate, Augusta; Samuel L. Boardman, secretary, Augusta; State Agricultural College, Charles I’. Allen, president, Orono; State Board of Agriculture, Prefes- sor M.C. Fernald, president, Orono; 8. L. Goodale, Saco. Maryland.—State Agricultural Society, Hon. A. B. Davis, Baltimore; State Agricultural College, Rey. Samuel Register, Agricultural Col- lege post-office. Massachusetts.—State Horticultural Society, Charles S. Sargent, Bos- ton; William C. Strong, Boston ; State Board of Agricuiture, Hon. Mar- shall P. Wilder, president, Boston; Hon. Charles L. Flint, secretary, Boston; Joseph N. Sturtevant, South Framingham; 2H. Lewis, Sturte- vant, South Framingham; State Agricultural College, W. S. Clark, Amherst. Michigan.—State Agricultural Society, W. G. Beckwith, president, Dowagiac; State Agricultural College, Hon. J. Webster Childs, Y¥psi- lanti, T, C. Abbot, president, Lansing ; State Pomological Society, J.P. Thompson, president; Grand Rapids, A. 8. Duckman, South Haven; R. F. Johuson, Detroit; Northern Michigan Agricultural Society, Hon. George W. Griggs, Hon. Anderson Stout, Saint John’s. Minnesota.—State Agricultural Society, Hon. James H. Baker; State Horticultural Society, Captain Henry R. Wighels, Minneapolis; Colonel William S. King; State University of Agricultural and Mechanical Arts, Professor William W. Folwell, president, Minneapolis; North- western Agricultural and Mining Association, Hon. D. Morrison. Missouri—State Horticultural Society, Charles W. Murtfeldt, Saint Louis; R. J. Lewis, Kansas City; State Agricultural College, Professor G. ©. Swallow, Columbia ; State Board of Agriculture, Hon. Norman J. Coleman, Saint Louis; Charles V. Riley, Saint Louis. Mississippi—State University, Dr. George Little, Oxford; Dr. H. W. Hilgard, Oxford. Nebraska.—State Agricultural Society, Major D. H. Wheeler, Platts- mouth; State Horticultural Society, James H. Masters, president; J. Sterling Morten; State Board of Agriculture, Colonel kh. H. Turner, president. . Nevada.— New England—New England Agricultural Society, Hon. George B. Loring, Salem, Massachusetts; Hon. Daniel Needham, Groton, Massa- chusetts. . New Hampshire—State Agricultural Society, General Natt Head, president, Hookset; Aaron Young, secretary, Portsmouth; Governor Fred. Smyth, Manchester; P. W. Jones, Amherst; State Agricultural College, Virgil C. Gilman, Nashua; George W. Riddle, Manchester. New Jersey.—State Agricultural College, Governor Tho. I’. Randolph, Morristown; General N. N. Halsted, Newark; Hon. Amos Clark, jr., Elizabeth ; Professor George I’. Cook, New Brunswick. New York.—State Agricultural Society, Hon. Lewis F. Allen, Baitalo; E. W. Stewart, Buffalo; Cornell University, Ezra Cornell, Ithaca; Pro- fessor Albert N. Prentiss, Ithaca; Professor H. McCandless, Ithaca; Queen’s County Society, John A. King, Great Neck, Long island. » North Carolina. —State Agricultural Society, J. B. Bridges, Tarbor- ough; W. J. Yates, Charlotte; J. P. Houston, Charlotte ;- State Agricul- tural Association, Hon. J. C. Harper, Le Noir; N. W. Woodfin, Ashville. Ohio.—State Agricultural Society, John H. Klippart, secretary; Columbus, William B. Mellung; State Horticultural Society, Nicholas 28 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. Ohmer, vice-president, Dayton; North Ohio Fair Association, John A. Warder, president, Cincinnati; J. P. Robison, Cleveland. Oregon.— Pennsylvania.—State Agricultural Society, A. Boyd Hamilton, Har- risburgh; William 8. Bissell, Pittsburgh; State Horticultural Society, James E. Mitchell, Philadelphia, John S. Haines, Germantown; State Agricultural College, Rev. James Calder, president, Bellefont; H. N. MeAllister; Philadelphia County Society, David Landreth, Philadel- phia; Captain John Brees, Wyoming; Dr. Charles R. King, Andalusia; Pennsylvania Agricultural College, Professor John Hamilton; Penn- sylvania Fruit Growing Society, Josiah Hoopes, president, West Ches- ter; Dr. Franklin Taylor, West Chester. Rhode Island.—State Horticultural Society, Dr. William I’. Channing, Providence; Colonel Dexter; Society for the Encouragement of Domestic Industry, Hon. William Hi. Sprague, president, Providence; George F. Cue East Providence; Brown University, Professor George F. Chase. South Carolina.—State Agricultural Society, General Wade Hampton, Columbia; D. H. Aikin, secretary, Cokesburgh. Tennessee.—State Horticultural Society, Hon. Horace Maynard; East Tennessee University, Professor W. O. Atwater, Knoxville; Professor Hunter Nicholson, Knoxville; State Board of Agriculture and Mechan- ical Association, J. B. Killebreu, A. B. Robertson, Nashville. Texas.—State Agricultural, Mechanical, and Blood Stock Association, Hon. John Hancock, Thomas G. Williams, San Antonio, William J. Hutchins. Vermont.—State Agricultural Society, Hon. Crosby Miller, Pomfret; Henry Clark, secretary, Rutland; State Agricuitural College, Hon. Jus- tin S. Morrill, Stafford; Hon. Worthington C. Smith, Saint Albans; State Board of Agriculture, Mining, and Statistics, N. B. Safford, White River eh unction; Professor Peter Collier, Burlington; Dairymen’s Association, . 5. Bliss. Virginia.—State Agricultural Society, Lewis E. Harris, Richmond ; Thomas Branch, Richmend; State Horticultural and Pomological Soci- ‘ety, Franklin Davis, Dr. J. G. Beattie, Richmond; State University, Professor J. W. Mallett, Charlottetown; Norfolk Horticultural and Po- mological Suciety, General R. L. Page, Norfolk; Fairfax Farmers’ Clnb, Henry Hi. Alvord, Lewensville. ' West Virginia.—State University, Rev. Alex. Martin, president, Wheeling. Wisconsin.—State University, J. H. Twombly, president, Madison; Hon. G. W. Hazelton, Columbus. District of Columbia.—Potomac Fruit Growers’ Association, Joseph Ei. Snodgrass, Washington; Chalkley Gillingham, Washington; BH. H. Chamberlain, Washington; J. H. King, Washington; F. D. Curtis, Washington; P. H. Folsom. Montana.—T. C. Evarts, Helena. Dakota.—George N. Propper, Yankton. Utah.—Deseret Agricultural and Manufacturing Society, James Me Knight, Salt Lake City. . NATIONAL. AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 29 FRIDAY, SECOND DAY. MORNING SESSION. The convention assembled at 10 o’clock a. m. The PRESIDENT. Gentlemen, if you will come to order we will pro- ceed to business. The first business will be the reading of the report of the proceedings of yesterday by the secretary. The secretary commenced to read the proceedings, beginning with a list of the delegates. The PRESIDENT. I notice that sonre names were omitted. Any gen- tleman whose name is miscalled, or society not alluded to, will please to respond as the secretary goes ou. >If desire that the names of the delegates be right, the names of their post-offices, and the societies they represent. I do not want this thing to sink into oblivion. I may want to correspond with some of you, and if I hddress you Georgia, and you live in Florida, it will not reach you. Mr. BARNETT. In the State society of Georgia, in which there were four or five hundred men, we were furnished with an accurate report. he chairman of each delegation wrote the name and post-office address, and furnished the clerk with if, and the convention in the meanwhile was attending to its proper duties. “I would suggest that the chairman of each State or sogiety delegation furnish the clerk with a full list, properly spelled and the post-office address, and this body be allowed to proceed. Carried. Governor Smyru. I move that the reading of the record be dis- pensed with, and be prepared and read some time when it is in order. Carried. The PRESIDENT. The first business in order this morning is the re- port of the committee on the equalization of land-grants. INVITATION TO PRESIDENT GRANT. . Governor SMvyTH. I desire to offer a resolution, with the consent of the convention. i Resolved, That President Grant be cordially invited te honor this convention by his presence at such time during its deliberations as shall suit his convenience; and that the presiding officer, with'such of the convention as he may join, be a committees to present this invitation to the President. Adopted. I now move that 2 committee of five be appointed to wait upon the President, including the president of the convention. Carried. The PRESIDENT. The chair will appoint on that committee Governor Frederick Smyth, of New Hampshire; Governor Patton, of Alabama; Hon. A. 8S. Welch, of Iowa; A. Stout, of Michigan; Dr. Loring, of Massa- . chusetts. Mr. WHEELER. It seems to me that the first order of business will be the reports of the committees. The PRESIDENT. There is a special order. Mr. WHEELER. That is true, but should not the standing committee make their reports? Mr. Hamiuron. I move to postpone the regular order. The purport of what I intend to offer I will state. It is that this convention take a 30 | NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. recess between half after 1 o’clock and 3 o’clock, and then come back and sit it out. I cannot offer such a resolution without the orders of the day are suspended while I do so. ; Carried. Mr. HamittTon. I move that this convention take a recess from halt. after 1 o’clock until 5 o’clock, and then re-assemble. The motion was agreed to--47 to 30. The PrestpEnt. The report of the committee on the equalization of land-grants is now in order; President Folwell, of Minnesota, has the floor. Mr. HAmmiTon. Have not rues of order been adopted? T wouldlike for each member to speak no longer than ten minutes. Commissioner WATTS. In the report of the business committee this morning we recommended to the convention that the speeehes shall be limited to ten minutes, but our report has not yet been received, and I think it ought to be before even the special report is taken up. Mr. LINES. I move that the report on the equalization of land-grants be laid upon the table for the purpose of hearing the report t of the.. business committee. : Carried. 6 REPORT OF THE BUSINESS COMMITTEE. Commissioner WATTS. I ain instructed by the business committee to report the following resolutions: Ist. The committee recommend that all speeches made before the convention be limited to ten minutes. 2d. The committee recommend that a committee of five be appointed to report on the best methods of preserving the timber of the country, especially the timber of the Rocky Mountains and the central prairie regions of the republic. 3d, Resolved, That this convention would ‘especially recommend the establishment of departments of agriculture in the States of the Union in which such departments do not already exist. Resolved, That the convention be requested to appoint a committee of five, whose duty it shall be to visit the Committees of Agriculture of both Houses of Congress and, request them to inereaso the amount of ap spropriati ions for the distribution of publica." tions and seeds by the Department. The committee ask leave to sit again. Mr. WHEELER. I make a motion that the committee have leave to sit again. “Agreed to. /Mr. Linus. I move to add one provision i reference to it, “but that no person shall be allowed to speak more than once until all others have had an opportunity who may desire. _[‘‘ No, no.”] Mr. FoLtweE.u. I would move that the report of the business com- mittee be taken up in order, as the fifth topic, at the pleasure of the convention. Mr. SwALLow. I should object to the proposition on this ground: It is important that those committees should be appointed, if we appoint them at all, immediately. Mr. ALLEN, of New York. 1 object to this proposition. - We have not adopted this ten-minute rule, and here these committees will take up an hour. We want to put a stopper on that. {Langhter.] The PRESIDEN’. I consider it important that thé reports of the com- inittees should be as accurate and full and elaborate as possible; and . the chair would suggest to the convention that they should be willing to hear the reports of the committees patiently, because I ascertained myself, yesterday, that there is a determination to discuss certain im- NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION, 31 portant questions relating to agriculture and agricultural education, which ought to go carefully and elaborately presented before this country. And while the chair would join the convention heartily in confin- ing the speeches to ten minutes, he would be very sorry to see the reports of the committees curtailed by the same rule. The question is upon the motion of President Folwell, that the report of the business committee ‘lig upon the table until the reports of the committees, in the order as appointed, shall be heard. Mr. ALLEN, of New York. I have no objection to the reports, ifit takes an hour to read them, but I have objections to men speaking an hour on each of them. These long speeches don’t amount to much generally. [Laughter.| Mr. FoLWELL. The business committee present to us certain opinions. I simply object to the adoption of the opinions of the committees. It is our duty to present topics not opinions. But I withdraw my motion, and move the report of the committee on business be accepted. The PRESIDENT. The question is upon the acceptance of the report. Carried. Mr. Lives. I move that we take it up section by, section. Agreed to. The PRESIDENT. Section ist is: The committee recommend that all speeches made before the convention be limited to ten minutes. Mr. Lines. i move to add “and that no person be allowed to speak more than once on the same subject without general consent.” The PRESIDENT. Which means without a vote of the convention. Adopted. The PRESIDENY. The 2d section is: The committee recommend that a1 committee of five he appointed to report on the best method of preserving the timber of the country, especially the timber of tho Rocky Mountains and the central prairie regions of the republic. Mr. SwaLLtow. Upon this I wish to add an amendment; it is simply * to report to. the Commissioner of Agriculture: Resolved, That a commititce of five be appointed to report to the Commissioner of Agriculture on the best method of preserving the timber of the country, especially the timber of the Rocky Mountains and the central prairie regions of the republic. Carried. The PRESIDENT. The 5d section reads: Resolved, That this convention would respectfiilly recommend the establishment of departments of agriculture in the Statessof the Union in which such departments do not already exist. Mr. WELCH. | move an ainendment to that resolution that where ‘department ” occurs be substituted “State boards.” Mr. Tayior. I prefer the word “ departments.” The PRESIDENT. Gentlemen, the oficial designation is ‘ State Boards of Agriculture.” That name has become historic. It was the first or- ganized body of men in any country made up for the purpose of devel- oping the agricultural industry of the country. Established in Kng- land in early days, and which brought out Sir Humphrey Davy. And the same thing has been done by the distinguished gentleman from Massachusetts, who sits before me. The amendment was accepted. Mr, Linus. I move to amend by adding “to be organized by the legislature of said States.” — Lost. 32 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL. CONVENTION. MECHANIC ARTS. Mr. FoLWELL. I move to add “State Boards of Agriculture and Me- chanic Arts.” It will not do for us in Minnesota to ignore the mechanic arts.” Commissioner WAtTTs. I hope that will not be adopted ; it will com- plicate matters too much. f j Mr. WILDER. Mr. President, you have had the kindness to allude to me as having had some experience in this matter. I agree with you entirely, sir, that the term has become not only historical, but in the States where there are boards, it has become almost a household word. I amin favor of the caption of “State Boards of Agriculture. Of course, they will be organized and incorporated as ours is by a State law. But, sir, I arose merely to say, in answer to the suggestion of our friend from the South, who sits close by, that ‘‘ he cannot establish such a State board in Arkansas or Alabama;” that he must wait until he can, and we will belp him all We can. [Applause.] Then again, sir, the cir- cumstances under which we exist aré not alike. Onur respected and able friend desires to have ‘‘ mechanics” added. We could not agree to that in Massachusetts. If I had the time I would.tell you why our State Agricultural College relinquished the study of mechanics, and passed ft over to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mr. Lewis. I am opposed to the resolution. Perhaps it would be proper on this occasion to ask what is the call that has convened this convention ; who are we, and what are we, and who are our constitu- ents? Now, this convention has been called, not by a commissioner of mechanic arts, or of common schools, or general education, but by the Commissioner of Agriculture. So it would seem from that, that agri- culture would be the proper matter for consideration on this occasion. And again, who are we as delegates, and whom do we represent; whom do you represent, Mr. Chairman, and all of us represent? We represent agricultural societies in some form or other. And while I would not with the gentleman ignore the mechanic arts, er any other of the great branches of industry and education, I submit, Mr. Chairman, that it is not a subject-matter for discussion on this oecasion. The PRESIDENT. The question is on the insertion of ‘“ mechanic arts.” Mr. FoLWELE. I am here as the representative of the Agricultural Society and University of Minnesota. It would not do for me to go home and ignore this fact. Ours is to be, before many years, one of the greatest manufacturing communities, not only in this country, but in the world. At the same time I do not wish to throw: anything in the way of our friends who are interested in agriculture. Not at all. But I am able to say here that, if any institutions in this country undertake to ignore these claims, they will find themselves before many years compelled to give instruction in the mechanic arts. But I withdraw my amendment. Mr. Lines. We have succeeded. Now we feel that we are on a perma- nent basis to go on and do our work more effectually than before. Governor ParTrTEeN. I regetted to notice that our friend from Minne- sota withdrew his proposed amendment. Almost all the agricultural associations in the South contemplate manufacturing as well as agricul- ture. We of the South do not claim to be advanced in manufactures like you of the North and Hast, but we would much prefer to have this amendment adopted; and I am disposed to renew the amendment pro- posed by the gentleman from Minnesota. eg NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 30 I look forward with no little interest to the State which I-have the honor to represent on this floor, when uot only agriculture will be a source of strength, but, si, we look forward with pleasing anticipation when manufacturing will become very prominent in the South. Weare alive on the subject. In a little while, sir, we will have occasion for an association bearing the title of manufactures as well as of agriculture. Sir, itis not proper for me to extend these remarks on this subject, but I venture to renew the amendment proposed by the gentleman from Minnesota, and say ‘‘ agricultural and manufacturing associations.” The PRESIDENT. The question is on the amendment of Governor Patton, that the words “ manufacturing and mechanic arts,” be added. Mr. Taytor. I beg leave to give the reason why agriculture was used. Last year when we asked our legislature to pass an act creating a department of “ mechanic arts,” they “declined te do it on the cround that they did not understand making such a complicated department. Of course we are ail aiming at the same purpose, and this department of agriculture is essential to all the States; that of mechanic arts we really needed in Pennsylvania, though it is "not needed in some States. Mr. ALLEN, of New York. Let me suggest that we divide this ques- tion. Let us consider agriculture first and mining afterward. The PRESIDENT. The “question is upon the resolution as it now stands. Mr. ALLEN, of Connecticut. It seems to me, Mr. President, we are consuming more time on this ma atfer than is worth while. The PRESENT. I think so too. [Laughter.] Mr. ALLEN, of Connecticut. Each State must settle this matter for itself. Hach State has a peculiar agricultural system of its own. We have in Connecticut a system which does not require it. If the State Board of Agriculture is to be organized by legislative action, each State must settle that question for itself. If it desires to connect mechanic arts with it, itcan do so. I think the broad term of agriculture is suffi- cient, and leave the minutia for each State to settle. The PRESIDENT. It is impossible for the chair to divide the question. Mr. FrxL.pER. Each local State government must decide the ques- tion for itself, and so shape its boards as to clothe all the interests. I suggest the name of ‘Industrial Boards.” [‘No, no.” | Mr. NicHouson. I would like to ask my friend from Alabama [Gov- ernor Patton] to withdraw his amendment, with the assurance that the object which he has in view will be presented i in a shape that will satisfy him coming from the business committee. He and Ihave the same object in view. The PRESIDENT. The question is upon the amendment offered by Governor Patton. Lost nearly unanimously. Mr..OLarx. If I remember right, the last clause was ciabasyaest The PRESMENT. The chair is in doubt. Mr. Dmnison. It seems to me that the last clause is st apenas Mr. Lines. We have had a State agricultural society withoat the State having anything to do with it. The PRESIDENT. The question is on the amendment of Mr, Lines, of Kansas, ‘to be established by the le gislatures of said States.” The Chair is in doubt whether this was agreed to or not. The amendment was agreed to, and the resolution adopted Mr. CLARK, of Vermont. I move that General 8. R. Page be admitted on his credentials. Agreed to. 8. Mis, 164-——3 a4 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. Nr. Denison. I would add the name of Dr. John A. Warder as one of the members of that committee. Agreed to. The PRESIDENT. The 4th section reads: Resolved, That the convention be requested to appoint a committve of five, whose duty it shall be to visit the committees of agriculture of both Honses of COSTER, ond request them to increase the amount of appropriations for the distribution ef publica- tions and seeds by the Depertment. Adopted. The PRESIDENT. That finishes the report of the business committee. LAND-GRANTS,. My, FoLWELL. Inebehalf of the special committee of five, to whom was veterred the equalization of land-grants, 1 would say that this com- mittee has had the matter under consideration, and that they are pre- pared with a brief report. I will readit: + Whereas the lands devoted by the act of Congress, approved July 2, 1862, for the endow- . ment, support, and maintenance of at least one college where the leading object shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts in sech manner as the legislatures of the States may respectively prescribe ; that is to say, devoted generally to the liberal, and then in particular to the practical, edueation of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions of life; and Whereas the endowments resulting from this grant will be, in every case, insufficient . for the support of a reputable college of comprehensive character ; and Whereas the apportionment of the lands on the variable basis of representation alone, according to which eleven States and Territories received nothing, and many largo States, capable of supporting a peprlation of millions, received less than some small States ; and 1 Whereas subsequent logislation required many of the States to accept land-serip of doubtful value instead of the lands themselves donated in the original act of endow- ment: Therefore, Resolved, That Congress be respectfully asked by this body to remedy both the in- equality and insufficiency of the endowments of the act of 1862 by granting additional lands in such quantities that no State shall receive less than one million of acres, which may be selected and located according to the pleasure of the granters. Resolved, That the additional endowmeuts so granted should in all cases fall to those institutions already established under the provisions of the act of 1862, or which may hereafter be established in pursuance of the same. Resolved, That a conmniittee of one from each State here represented be coystifuted to bring the subject of these resolutions to the attention of Congress. WILLIAM W. FOLWELL, Of Minnesota, Chairman. _T. C. ABBOTT, Of Jfichigan. J. B. BOWMAN, Of Kéntucky. HERBERT FIELDER, Of Georgia. p. C. GILMAN, Of Conneeticul, The resolution oftered by Mr. Fielder, of Georgia, and which was re- ferred to this committee, has been considered. The committee find that the legislature of the State of Georgia ac- cepted the land-grant in the year 1866, but that, before the requirements of Congress could be earried into effect, the State government was set aside, under the authority of the United States; that the State gov- ernment established in lieu thereof, under the acts of Congress, neg- lected to comply with the provisions of the act of Congress by the es- tablishment of an agricultural college within five years from the time 2 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 35 of the acceptance of the grant by the legislature of 1866, and that the same is thereby forfeited, ’ Tt has also been made known to the committee that the States of Alabama and Mississippi, and perhaps other States, ave in like condi- tion, and that all of some States are anxious to avail themselves of the bounty of the Government for the promotion of industrial and agricul- tural education. The committee recommend the following resolution : Resolved, That this convention, in viow of circumstances under which the States of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi have forfeited thetr claims to the grant of lands by Congress under the act of Congress of 1862, respectfully petition the Congress of the United States to relieve such States, and all others that may be in like condition, trom the forfeiture of their respective claims, and to extend the time within which said States may proceed to organize and put in actual operation agricultural schools, as required by said act of Congress. — Mr. WxEucu, I should like to inquire whether the million acres men- tioned is to include the acres already received, or whether it is to be additional ? ‘ ' Mr. FoLWEiu. The committee hope it will be additional. Mr. ALLEN, of New York. [ would ask whether the committee pro- pose any conditions to this grant? Mr. FoLWELL. The committee preferred to leave that matter to Con- gress. Mr. ALLEN, of New York. Well, I believe Congress ought to impose some conditions. Mr, FoLWELL. Sodo I. Mr. Epmunps. It seems to me that this matter is not now in order to be discussed. - The PrEstDENT. The question is on the acceptance of the report. Mr. ALLEN, of New York. This committee should be authorized to make some kind of terms upon which this grant isto be made. [If it is to be done in this Joose manner I think it would be very much labor lost. Mr. FOLWELL. The committee did, not wish to tie the matter up tech- nically, but to leave it open to the convention. ~The PRESIDENT. The question is on the motion to accept the report of the committee. Mr. KuipparT. [have been over this morning and spent some time with the Secretary of the Interior, and have had a long talk with him about the lands, where they are, and what they amount te, and-— Myr, Lines. Mr. President, is not this out of order? The PRESIDENT. The question is on the motion to accept the report of, the committee, and the chair does not understand that the question is not debatable. Mr. Lines. But the merits of the particular matter in the report is not before us. . The PRESIDENT. The chair will allow any reasonable debate under the ten-minute rule. The report of the committee was accepted. Mr. TwomsBxy. I move that the report be adopted. Mr. BowMAN. I move to amend that motion by taking it up in sec- tions, the Second section first. There are two prominent features presented. Agreed to; and the section adopted. Mr. BowMAN. I now move to take up the other section. Agreed to. My. ‘PwomBLy. I move the adoption of the first preamble and reso- ution. 36 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. Mr. BewMAN. My motion covered the whole ground. Mr. Martin. I move to add: “In said equalization regard be had for the kind and amount of land already received for various educational purposes by the several States.” ; | Mr. Kurprpart. The inequality claimed in the distribution of the public lands by the act of July, 1862, is more apparent than real. The States which had no public lands in their own territory could not locate the scrip in auy other State, and so were driven into market with the serip, and were obliged to sell the scrip for whatever they could get. Unfortunately, at the time the scrip was issued there was a very favor- able prospect for devoting the public lands for bounty warrants, and if the land had been so deyoted the college scrip would have been practi- cally unsalable. Such States as Kansas, Nebraska, and others having quantities of public lands, could locate and hold the lands, and sell them for $5, $8, and $10 per acre. Kansas, for example, received scrip for 90,000 acres of land. This she located within her own territory and held it. One- half she sold for $5 apiece, giving her $225,000; and for the remaining half she can to-day realize $450,000, making an aggregate of nearly $700,000; whilst Ohio received scrip for 630,000, for which she realized $342,000, or about half that Kansas does. I believe I speak the senti- ment of all the States which have no public lands when [I say that, if any further aid is solicited from Congress, we prefer to receive our ‘ quota in‘tmoney. In a conversation this morning with the Secretary of the Interior, he was fully of the opinion that an endowment of public lands to the older States was the most extravagant kind of endowment— that the General Government lost more than the individual State gained by such donation. ° For myself, and I speak for myself only, i have this suggestion to make to the convention, viz: Let us petition Congress to divide the proceeds of the public lands upon some equitable basis among the sey- eral States, to be held as a sacred trust by the States for the purposes of education; that a proper proportion of this fund be set aside for the use of these agricultural and mechanical colleges, the fund to be dis- tributed in a manner somewhat similar to that in which the famous “ surplus revenue” was distributed in General Jackson’s time. L. F. ALLEN, of New York. What if the States repudiate it? Mr. Kuippart. Well, repudiation is a weakness of human nature which we, of course, cannot remedy, and must abide the consequences. Mr. ALLEN, of New York. Ohio might have located land in the Western States. Mr. Kurpparr. No; I tell the gentleman we in Ohio could not take the scrip and as a State locate lands in some other State. We consulted the highest and best authorities in the Union, and found the door effect- ually barred against any such proceeding. A Member. Ohio might have done as New York did. > Mr. Kiippart. Gentlemen, I am proud to acknowledge that New York boasts of such a man as Ezra Cornell, but I assure gentlemen that there are not half a dozen such men in the Union. I know that it was suggested that this scrip might have been placed in the hands of responsible parties to locate in their name to the benefit of the State; but Ohio would not do indirectly that which she could not legally do directly. At the request of several gentlemen I therefore have the honor, Mr. Chairman, of offering the following amendment to the amendment, viz: Resolved, That Congress be requested to divide the proceeds arising from the sale of NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. ae public lands upon soffe equitable basis, taking the value of a million of acres as the basis for an average State, as a further endowment for the agricultural and mechanical colleges throughout the several States of the Union. Mr. WELCH, of Iowa. One statement I desire to make in answer to the gentleman from Ohio is, that if we ask for money we simply will not getit. [That is so.”] There is a large surplus of land to be disposed of, which will be the prey of land speculators if it does not go into the hands of the educators to aid in educational purposes. Now, the gentleman tells us that there is no real hardship; that there is no real inequality in the division of these lands to the several States. As an answer to that 1 will say that in my own State, the State of Lowa, when the agricultural college was established it was established upon the basis of representation, consisting of eight members. The lands to be donated to the States were, therefore, 240,000 acres, of which we got about 207,000 acres. Now, our population at that time was large enough to give us two members more, and therefore at the very time, before the fruits of the college were at all available, at that very time we ought to have had 60,000. acres more than we received. At the same time, sir, some of the Eastern States—I do not wish any of those States to lose any of their lands; I am very glad to hear that they will get more, not less, and while more would be liberality to them, to us it would be but justice—at the very time that they got the land their population did not get it, whereas our population justified getting thirty or sixty thousand acres more. I say not that the Eastern States are diminishing in pop- - ulation, but that the Western States are incréasing in a much larger ratio. Now, as to another fact, I will say that there is no remedy under heaven for the difference in the results of this appropriation to different States. New York is very fortunate in having a Cornell. The Western States have been very fortunate in having men that are thoughtfal, and the consequence is—I cannot quite appreciate the remark made by the gentleman from Bufialo, Mr. Allen—that there has been a great deal of this property squandered, for [ donot know where there is one State in the West where this land has been squandered. Iowa has taken the precaution to lease her land, and to-day realizes $36,000 a year, but this is not at all equal to the demand of industrial education. The demands of these institutions are very urgent. The fruits of the institutions cannot be realized in a day; theyare the results of long years of patient and earnest toil. We may start the schools, but when they come to have their maturity we shall want imperatively a much larger sum than these lands will give. Iam in favor of a million acres extra to each State, if we can get it, as a matter of liberality tothe Kastern States, and as a matter of justice to the Western States. Mr. Bowman. I shall detain the convention but a few minutes, sir. I simply wish to state,as a member of the committee, that we found this very question as presented rather a delicate one to manage... Lsuggested myself in the committee that while these inequalities exist under the act of 1862, we ought to let by-gones be by-gones, and that we come up and ask Congress to give usa uniform amount of land, say not less than a maillion acres. That was my suggestion. It does not matter to me whether New York got so much or Lowa got so little. The question is, how much of these public lands is necessary to make these colleges a suceess, and the success of each ought to be the joy of every man of this convention. Nextlet us fix upon a uniform sum, at least one million acres; 1 would say, sir, not less than five ‘millions, if you look at the vast domain of 88 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. this country that is given away to private corporatéons and rings. If we present it as a simple amendment to Mr. Hoar’s bill now pending in Congress, I believe Congress will pass it. I fear that the discussion which has come up now with reference to this question of equalization * will embarrass this convention and Congress, and perhaps we will not get anything. Now, it Congress, in its liberality, wili give one railroad corporation fifty millions of acres of the public domain, why could she not give the sum of one million acres each to thirty-eight States, which would lay a permanent basis for theit colleges. ‘ My State, Kentucky, was one of the unfortunate States. We had no public lands. We received 530,000 acres in scrip. We did not know what to do with the land-serip, and the proposition went begging for two years, failing to receive anything like a fair consideration for our land-grant. It was sold for fifty cents an acre, on a depressed market, the best that could be done at the time, and we have to-day only the pittance of $9,900, the entire proceeds.of the scrip, and cnly enough to support four professors. The only way in which we have achieved our suecess was by appealing to private citizens. I have been enabled to secure more than a half million dollars in that way, and to put the insti- tution into practical and successful operation in that way. In practical matters I claim to be a farmer, and only a farmer, and as such I come here as one to demand respectfully and courteously of the Government of the United.States that the great interests of agriculture shall be placed before the countiy on their proper basis. I want it, sir, as a pro- fession to be exalted to its proper dignity; and while Congress is giv- ing away millions to private corporations, I say the time has come when: we Should have a fair representation in the distribution of the public lands for the cause of industrial education. I have no special objection to the bill which is now before Congress, except that it is too generals it ought to be more specific. I hope therefore that the resolution will be adopted. ; Mr. Linns. Mr. President, I desire to say a few words as a representa. tive of the farming community. I came here supposing that this con- vention was called for the purpose of promoting the agricultural inter- ests of the country and such educational institutions as are connected with the agricultural development of the country. Iam myself entirely opposed to asking the Government to give us any more lands; Iam also opposed to asking them to give us money to endow any kind of institu- tions in the country, without expressing what those institutions shall be, because if we are here representing the agricultural interests of the country, and seeking aid from the Government to endow and improve a certain class of institutions of learning, it seems to me that we should provide that those institutions should be restricted. J am opposed to the further grant of lands to any extent, for the rea- son that I think the lands should be held, what there is left, for the actual settler. I represent a section of country where we are ¢o..ing in contact with persons without means who want some land to settic on. I will submit two resolutions as a substitute for the resolution now pending. Resolved, That we recommend, in all future appropriations by the General Govern ment in aid of agricultural colleges or industrial schools, special provision be made that the paramount object of such institutions shall be to give instruction in these branches of science that are inseparably connected with agricniture, horticulture, me- -chanic arts, inventive pursuits, and military tactics, and in the practical illustration and development of these several industries, literary culture being only so far pursued — as may be found necessary in the complete accomplishment of the objects specified. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ‘CONVENTION. 39 Resolved, That in asking further aid from the General Government for the promotion of the education of the people in the practical industries, that must over remain the basis of cur greatness ant power as a nation, we cannot advise the donating of lands to be held and disposed of by these institutions at advanced prices, thereby depriving millions of our own landless fellow-citizens, and millions more from the over-populated cities of the old world, fleeing thither for their own relief and to help us in developing our vast resources, from availing themselves of the beneficent provisions of existing laws now-and in the future, as others have done in the past, but, on the contrary, let all that remains of this vast area be kept open for occupation by actual setilers, under existing conditions of settlement, except so far as appropriations can he wisely made to aid in constructing national highways to render the lands accessible and ayailable, giving to the institution under consideration a fair and adequate proportion of the net proceeds in money that may be realized by the Government iti the disposition of the lands under the laws as they now exist. Mr. ALLEN, of New York. I do not wish to take up much of the time of the convention, but it appears to me that this is a radical upsetting of the whole thing. [Laughter.] If we are to resolve the United States into a benevolent institution, we have got to take care of all the paupers, thieves, and poor devils in the world. [Laughter.] For instance, here a’ man goes and for ten or fifteen dollars locates a section or a quarter of a Section, and by the very fact ef lying down and sleeping upon it he becomes the possessor, and another man comes along in a few months and buys it from bim and he makes several hundred dollars. And some men go out West with large families, and getting alarge amount of land by reason of having several grown boys, each one of whom can enter a certain amount, they sell it in a few months and make’ several hundred dollars in the operation. The public lands are actually squandered in just that way. Now, if these institutions have got gumption enough—it is a homely word, but you all know what it means [‘ Yes, yes;” “itis a good word” |—they will keep the land; if they have not, they ought to be fooled. Mr. Cornell bought scrip; he went and located the most of these lands himself in the pineries of Wisconsin, where that pine land is Worth ten dollars an aere; and Cornell University in afew years will have a fund of five or six hundred thousand dollars. Therefore the idea that we should equalize; thatis to say, that those States that have not made anything by selling their land at half price, like Ohio, for in- stance, as Mr. Klippart has just told us, should have any more than fowa, is perfectly fallacious. The man that had the ten talents was a good one, but the one that squandered his ten talents—ict him go. | Laughter. | I am for the adoption of that report in the main that was made by Mr. Folwell. I propose that we should have a fair distribution accord- ing to population instead of area. I think that these States which are increasing pretty rapidly should have a fair show ii this matter. Now, from these 630,000 acres that Ohio received she has been able to carry some colleges free. In 1837, in General Jackson’s time, when the Treasury became very rich, they distributed the money according to representation among the several States. In New York we had 9 very large amount of it. I had the honor of a seat in the legislature at the time that that fund was ap- plied. It was applied to the schools, about two-thirds of it, and the rest to libraries, &c. That is all we have had from the United States for the benefit of education, except the public land that has been given to Cornell. Our schools are absolutely free; we even have a free college. When you have given boys a fair start in the world, let them get their education themselves, and they will know what it is worth; learn them to read, write, and cipher, and let them get the rest, and they will know 40 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. how to make use of it. [Give them a little farm.”] O, yes, yes. But then in your application, the way that it will result when you distribute this thing round—why three-fourths of your schoolmasters are perfect blockheads. [Laughter.] Half of them don’t know enough to go to school themselves, [laughter,] and boys are sent in there to be taught when the teachers don’t know even the elements of physiology. But you get teachers and text-books of the proper kind and the boys will learn something. When I was a boy, brought up in New England and went to a Puri- tan school there in that puritanical country, every Saturday afternoon the minister used. to come round and teach us in the Wesleyan cate- chism ; [laughter ;/ but. I never liked it, [laughter,],althongh I am a Presbyterian in my faith, what little faith I have got. [Laughter.] And you may teach boys even what they do not like, and therefore it is | that, under the circumstances, it is no use to talk about a committee now to go to Congress for aid, because I don’t believe there are three farmers there that are sent there because they are farmers, but because they are politicians, so that you have got to learn them their duties. [Laughter.] ‘‘ Lands to the landless and homes to the homeless”—that is a very good idea when they are making a stump speech, but they never carry the idea off from the stump. [Laughter.| ‘ Mr. Bripaes, of North Carolina. Whenever we get up this land question we always get up a great commotion. Now, some gentlemen oppose the whole proceedings because if the land is sold and the money once gets into the Treasury we will not get it. There has been a good deal of complaining of the manner in which the land has been sold. And, Mr/ President, I think there is a certain proposition that will be nearly equitable, if not entirely so. It should be a trust fund divided in a common manner by a common trustee, instead of converting every State into a separate owner, and thereby creating a great scramble to see who should have the better lands. Now, in place of keeping them as a common fund, Mr. President, to educate the homeless and landless as well as the rest of the rising generation, our object is to lay a founda- tion broad enough and deep enough to raise thé intellectual structure that this people is capable of. And it seems to me, Mr. President, if this matter was referred to a committee, it might assume a shape so that we should have no scramble about these lands, and so that these insti- tutions being hotly pressed for money, then they would all receive it in regular order. . What becomes of the value of this land if it is all thrown 1...c the ‘market at once? We have seen. Now, here are lands of State govern- ments and territorial governments constantly to be located—why, they may absorb whole Territories; and the plan I propose for it is to be done under a general commission of the Government, all the disposition of these lands now under.the Department to be under the general com- mission, and then there will be no rush, and they will need no looking after hereafter outside. And with these views I am entirely opposed to the last resolution, and entirely in favor of the first, except in one thing. The question of education, why, it is a question that comes home to us all, and let us get up no competition, nor drive any bargains with each other, so that every section—Hast, West, North, and South—ean receive its proper support without any controversy or struggle. ' Mr. NicHOLSON. It seems to me that this question is as broad as the land itself; and if we discuss it in all its ramifications we shall be here till Congress adjourns. I therefore move the previous question, upon the ground that the matter must be digested by a committee that we NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. Al propose to appoint, and gentlemen having special views to present will present them before that committee, and not before the convention. _ Mr. ALLEN, of New York. Have we any rules that admit of the pre- vious question ? The PRESIDENT. Yes, sir. Mr. EpmMunDs. Let ps discuss this question now. I desire to present a short resolution that will settle, it seems to me, this whole question. The call for the previous question was lost. The PRESMENT. The question is upon the substitnte offered by Mr. Lines, of Kansas. Mr. Norcross, of Georgia. I beg leave, sir, to present a resolution to cover the ground of the resolution now under discussion, in a simpli- fied form and in a form that’appears to me as practicable and indicative of success, as having a precedent and a principle to stand upon. I move this resolution to take the place of the whole resolution under consid- eration now: : Resolved, That Congress be, and is hereby, memorialized by this convention to extend the provisions of the bill now betore Congress for the appropriation of the proceeds of public lands to common-school purposes, and be extended so as to embrace special agricultural schools in each of the States and Territories. “How many amendments are we to vote upon?” Laughter. | he PRESIDENT. It is for the convention to put in as many amend- ments as there are heads and minds here, and the chair will keep the list. [Laughter.] Mr. Norcross, of Georgia. In offering this resolution I wish to say that the chief object of the convention, as I understand it from the call of the Commissioner, is to obtain from this highly respectable assembly a recommendation to the country, or rather to Congress, for additional appropriations ef the public lands, or their proceeds to agricultural ed- ucation. We all understand that agriculture is the great and chief in- terest of this our great country. And we all understand that it is very difficult for any government to extend direct aid to agriculture. It is true, by tle extension of aid and encouragement to commerce and man- ufactures, agriculture is indirectly aided and encouraged. But we are here, as I understand it, to call for direct aid, and in this respect to represent the wish of the country touching this great and fundamental interest. And I know of no other way, no other method, by which Gov- ernment can so efiectually aid this great interest as by employing its means to educate the sons of farmers in the great art of agriculture ; no method by which the whole country can be more signally and per- manently benefited than by aiding the hard-working farmers to make scientific and skillful farmers of their sons. Commerce and manufac- turing operations imply culture and skill. Merchants and manufacta- rers are forced by the characteristics of their callings to educate them- selves and their employés. Their pursuits are schools of the most prac- tical kind. But the care and culture of the soil, the discovery of its hidden mysteries and powers, require above all other pursuits and sub- jects the wide application of science and intellectual culture; and far more science and culture than the hard-working farmers can unaided give to their sons; far more than delving in the soil imparts to the delvers. Hence the necessity and the duty cf the Government to aid in this great and noble work. The earth is our mother. But property or wealth springs from pro- ductive labor, trade, and intellectual culture. Take away or diminish either, and in that proportion wealth, the great feature of civilization, ceases to exist. Abolish either, if such a thing were possible, and civ- ‘ e 42 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. ilization would at onee degenerate into barbarism. Almost as much might Ve said, if intellectual culture were withheld from the tillers of the soil. Give them the culture of intellect, and all other requisites of wealth and civilization will flourish; the earth will bud, blossom, and bring forth truit in abundance. Direct all efforts, if you please to, to the education of farmers, and all other callings will take care of them- selves. Educate all others, and neglect this class, and no power or device can. save society from poverty and ruin. [ would not, if I could, detract from the merits and claims of the great measure now before Congress for appropriating proceeds of the public lands to common-school purposes. I would not, if I could, detract from any measure to promote elementary education among the mass of the children. The measure already betore Cofgress is but carrying out of the propositions of that great patriot and statesman, Henry Olay, made nearly forty years ago; and which, if they had been adopted, might have sayed our country from the calamities it has since endured. But, for Heaveén’s sake, let us use what influence we have to secure what re- mains of the public domain to aid this greatest of all earthly interests. In disposing of the balance let the proceeds be so invested as to edu- cate its cultivators, and thereby add, as it may, ten thousand per cent.’ to its value for rising generations. Mr. MCALLISTER, of Pennsylvania. Mr. President, it seems to me that the great object is to devise some means by which we can the bet- ter make use of the appropriations we have already received from Con- gress. [Applause.] It is the want of just such consultation as is now going on here that has prevented the beneficial results that ought to have flowed from the act of 1862. We design here, as I understand, by this convention, to centralize the results of our efforts. to report to this Agricultural Department of the United States the facts developed upon the numerous experimental farms connected with our numerous colleges throughout the United States, that they may be made the base of an agricultural science. Now, that being the design, it seems tome thatit is a question which may admit of some doubt whether it is expedient for us, as the very first act of our convention, to grasp the publie do- main, to thrust our hands into the Treasury ofthe United States, asking further aid, and this before we have popularized ourselves ‘by the ben- eficial results that ought to fiow, and certainly will flow, from our agri- cultural colleges. These agricultural colleges, ftom a day long before the passage of the act of 1862, were deeply cherished by myself and by the gentlemen with whom I co-operated in securing the passage of that act which has been alluded to as having been vetoed by a former President. Therefore I entertain the kindliest feclings toward these agricultural colleges. But let us ask what wecan get. Now, one of the propositions made here is so to amend the report of this committee as to take into consideration all that the larger States have received, and to lop off the million acres of New York, or the eight hundred thousand acres of Pennsylvania, to lep it off from what they may choose to appropriate, and of whom are we asking anything? The gentleman says politicians. Coneedeit. Are these people to deny the States they represent their just rights? Will they be centent who can withhold altogether at their pleasure; will they deny their constituents their just rights, and agree to lop off the million or eight hundred thon- sand acres of land? I trow not. Mr, Martin. To whom does the gentleman refer ? NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 43 Mr. MCALLISTER. The gentleman who made the amendment to take into consideration all that the larger States have received. Mr. Martin. He entirely misapprehends the intent of the propo- sition. ) Mr. McAnuistER. I beg the gentleman’s pardon. Looking at the in- terest of these agricultural colleges, it has been said that large portions of these lands have been squandered. I think that is a misapprehen- sion. Large portions of the grant of 1862 were sold at low prices, which were induced by the large body of land thrown upen the market at one time. One gentieman has said that if New York could make her millions out of this, other States could have done the same. They could if they had had some man to step in and offer to buy all their lands, for the States had no right to locate an acre without it was in the same State. There was no permission to any State in this Union that had not lands of its own to locate lands in any other State. And they will uot allow any State to hold territory in another State, and it was only by a contrivance that Mr. Cornell did purchase from New York, I believe at forty, cents to a dollar an acre, with the understanding, no doubt, and the under- standing with him was not necessary at all, that the whole proceeds, Whatever they might be at any day, should go into the coffers of the treasury. But there were but few States that had any men who were able to step forward and take all the land and then hold it in trust for the college. It is just the same thing that would follow to-day if a hundred millions acres of land were granted for the benetit of those colleges. There would be a rush upon the market, every one supposing that the first sale would give the greatest benefit, and the lands would probably be sold at twenty instead of sixty cents per acre. And no doubt men have made fortunes out of these agricultural colleges. As long as the States held a dollar of interest in the colleges, held a dollar’s local interest in the lands, they could not be located in accord- ance with the act of Congress. Now, I have felt it my duty to call the attention of this assembly to these difficulties. I will co-operate most heartily with any member, and with all the members, of this body to secure for our agrieyltural colleges every dollar we can, but let us not ask what we cannot get, and especially let us not ask for that which will prejudice the community against us. There is not a farmer in this land that cannot appreciate the results of our experimental farms. Mr. EDMUNDS, of Illinois. regret very much, as the representative here of the Illinois Board of Agriculture, that the call made for this conven- tion did not give us some idea of what that call came for. No intima- _ tion was given to our board, or any other agricultural board in the State, so far as 1 am aware. I have learned from some few remarks that some individuals connected with colleges had information as to what should be done. I do not oppose the appropriations to colleges, or make war upon colleges in any form, but I desire here to represent the agricul- tural interests of the country, the farming community of which I claim to be a member. ; Now, gentlemen, it is proposed here by this report to ask for a million of acres of land to be given to each State. Where are they to locate them? Within their dominions? Not one State in ten has got one one million acres of land to locate within its own borders. You mi ght just as well hang up your fiddle on that question, [Laughter.| What do you want? You want assistance. For what? For your schools and colleges? To that [ have no objection. It seems to me, gentlemen, that the bill now pending before Congress, number 1043, pledges every 44 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. thing that can be asked. And I have here two short resolutions, and I ask that they be passed as a substitute for all this question. [Laughter.] Now, gentlemen, I do not know how many of you may have had the pleasure of examining this bill now pending before Congress. It passed the House on the 8th of February, and is now pending before the Senate, and has passed its second reading. That act provides that the public domain shail be delegated to public instruction forever, and that the States shall respectively take their parts and hold it for the use of edu- cation according to their own notions, but that from year to year appor- tionments shall be made among the States, after paying the expense of service, according to the school population of those States. One-half of that shall be invested in the bonds of the United States, or some other good bonds, held in trust forever. Now, it provides for the schools to be under the administration of the State governments. They may pro- vide who shall get it; they may require three months’ school, they can- not require less; and they are to distribute that fuad according to their own ideas; they may distribute it upon the whole number of scholars that have attended school or in any of the three different ways. It reserves the right of homestead, the right of pre-emption, so that we are not cutting off the lands from the poor settler who desires to go from the East or from the Old Country to develop the West. It does not cut us off from the right to appropriate land to our soldiers or sailors, either for the last or any subsequent war we may get into. It leaves the fund under the control of Congress, so far as those matters are concerned. Now, down among the primary schools where you reach every man’s door. Every child, be he rich or poor, has the same advantages to edu- cate himself within the lower schools. Who is it that goes to the col- lege? Is it the poorer class of people? Is it the laboring masses, or is it that class of people who are able to educate themselves ? Now, we have been educating for many years in this country our Army, and how many Army officers, or how many gentlemen have been educated at West Point and Annapolis, who have not gone out the moment they got their education, and had the benefit of that education, and getting it from the United States, they have gone out entirely ignoring the State or United States. That is the way in Iinois. They go to this academy, get their education, and then say ‘“ goed-by to you, gen- tlemen.” : Now, the true way is to apportion fairly between the colleges and the common schools. Give to the colleges such as they ought to have, and the smaller schools such as they ought to have, and let them require a standard of intelligence and a system of education at the hands of their teachers, and that will require them to get an education at some institution that is above the ordinary schools. Then you have elevated the standard of your schools. Fifty per cent. of the amount for the first year of this may be distributed by the States to the colleges, and after that ten per cent. to the schools. Now, for the purpose of presenting this whole question—and it seems to me it is all in a nut-shell—! propose these two resolutions as a sub- stitute : Resolved, That the true policy and interest of this country and its future political and social welfare depend upon the education and elevation of the masses. Resolved, That we approve the provisions of House bill 1043, entitled ‘An act to es- tablish an educational fund and to apply the proceeds of the public lands to the edu- cation of the people,” now pending before the Senate of the United States, and reecom- mend its passage. Mr. TWomBLy. We are all;satisfied by this time that the objeet of the NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 45 convention has not been definitely defined. We are invited to come here to talk about matters already established. The first notice looked to me simply as a convention composed of delegates from the agricul- tural and mechanical institutions established under the act of 1862. It we consult the gentleman who has called us here he says he had no such design in his mind. But being here and being Americans accustomed to free speech, and having the work of education in our hearts, we _want to do what we can while we are here that will be of benefit. I do not want to stand here to criticise the work of Congress. Pos- sibly I do not understand it. Ido not exactly like one idea, and that is the giving a bonus for the literary school. I do not like the arrange- ment in respect to separate schools. I would not stand here nor in Con- gress, perhaps, to demand that the common schools everywhere be mixed schools, but I would demand a safeguard that is not in this bill. It pro- vides for public schools and allows of separate schools, but how to act with those children who are. rejected from the common schools is not specified. No provision is there that ought to be, I believe, for a safe- guard thrown into that bill that where cities or towns provide separate schools those schools shall be as nearly equal in time and quality as pos- sible, otherwise the fund should be separated. This grant by the Na- tional Government may not give us one additional howr of schooling. Why? Because there is no requisition whatever made upon any State or county, no condition of paying a certain amount to receive a certain amount. Now, you can keep a school three months, keeping two days in the week, if you please. Any city or parish or community author- ized to sustain schools is a district. I am happy to know, as the result of interviews with several members of Congress, that there is an excellent feeling in that body in regard to the interests that they suppose we have comehere to promote. Theone idea of educating the people properly crops out in the farmer, college, and university. Now, lam an agriculturist by practice, and by official profession a mechanic also. I have the same interest in promoting me- chanical industry as agriculture, and I am decidedly in favor of laying all thesesubstitutes and amendments on the table, and coming right di- rectly to the original resolution, which, perhaps, might be modified in some incidental matters a little, and place our desires as an addition to the grant of 1862. We want agricultural education, to be suré, but we want mechanical education just. as well, and in some of our schools we want more. Ina State in which the soil is good, where the people are agriculturists by position and practice, and i: aising good crops, where immense wealth lies untouched for the want of mechanical skill, we need development in that pines I do not believe in tying one State to one single idea; and I believe, from the statements of gentlemen in Con- gress and men ‘of influence, that, if we go there and ask for a liberal donation to carry out the purposes of the grant of 1862, that we shall receive about what we ask, if it is in any way reasonable. Well, now concerning equality. There is no such thing in existence as perfect equality. We cannot have it. We talk of equality i in repre- sentation, and we get near to it and rejoice in it, but we never reach it. My own convictions are decidedly in tavor of asking Congress simply for a grantof a million of acres, more or less, for each ‘State, tocarry out the grand purposes enacted by the act of 1862. Our old States began with a university. The University of Massachusetts asit once was, was started eight years before any act was passed; having the head right the body grew up to it. Here are men here to-day, sir, who went to collegeand lived on bread f 46 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. ; and water. And the men who are to educate the public mind, wowing in the summer, teaching in the winter, starving in the autumn and spring, and coming out and giving their life for meager compensation— these are keeping up the standard of education ; these are the ones that we shall bless, and they will be the nation’s leaders. [Applause.] I do not know that ever I knew a rich man’s son in a college, and I am glad to say we have almost all races, and one of the best specimens of a broad Christian union that was ever seen anywhere. But it is the poor. boy that goes through ; and I want to make the tuition free, and say to these young men, “ board yourselves and clothe yourselves, and your teaching you shall have on the same principle as you have it in the pri- mary school.” Mr. FERNALD, of Maine. In this matter let us let by-gones be by-gones,' and make no attempt to equalize the land-grants of the past, for by so doing we complicate this question so that we shall be likely to hazard anything like a good thing from Congress. If equalization be with ref- erence to actual proceeds, that complicates as much as it does toattempt to equalize upon representation. And why not throw that whole mat-. ter overboard, and cone to Congress with the simple issue that we im- peratively need assistance. ‘There is not an officer here connected with these institutions but know that the imperative demand is, more money, The Government, in its attempt to furnish these institutions with the means of suecessiully carrying out the aet of 1862, it seems, has not furnished an adequate amount, so that the institutions shall be in the highest degree satisfactory. Now, what is wanted is more money, but, as has well been said, the money cannot be directly obtained. Then let us have lands; and I very much like the manner in which the subject was presented by Regent Bowman, because it requires in a small State as well as in a large one just about the same amount of means to main- tain in the highest efficiency a university, in which the object of the act of 1862 shall be successfully carried out. Now, in the State which I have the honor to represent, if the distribu- tion of land was upon acreage, the State of Maine would receive an amount, perkaps, nearly as large as all the other New Engiand . States taken together. But why should not the little State of Rhode Island have the means of maintaining an institution of great learning as well as Illinois or Ohia? It seems to me, if we ask for ar equal amount for each State we shall secure it, ang in no other way. Because a State is small, is it any reason why the means should nof be afforded to main- tain such an institution in the very highest state of efficiency possible? Tf we can settle upon a certain good plan we can bring to bear an amount of influence or aid in this matter before Congress that it seems to me cannot be brought to bear in any other way. I do not desire that this matter be complicated in any way; in a simple manner it will commend itself, Jfthese lends shall be given, the same will occur that has occurred before in those States.where but small sums were received from the sale. Those States that have suffered from the altogether inadequate means” for carrying on their institutions, you may be sure that great care will | be taken by them, should they have those lands to control again, and that whatever the Government shall put into their hands will be sacredly guarded. The State of Maine sold for fifty-three cents per acre, and the institu- tion of that State, which President Allen and myself have the honor to represent, is suffering to-day for the means of carrying on our institu- tion. Can we not trust that the same skill in the management of affairs will be manifested as heretofore ? ~~ ; NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 47 Myr. CORNELL, of New York. This question is surrounded with a great many difficulties, as you have experienced by this time. We come here for the purpose of aiding agricultural education, to see a good agricul- tural college in even the smallest State; and I know of no reason why Delaware and Rhode Island should not have as good an agricultural col- lege as Pennsylvania, Illinois, or New York. [Applause.} To establish such an institution, sir, requires at least a million dollars, and if we can make any suggestions, or hit upon any plan here that will accomplish the establishment of one good agricultural college in each of the States, we shall have done a great good. Upon general principles, I believe in the distribution of the benetits of Government among the States by representation ; but it appears to me that in the consideration of this question there are reasons why we should depart from that rule, and, as a citizen of New York, I should be very glad to see the same aid given to each of the States for the purpose of seeing one good agricultural college. [Applause.] How thatis to be done is a difficult question, and it appears to me that you will not arrive at anything practical in this convention other than the discussion of the subject and a better understanding of it. In the main, I think you will have to trust it to the committee which you appoint to confer with Con- gress. There are difiiculties in the Eastern States, in locating lands in the States where lands are situated that are insurmountable. One State ought to have been allowed to locate lands in another, There are difficulties in the sale of the scrip. You have been teld here that the serip of 1862 has been sold at fifty cents an acre, fifty-five, and up to various other prices. In regard to the scrip of New York, when the university that I have the honor of being connected with was char- tered by the State, the legislature had previously arranged for the sale of scrip that had been received to the extent of 64,000 acres, (I think that was about the amount,) at eighty cents an acre. The scrip of other States coming into the market, the price was reduced until the comp- troller of the State of New York stopped selling. At the time that Cor- nell University was chartered, the market price of the scrip for a single piece of 160 acres was sixty cents an acre. I could buy it at that price by the single piece. I was of the impression that an acre of good land was worth more than sixty cents. I made a propesition to the State to purchase the college land-scrip of New York. Lagreed to give them the market price, sixty cents an acre. I agreed, at the same time, that I would locate that scrip to the best advantage I could, pay the taxes, and sell the fund, deducting the cost of location, deducting the price of the serip that I paid to the State, the fees to the Goyernment, and interest, at seven per cent., and give to the university the balance, whatever that might be. : 1 have had some strange experience under the operation of that busi- ness, one of which I will mentien if I can obtain the consent of my Wis- consin friends, for it may reflect somewhat upon their business tact. [‘*Go on, go on.”| ‘Then, after having located this land and come to look around ior a purchaser, I commenced negotiations with a gentleman for the sale of 100,000 acres in one pareel. After seyeral months’ negotia- tion, I succeeded in selling to the gentleman that I referred to the 100,060 acres at five dollars an acre. After we had closed the bar- gain and the contract was signed, he put his hand into his pocket and took out and showed me a paper, and asked me to read it. It was a proposition in writing, from the authorities who represented the lands that had been located by the University of Wisconsin, otfering to sell him 100,000 acres of fine land at $1.25 per acre. Those lands were located e ‘ 48 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. in the same forest that I located in, at the same office, and they living in Wisconsin and having the privilege to locate their own lands, had the first choice. I had to take the leavings, and still I sold mine at $5 an acre, while theirs was rejected at $1.25 anacre. Previous to locating these lands, | was up in Wisconsin and was looking around and talking » with the people there, and I found that they had very little faith in the public lands; they had too much of it. They did not look upon an acre of land as being of much consequence. They wanted something. else besides land, and that , you see, was the result of their view of public lands up there. Well, now, if you give land to these different States for the purpose of accomplishing this object you meet with these difficulties. If you put the scrip upon the market, the market price of it will sink to ten or twenty cents an acre. You have got to contrive in some other way to manage it, and then when you have located your lands you have the taxes ‘of the State to provide for, and the State will even commence taxing you before they have’a legal right to do so. [Laughter.] They commenced taxing me before they had a constitutional right to do it, and I had the thing to manage as well as I could, and itis a pretty serious difficulty. ‘Tf the taxes are not paid they will sell the land, and if you do not do that pretty soon they will sell it. [Laughter.] Under the circumstances, I should hardly know what to recommend here. Generally, I have been opposed to the issuing of any more of the college scrip in consequence of these difficulties, and I am not sure that it is not better to let the Government make the ‘sale of the lands and to make some proper distribution of the proceeds. [Applause.] What would be the best way of getting at that is a question that 1 am not prepared to give any suggestion upon. Mr. FOLWELL. If will speak very briefiy upon the question. I recog- nize all the practical difficulties to which the gentleman from New York has alluded, and it was the intention of the committee to avoid all the questions of detail. ~This committee did not wish to ignore any interest whatever. We endeavored to put our resolutions in a simple, practical form. The points are these: Congress, in 1862, established certain insti-' tutions which should be for the benefit of industrial colleges, in partic- ular for the mechanic arts. Mr. Cornell, in a document which has now become public, has told us that they find at Cornell University they need more means, notwithstanding the magnificent endowment which he has added to the Government gift. We should like to have some- thing more in those new States which are so large. In Minnesota, for instance, capable of maintaining six million people, we have not an accumulation of wealth; it is for that reason that we make this point of equalization. The next point is that the requirement of the State to ‘take land-scrip was in itself inequitable, and therefore we ask the con- vention to equalize the insufficiency and the inequality of the endow- ments as best they can, by granting additional lands. We simply put in a million acres of land as indicating what, in the opinion of the committee, would be something like a suitable amount of land. The selection and location cannot actually be made in many eases. We can do so in Minnesota, where one-third of cur State, eighteen million acres of land out of fifty-four million acres, is owned by railroads. [“‘ How is’ it to be with Rhode Island.”] If the gentleman was fron the West he would be familiar with the way we do ‘it out there. |Laughter.| And [ could in a very few minutes show how that whole land could be lo- cated for the benefit of the State. There can be no gentleman in this convention who has a greater interest in agriculture than myself, being NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION, AG the son of a farmer, and he the son of a farmer, and so on. There is no trouble about locating these lands in very many of the States, and f will, therefore, not go into a discussion of the matter. Mr. GREGORY, of Illinois. Mr. President, I did not mean to partici- pate in this discussion, but the remark that has been made by Mr. Cor- nell ought to be emphasized. We have had a little experience in the State of Illinois in the sale of scrip and in the sale of lands. We did ' locate 25,000 acres, and that was the most we could locate; these loca- tions are ‘made in the States of Minnesota and Nebraska. "We are to- day paying $3,000 annual taxes on 25,000 acres of land. If we had a million acres it would take all our funds and a good deal more to pay the taxes. [Laughter.] This proposition to give us land, therefore, as land-scrip, neither of those propositions would be acceptable to the State of Illinois. If the million acres asked for can be got on some such basis as this, for instance, let those States that have the lands or that might want them, and think they can manage them, locate the lands, and let it be at our option to take the lands or the amount in money at Government price, at $1.25 per acre. [‘‘ After the land is sold or be- fore?” lLaughter.| When the donation is made. And in this proposi- tion that is made we ought not to leave out of sight the difiiculties which Mr. Cornell has so well stated, and which correspond precisely with the difficulties we have had. I went myself in backwoods fashion up into the wilds of Minnesota and located 9,000 acres, entering them at cne of the land-offices there. We have retained 25,000 acres of the scrip, which we have to-day on hand, and have made repeated efforts to secure a location that would be satisfactory. A private individual can employ his own agent, is not compelled to wait for committees or boards of trustees, can go right on and take his time, can locate lands and manage them in the State of Wisconsin better than Wisconsin herself did do it. It is impossible that the Eastern States shall make anything unless they have capital. - I want to emphasize again the statement that has been made of the clese affinity of these institutions to the common schools of the country. I spent the best years of my life in working for the common schools, and I yield to no man in enthusiasm for their support. But they are not all of the parts of our school system ; they could not live alone by them- selves; and what has also been said about the relation between the education ofthe masses and the education, as it is supposed, of an aristocratic few, corresponds to what President Felton, at Harvard, told me. It was the glory of Harvard, he said, that she educated so many poor young men. To-day, at the Illinois Industrial University, the most of the students are not farmers, because they are not able to own farms, but they are hard-working students, starving themselves almost through a course of study. There is no such thing as cutting adrift these two, and I would simply ask Congress to make one broad sweep for the whole education, head, hand, and foot, and to put these institutions into those vital rela- tions that they eught always to hold, not requiring us to come and ask for a fund that might otherwise go to the common schools, but to come in the name of all the people of the land. But we do not want simply land-serip, with the privilege even of locating at the will of the gran- tees, because we are sure to be taxed if we do so—like the man who had the elephant to feed. [Laughter.] Mr. Bowman. /Willit be in order now to offer a resolution to refer this whole matter to a committee of one from each State and Territory, in order to bring it before Congress. S. Mis, 164-—4 50 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. The PRESIDENT. Yes, sir. Mr. BowMAN. We will have to come to this discussion again, and T rise now, sir, if in order, to move as a substitute for the whole the fol- lowing resolutions. Resolved, That a committee of one from each State and Territory represeuted in this convention be appointed to prepare a bill to be presented to the Congress of the United States, asking for an additional appropriation of public lands for the further endowment of the State agricultural and mechanical colleges already established, and which may be established hereafter in the several States. Resolved, 2d. That said committee be authorized to appoint a sub-committee of their nuniber to take charge of said bill, and to urge its passage by Congress. Commissioner WATTS. A committee of twenty cannot do anything at all. [Laughter.] Mr. Bowman. Then I have no objection to. smaller committee. Mr. ALLEN, of New York. Make a committee of twenty, and let them wake a sub-comunittee. Mr. WELcr. One advantage whick will arise from having a commit- tee composed of one from each State will be that there will then be one map from each State at least that can see the members of Congress trom his State and call their attention to the matter. Mr. Bowman. That is the object I had in view. I therefore move these resolutions as a substitute tor the whole resolution. Mr. BRANCH, of Virginia. What is the subject, Mr. President? Mr. PrEstprent. The substitute of Mr. Bowman. Mr. Ropison. I vise to a point of order; it is not in my judgment a substitute ; it is disposing of the whole matter. The Presipent. The chair rules that it is an entire substitute. Mr. Braneu. It is hardly possible, sir, to come to anything definite and unanimous in this body, if I should be permitted to judge from the different opinions that have been expressed. Some gentlemen have had experience in these colleges, and none of them seem to agree npon the resolution offered. It is to be presumed that the committee will include those gentlemen who seem to have something to do in the matter. I would rather see some practical farmers upon this thing than those gentlemen who appear to be mainly theoretical. I certaimly pre- fer the bill now before Congress to anything I have heard here. The opinion of Congress is worth something. Now, the bill lays down the fundamental principle of how the money shall be disposed of, leaving to the States how the money shall be ex- pended. New York cannot legislate for Virginia, nor for any other State. If I woderstand one of those institutions talked about here t- day, in Illinois, it is our Agricultural University which has poor boys and rich boys. Now, some of these institutions haye to hire laborers to work their grounds. ) Mr. CorNELL. I can say for one of those that has a farm of one hun- dred acres that it is worked by students entirely. Mr. Bowman, of Kentucky. The University of Kentucky, at Ashland, has tour hundred and fifty acres of land, and those lands are worked exclusively by the students; and we have young men there from your own State who walked clear from Virginia, barefooted, and have sus- tained themselves by their Jabor while acquiring their education. [Ap- plause. | My. BrANncH. J am very glad to hear that. Mr. GrEGoRY. And I. Mr. Brancu. f have had enough, sir. [Laughter.| 1 trust when you go to Kentucky you will tell those boys that the University of Virginia is just the place for such boys. [Laughter.| NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 5 But [would trast to the wisdom of Congress. I say, sir, let Congress have the disposition of this matter. - You Say some States will never be permitted to locate land in any other State. If a government can yun a railroad from Maine to Geor gia, why may she not give the right to locate land in another State? “I say it is a questionable authority. Give Rhode Island as’ much as New York, but never distribute it in land-serip, because it will avail comparatively nothing for New York. And in doing this thing, taking this bill before Congress as the basis of our action, we then have principles which can be amended from time to time as may be necessary. J do not go at all for making every man a scholar in thisland, assome gentlemen seem to desire. I think every State ought to educate its owh poor people so as to be educated about as I was, [laughter, | sixty or sev- enty years ago, in reading, writing, spelling, and arithmetic; give them education enough to go out and make their ownliving. If there are any intelligent boys i in an institution that need education they will certainly getit. They do not rely on the common-school system, but they are edu- pane in many ways; and that is the way to doit. I don’t want the Government to support the common schools. I don’t want the Govern- ment to educate my children. I prefer to say that my father educated me, I say, sir, it is demoralizing ; its effect arises from the selfishness of mani, and we are tooapt to run intoextremes. It will be one of the de- moralizing influences to make every man a scholar, God, in His provi- dence, never has designed it; that is every day’s experience ; ; [laughter;] no, sir, [His time expired, but amidst cries of “ Go on, go on,” he con- tinued.| Every man in the convention has got an ax'to evind, and he has his own peculiar views to tell, and his is the best way of all. The gentleman: from Wisconsin thought that there ought to be a law to make the South edueate the slaves. Why, sir, we are a Christian people, and I, sir, tender him the hospitalities of my city, the hospitality of my house if he will come to the city of Richmond, Virginia. We never have had a dollar from the Government. Let him come to my town and he will see that the colored children have as good teachers as the white children. [Applause.]| We are a Christian people; we want none of your slaves; we are not hyenas, eating slaves. [ Laughter. | I say, sir, that I have been an humble member of a board of education in Virginia, and I know something about it. I, sir, am sorry that the gentleman should have adverted to ‘such a thing. My town has appro- priated $100,000 for education in the State. Lay aside that prejudice. |Laughter.| If you read the newspapers you will have no idea of tho state of things down there. We don’t look from the same stand-point. Why, sir, I could stand here and talk a month upon it. [Laughter.| Jt is not from any malignity of heart—but let by-gones be by- gones, J treat the black man as well as I do the white man, and, sir, to-day 1 would rather have him work for me than the white man. Do you un- derstand that? (Laughter. | Mr. DENISON. think the gentleman made no allusion to Virginia, but was referring to the slaves in his own State. Mr. Brancn. I am yery glad to hear that the blacks fare worse there than in our State. [Continued laughter. | Mr. TwomBiy. Mr. President, does Mr. Branch yield the floor? Mr. Brancu. I will yield the floor to the gentleman if this gentleman did not make a epee id explanation. [Laughter. | My remarks have been discursive; my habit is not public speaking ; I rose for the pur- pose of answering the gentleman from Wisconsin. Mr. Twousiy. I intended no abuse, but the bill males provisions * 52 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. where the people will not allow the two classes to be educated together, and makes no provision for the one class or the other. Suppose the colored people had a majority, and there was no school for the whites, it would be just as bad. And now, concerning hospitality, I shall be very happy, if I ever go into Virginia, to partake of the gentleman’s hospitality, and if he ever comes to Madison, Wisconsin, I shall feel slighted if he does not come to see me. Mr. BRANCH. And it will be my pleasure to accompany him down to ° Richmond, [laughter,| and I will show you there a beautiful mixed legis- lature. [Continued laughter. | * I will just make another remark in reference to appropriations by the Government of lands for the States. I know of but two States that got it in the South. South Carolina, I think, got some. [* Got it, but lost it.”]| And who were the commission? Why, sir, these infamous scalawags, and carpet-baggers, and saddle-baggers, or anything you may call them. The very bench, sir, has been polluted. [Laughter.] Yes, sir. [As Mr. Branch was taking his seat 2 member close by said, ‘You move the previous question, don’t you?”] Yes, Mr. President, I move the previous question upon the resolutions offered by the gentle- man from Kentucky, hoping that they will be voted down with great unanimity. [Laughter and great applause. | r ’ The previous question was seconded. The PRESIDENT. Shall the main question be now put? [‘* Yes, yes.” The question is upon the resolutions offered by the special committee, the previous question disposing of the substitute and amendments. The report of the committee was lost. _SATURDAY—THIRD DAY. The PRESIDENT. The convention will come to order. The secretary will read the proceedings. Mr. FIELDER. I move that the reading of the record be dispensed with. Carried. Mr. DyckmMAN. My. T. C. Everts, of Montana, who has been largely interested in agriculture, asks leave to be admitted to the convention as a delegate from that Territory. Agreed to. Governor Patron. I move to admit John F. Burns, of Alabama, as a delegate. Agreed to. _ Mr. Jongs. I move Hon. George Cleghorn, of Iowa, be admitted as 2 delegate. - . Carried. Mr. BARNETT. It is not, sir, because | am fond either of speaking or writing that I beg to claim the attention of the convention for a few moments. We have come here for great and important purposes. It has called us from distant portions of the country, and we trust that the meeting will not end here with simply the fact that the assemblage ‘has been announced. With reference to the practical ends to be accom- plished I have a resolution to offer. I would first beg for one moment simply to explain that yesterday afternoon there seemed to be a little suspicion that there was something in the resolutions which were sub- mitted to this body unfavorable to the agricultural colleges of the coun- try, some discrimination against them. I beg to assure the convention that they have my heartiest sympathy and concurrence in their opera- NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 53 tions, and that a close reading of this resolution will show that just as in the call of this convention, in the same way they were included in their practical operation. With these preliminary remarks, I beg to call the attention of the convention to some resolutions in regard to the duties of this Department. Mr. NICHOLSON, of Tennessee. Irise toa point of order. I think the calling of the committees is in order. Mr. BARNETT. I propose the following resolutions with regard to the Agricultural Department: Resolved, As the sense of this convention, that the National Department of Agricul- ture will not have reached its full measure of usefulness until it shall not only act in active and practical concert with the several State agricultural colleges, boards, and societies, but also has proposed and established an international system of observations and interchange of information, by means of an organization of which it shall be a component part. Such an extent of observation is essential to the attainment of the great objects of its institution. It is not utopian nor impracticable. The great annual fact in the world’s history is the crop-season, which God deals out to it—seced-time and harvest. The present condition of the seasons and the crops, the breadth of land sown or planted, and the general influences affecting it, are all facts obvious to the sense, capable of ex- Peon and communication. When collected they are capable of tabulation and diffusion. Where is the difficulty ?. Why should we not enter into this inviting field? Manhood has accomplished a thing more difficult, doubtless, during the present age. Is the difli- culty in observation? The statistics already furnished by the Department answer that question. It may, by co-operating with land societies, be able to improve to some ex- tent the accuracy of observations, and the modes of averaging it. Is itin experience? That, too, has been solved, by the use of percentage. Isitin communication? Behold the telegraph, as rapid as thought itself. The resources of mankind are fully adequate to the problem. The light shed on the pursuits of the agriculturist should accompany him through all the periods of his labor. It should guide his policy, guide him in production, and guide him in sales, ' _ Such a system, with the improvements suggested by experience, would subserve all these purposes. It would instruct him in the decision what to plant. It would aid him in all the details of cultivation. Nor would it abandon him at this important period— leaving the gathered fruits of industry to be the prey of those who did not aid in any of its processes. Any system which enlarges the area of certainties, and diminishes that of mere con- jecture, which gives information as to the present and throws light on the probabilities of the future, raises‘mankind in the scale of civilization. It gives new food for thought and new data for calculation. We do not hesitate to. say that it is perfectly practicable for mankind to know the probabilities of any par- ticular crop throughout the civilized werld with much superior certainty to that with which a man estimates his crop. The laymen of the scale of observation eliminate error, or they balance each other. The proposed system is at once so practicable and so full of promise that we cannot but hope to see its substantial fulfillment. Its influence would be manifold upon the condition of mankind. It would at once stimulate and inform honest industry. It would diminish that predatory class of society which produces nothing, but consumes the fruits produced by others. It would enable men better to foresee what to count upon. It would render prices less capricious and thereby diminish speculation, which both robs industry and tempts it from its pursuits. ] The material and moral influences of such a system, generally adopted, would be in- calculable. It would enlarge the information of mankind concerning each other and their interest in each other. It would thus be better than all peace congresses, inas- much as the interest and the sympathies of men are stronger than their principles. _ To accomplish these great results, on which we have scarcely touched, all we need is nerve. In comparison with an Atlantic cable, a Pacific railroad, a Suez canal, it is mere bagatelle. Tiven private means could accomplish it. The muniticence of a Peabody or a Cornell would suffice to establish the system. But the Department cannot make brick without straw. It should be properly en- dowed and sustained. The mere paper and pack-thread—the necessary machinery— should be furnished sufficiently, the Government: only seeing to its economical and faithful use. J There is no reason why statesmen and men of science should not have at, their com- mand the immense area of facts compried in éach year’s experience ; why they should 54 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. not know what, in the whole civilized world, God is doing for man, and what man is doing for himself; of the great inventory of national wealth. Stock can be repeatedly taken, and its progression or retrogression being known as a guide for future action. The Department should have the meaus of fur nishing to all parts of the country and to the people of foreign countries accurate and important information of the physical features aud of the resources of all the States and Territories. In the problem of the best use to be made of the public lands, Ww hy should not the Department of Agriculture—or a broader one, the department of industry—which is the head of all organized means of improvement, receive adequate means to supply all needed clerical force and means of correspondence, tabulation, and distribution of knowledge. And in the education of the people let their grand fundamental industry be instructed and informed, both by schools of science and the diffusion of knowledge among the workingmen of the country. It would be found that this is no exception: “to the rule in all dep: artments of life—that know ledge is power. Mr. HAaminvon. Is there any two-minute rule in existence ? . The PRESIDENT. The Chair would state that the ten-minute rule applies to speeches, not to reports. Mr. SWALLOW. I wish to make one remark, sir, and ask the gentle- man to separate the main body of that paper from the resolution. It is very modest for us to suppose that we do not understand the elementary principles of agriculture or political economy, but to pass a resolution which goes on to give these elementary principles. I think we are encumbering our proceedings with reasons, and I move to refer it back to the committee, with the eee that the committee separate them. Mr. TAyior. It matters very little, Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, -with regard to the form of them. I think the idea is valuable, that it is well that this should be acted upon in some shape or other. I think as we work in this subject we find that this sphere is enlarging, and that it is nothing but carrying out the idea of the working of the States; and we want to. know what will be the tea crop of China at the morn. ing’s breakfast table. We might as well know in regard to this thing and the productions of the soil; and we stand in this relation, that reaching out toward the continent on the one side, we stand here on the other as a connection between the old world and the new, and in more intimate relations than we did forty years ago. ._ Mr. Kine. Is not that already a part of ‘the Commissioner of Agti- -culture’s duties—to collect the information ? Mr. TAYLOR. Whatever may be the duties of the Commissioner of Agriculture, [ am sure it is not in the fullest extent, as embodied in this paper of the gentleman from Georgia. Iam sure that we do not consider that the Department has a much wider field in which to work. One of the reasons why I think this should be is that it should stand up with the other departments of the Government, in order that we may be placed in closer relations with the Commissioner of Agricul. ture. Mr. SwauLow. I wish simply in my motion, Mr. President, to say this: L want to save the idea of this resolution, but you understand that there is a great long stump speech attached to it, which I hope will be ent off. Weare all i in favor of the resolution without the stump speech. * Mr. BARNETT. I think, as the gentleman from Virginia said yester- cay, we have had enough of it. ‘Mr. DENISON. It seems to me that we are consuming more time in details than we ought to do. The resolutions were referred back to the comnaittee. Governor Parton, of Alabama. I have a resolution which I will read, with the permission of the con#fention., It is to the same point: NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 5D Resolved, That this convention do hereby aespocktnnly petition the United States Government, through the State Department and the Exee utive, in favor of the estab- lishment, by international co-operation, of a general and systematic plan of meteorclogi- eal observations aud crop reports, and to request the Government, in furtherance of this object, to invite the other nations to meet, in the persons of their leading meteorolo- gists, af an early date in conference, like that of Brussels in 1852 ist. For the purpose ef connecting with the pian now proposes ath e system that was then devised for the sea. 2d. For the purpose of arranging details. 3d. For the purpose, also, of providing for a general system of telegraphic meteor- ology and crop reports, to the end that our knowledge of the laws Which control the functions of the atmosphere may be increased, and that accurate and useful forecasts may be made at freanent intervals as to weather and crops in all countries; and that the United States Government will co-operate in this system of research by causing the plan that may be agreed upon in conference to be carried out in this conntry, and to be adopted on board of the national cruisers. Mr. Tuompson. It strikes me it would be well to refer it to the War Department. Governor Patron. I have no doubt that this thing has reached the Department before now. Ihave been in correspondence with agricul- tural societies, and they consider it very important. Professor “Morie delivered an able address upon this subject not long since, which has been read by many members of the convention, I have no doubt. I think myseli that the skill and ability of scientific men should be brought to bear on this subject. lam, sir, as one from the Gulf State of Alabama, proud to stand here on this floor by the side of my Maine friends [applause] to develop and improve the agricultural resources of our country. We are not only agriculturalists in farming, but in plant- ing. We grow rice, sugar, and tobacco, and last, but not least of ail, eotton. We furnish cotton to the manufacturing mills of the North. We toil in the tropical sun, Mr. President, to help our northern friends. Moreover, it is not improper here to state that I represent a class of people not now as they once were, for they are vitally interested in com- manding all the information they can, so that the speculator, the cotton buyer, the man who lives by chance and not by the sweat of his brow, shall not reap the benefit. I want to promote that class of persons whom [ represent, that they may know the relative condition of the agricultural interests of the world. I have had the honor to be a mer- chant all my life, as well as a planter, and I have oceupied some public stations. I represent more than half a million of that class of persons whose relations have been vitally changed in the last few years, and | want them to know that every pound of rice will bring a certain price without the intervention of the speculator. [Applause. ] Sir, that class which I have the honor to represent are laboring to place them- selves in a better condition. {am not here to discuss political questions; but these resolutions, Mr. President, are of interest to all the laborers in the South, Southeast, North, and N orthwest. They are vitally interested in knowing what is going on in the agricultural world with ‘such minds as that of this dis- tinguished gentleman who favors the projects, that class which I rep- resent not in the main, but are almost equal in numbers to the white popwation of the South. The condition of the colored pecple is im- proving every day. [Applause.] True it is they are improviden it, but, sir, it is for you and for me, and for those who can think for them, to advise them so that the operations of their hands may be. producttve to themselves and the whole country. [Applause.| , I presume, Mr. President, that gentlemen here are not a3 fomiliarly acquainted with the facts down in the Mississippi region as some who 56 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. reside there. It is not improper for me to state in the Southern country the intelligent classes are perfectly content with the condition of things. I, like many others, sir, owned a large amount of that kind of property that I have been talking about. And I say now that if I had the power to-day, and I represent more than myseli, I would not change the rela- tions which exist between myself and my colored servants that labor for me. [Applause.| Weare a proud peopie, Mr. President, and it takes a gallant man to surrender gracefully in the fight when the odds are againsthim. [Applause.] ; Mr. President, you hear-a great deal in Massachusetts about the de- moralization of labor; and to some extent it is demoralized; and how could it be otherwise? But, sir, we hear that this labor will not be made productive. I say it is not very probable. In 1860 the cotton crop had grown to be 4,720,000 bales. Cotton was said to be “ king” in old times, not “‘ king” in war, but “ king” in clothes. Why, I recollect driving the first mules or horses that ginned the first cotton in Alabama. It is a late thing. We thought when we made 100,000 bales in the valley of the Mississippi, that this country was so beautiful, but this is only a part of the world that will grow cotton. If we get up tohalf a million bales what will we do with it? And it finally got up to five million bales. We did not know away back there that there was not enough to give the Chinese one shirt apiece. [Laughter.] Why, we cannot increase the cotton crop too much. To-day, Mr. President, it would all be consumed. And, down in that country where the labor is demoralized, our crop of cotton to-day will bring over $3,000,000. Ihad the honor to make an address that caused me to calculate the number of bales that were produced. I was astonished. In 1860 we made nearly a million bales of cotton in Alabama. At the time I was governor, soon after the war, I had occasion to travel over many Southern States, and from my information I concluded that we never could grow half the produce that we did before the war. Alabama made nearly one million bales at that time. ‘To-day the cotton crop of the South is worth more by nearly $10,000,000 than it was at that time, whilst the last crop summed up to nearly $50,000,000, chiefly growing out of that very labor. Let me tell you, Mr. President, and tell other gentlemen here, that the * whole crop of 1871~72 will not be as large by a million bales as that of 1870~71, but it will bring more money. And we want to send to you at Lowell and Lawrence, that I visited with a good deal of pleasure, an in- creased crop. And I want, Mr. President, to increase the interest of the country that has recently been born out of trouble, so as to invite not only the labor, but to say everywhere that ours is the land of promise—the valley of the Mississippi. We talk about the Japanese and Chinese, and Europeans. I say we want citizens in the South, and capital too. The field is open. I have lived in Alabama, and I was in every part of the State since I was governor, and in every part of the Southern States, — and you will be surprised when I say that I never.saw a Ku-Klux in my life—these high-capped big-gowned tellows. Ihave beenin a position to see them, but I have never seen one in my life. [Applause.] Mr. Epmunps. I agree with the gentleman that we want information, but I desire to understand how this proposition is to give us theinforma. tion that he desired in order to get at the true condition of the crops of the country, and the true value of the agricultural interests of the coun- try, so that thé planter of the South and the farmer of the North may know when to hold, and when to sell his crops. Governor Parton. I do not think any scientific man in the country will supersede Providence. I don’t claim to be a scientific man; Tam NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. woe from obscurity. I have never rubbed these shoulders against college wal's. ILamalaboring man. I have never gone through the colleges, and all that I say and all that [am comes from obscurity. Ido not pre- tend to say what will be said te you by the skilled men on the subject of meteorology. They are to fathom, and we are to take it as we find it. How did you know where to lay the Atlantic cable except by the aid of science ? Senator MorRILL. Not being able to remain here, I desire to call the attention of the convention to a single resolution which I propose to offer, that will not take up any time; will not, I think, need any discussion. I will read it, and, ifit does notmeet with opposition, I hope it will be passed ‘upon immediately. Resolved, That, as a sense of this convention, we deem it of paramount importance to ask of Congress, as we do earnestly, for an additional donation of land, or proceeds of land, sufficient to found a professorship of some of the branches of practical science in each of the colleges now wholly or in part sustained by the previous land-grant of Congress, and also that the War Department may be directed, at the earliest practical moment, to assign an officer of the Army to each of said colleges, in every respect com- petent to give.mathematical and other military instruction. We sometimes ask for grants we cannot get. I hope this resolution will be passed. a8 resolutions of Governor Patton and Senator Morrill were both passed. ; Mr. WeLcx. Mr. President, I wish to present the credentials of Hon. W. G. Donnan and Hon. G. G. Wright as delegates from the State Hor- pie itp Society of Iowa, and, more, that they be admitted as members. arried. . Mr. Twoms.y. I wish to make a motion, looking to business. You have a large business committee, and that committee made a report; and I now move that the statement presented by the Commissioner of Agriculture be taken from the table and passed upon at the present time. [have made this motion at the desire of the Commissioner of Agriculture. Commissioner WATTS. Those resolutions were postponed at the time because it was convenient, and never been acted upon. We would not feel ourselves at liberty to make the co-operation under the cireum- stances. The PRESIDENT. This was laid upon the table as a guide for the busi- ness committee to make their report, and the points contained therein were embodied in the report. Commissioner Warts. The difficulty is, having laid it upon the table, it is lying there yet, and is a determination on the part of this conven- tion that it rejects it. The PRESIDENT. The document was referred to the business com- mittee. Commissioner WATTS. It was the report of the business committee, and could not be referred back to them. General HALSTEAD. I move that the report be referred to the business committee. ; Commissioner WATTS. It is the report of that committee ; it is the resolution of the business committee. Mr. BowMAN. I move that that part of the report be taken up. The PResIpENT. The chair will state that he desires that the report may be read in order that we may know what we are voting on. Mr. Epmunps. I understood the chair as putting the vote to pass this report, and I desire to speak upon it before it is te be passed. 58 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. = * + . . by . ‘ Mr. Bowman. I move the adoption of the remaining portion ef the report. Mx. EpmuNDS. What portion of the report has not been acted upon? The PRESIDENT. I will read the report. [Inserted above.] Mr. ALLEN, of New York. I move the previous question on the pas- - sage of that whole resolution. The previous question was seconded and the resolutions adopted. General HALSTEAD. I hold in my hand resolutions which I hope will be adopted. They are not the emanations of my own mind, but are handed to me by a very able gentleman: Resolved, That the agricultural societies and agricultural colleges of this country have the same great aims—the improvement of agriculture and the elevation of the agricultural classes—and should be knit together in the firmest friendship. Resolved, That we heartily approve the admirable suggestion of our president, Hon. George B. Loring, that each State and county agricultural society shall provide one scholarship in the agricultural college as a living bond of union between the society and the college, and as the most effective means of inereasing the number of agricul- tural students in the country. Resolved, That we recommend the agricultural colleges to procuze the appointment, annually, of a committee of intelligent practical farmers, to assist in the examination of the agricultural classes in the colleges, and that no graduate of such colleges shall receive a diploma till he shall pass a satisfactory examination before such committee. I present these resolutions with the greatest pleasure. [The PRESIDENT. Step upon.the platform, general; your presence is worth a good deal, | The agricultural society which I represent has been in connection with the agricultural college of our State in obtaining donation of land- scrip from the Gevernment, and gone hand in hand with that college, receiving benefit and giving benefit. We have worked together, and we have added to the college, the normal school of our State, until we have a branch in that normal school to teach the analyzation of the soil; and we have tried in New Jersey to elevate the system of common schools by competitive examination. Children in the State ean go to the normal school, and from that to the agricultural college on a com- petitive examination. And I am proud to say that in my county the boys from our ward schools in our city take all the prizes for entering into our agricultural colleges, and have excelled the rich men’s sons from private schools. In New Jersey the poor men are the ones that fill our colleges and take the highest stand, even in our political, as well as our civil, life; and they are the men who started life poor, and, by hard work, have gained the position which they now oceupy. And the feeling of our agricultural society towards the high scheoi, normal school, and colleges of our State, is in the best and most united sympathy and love, and by those means we have kept up the educational feelmg in New Jersey; and we intend to elevate it. [Applause.] Mr. Kina. I move that the second resolution be considered separately by the convention. Commissioner WATTS. There would be no objection to any of these resolutions. . Mr. ALLEN, of New York. I move the previous question on the reso- lutions. The.previous question was seconded and the resolutions adopted. Mr. Norcross. I have a resolution that I wish to offer, and have % referred to the same committee. I will read it, and net bore the conven- tion with a speech. Resolved, That in the sense of this convention the Commissioner of Agriculture should be elevated to the position of a cabinet officer of this Government. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 59 Agriculture represents the greatest interest in this country, ard the Commissioner ought to be in the cabinet. I ask its reference to the business committee. | Carried., Mr. AIKEN. As my colieague, General Wade Hampton, has appeared on the floor, I respectfully ask the convention to appoint him instead of myself on the committee. . Carried. ENTOMOLOGY. _ Mr. Rrnny, of Missouri. I have a resolution which I desire to offer. We have been making some efforts to arrive at a definite plan of action ~—but I will read it, and it will explain itself : Whereas the injuries caused by the noxious insects to the different crops of the country aro among the most serious drawbacks to successful agriculture, and all knowledge that will enable us to counteract. the ravages of these pests of the farmer should be disseminated throughout the country; and Whereas it is known to the members of this convention that Mr. Townend Glover, entomologist of the Department of Agriculture, has been tor many years engaged in preparing expensive illustrations and other materials for a work on insects; and Whereas the labors of said officer are in great part lost to the country for want of sufficient means to publish this work: Therefore, Resolved, That this convention earnestly ask of Congress an appropriation to the Department of Agriculture to enable it to publish the work at once. Resolved, That an annual appropriation ef at least $10,000 be furthermore asked for the special purpose of causing experiments for the destruction of noxious insects to be made by the different State boards throughout the country, whenever the Commis- sioner shall see fit to so instruct and direct said boards, the results of such experi- ments to be published in and disseminated through the monthly reports of the Department. “ Mr. Chairman, I need to say but few words on this resolution. By ' careful computation, those who have given this subject most attention know full well that this country loses annually over three hundred millions of dollars by the destruction of these insects, and I wish to give _the Department power to lessen this destruction. I think we should have this work of the entomologist published as soon as we can get it published ; and I think the work will certainly do good to the country. The second proposition is to bring concert cf action between the ditf- ferent boards of agriculture and this Department. I consider if this Department had the means to authorize the president of the different boards to devote so much money to the destruction of noxious insects it wonld result in great good. Commissioner Warts. I wish to say, before that resolution passes, that since I came here I have had occasion to get the opinions of many scientific men upon this work, and such a wdrk has never been prepared by human brain since this world was made, on the subject of entomology. It isso minute and particular. Itillustrates every insect that depredates upon the face of this earth; [laughter ;] gives it so that any man can take up that book and examine the subject, where the insect depredates and when it depredates; and the necessity of this publication has been urged; and it is only because there are no means that it has not been done. Mr. ALLEN, of New York. I do not want to make any talk about this matter, but I want to say that the party occupying the chair of ento- mology, I suppose, is the most accomplished man in the United States. I knew him twenty-odd years ago. I found him at Poughkeepsie, and our society had, for many years, his valuable services ; he was at work on fruits and insects. Why, he can almost make a thing. I dou’t ay that his models will grow, but they will come the next thing to1t. I understand him to bea bachelor. You will find him in his den down 60 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. here working away at his bugs; yes, working from the time the office closes until late at night. He is a perfect hermit, so devoted to this profession in which all his soul is wrapt. J think the Commissioner is wrong, however, in one thing. He says he has given all the insects. Now, the old naturalists say that even the fleas have lice. I don’t think he has gone that far. [Laughter. A voice, ‘“‘ Yes, he has.”] Mr. JoHNSTON. I wish, also, to say a few words in its favor. I know that his classification of insects is the best that has ever been adopted for this country, perhaps for any other. His work is calculated to pro- mote the most popular interest. He has worked, as Mr. Allen has said, day and night, to my certain knowledge, and has got a portion of it ready for publication, called the Coleoptera, or beetles. : . Mr. TWoMBLEY. What would be the probable cost, say, of two thou- sand volumes of such a work ? y Commissioner WATTS. The only information that I have is that the mere printing of it is a matter of very little moment. It is composed of plates; and the best estimate I could make of it would be $25,000; that is, for the plates. Mr. RitEy. I originally placed $20,000 on the resolution, buat, at the suggestion of the Commissioner, I struck it out. PRESIDENT GRANT. At 12 o'clock the President entered, and was escorted to the platform by the committee, the convention rising to receive him. The PRESIDENT. Mr. President, I desire, in behalf of the gentlemen present in this convention, who represent, I am happy to say, almost every State in this Union, to welcome you to their deliberations. They are engaged in discussing the topic which lies at the foundation of the: prosperity of this country, and they really feel gratified that you have been able to be present. Gentlemen, I have the pleasure and honor of introducing to you the President of the United States. [Applause.] The President took a seat beside the president of the convention. — Mr. RitEy. Now, I consider that we shall do a great deal of good in this way; and I hope the resolutions will be adopted. Mr. Ropison. The expense here spoken of is comparatively nothing. Here, sir, by these insects, the productions of a whole State are swept away in a short period of time. We have but little information on this subject; our knowledge is comparatively small. Can we not ask Con- gress to appropriate the small pittance of $25,000 to carry this informa- tion to every home in the land? It would be considered a mere nothing at my home, in Ohio, to appropriate this amount for such a great work, I hope the resolutions will pass. But I will not detain this audience upon this question, for I think they commend themselves to every man. The resolutions were adopted. Mr. Jos. N. STURTEVANT. I desire to offer the following: Resolved, That in the establishment by the Department of Agriculture of a national agricultural and economical museum we recognize the commencement of a work both highly interesting and useful, and commend the plan upon which it is founded. Resolved, That the Commissioner of Agriculture be requested to desire of Professor Glover, who is engaged in an admirable attempt to classify knowledge, and bring before the eye the subjects of our thought, an account in detail of the plan as it exists in his own mind, and when obtained to incorporate the same in the report of the Depart- ment, Resolved, That we recommend to the attention of educators the subject of museums as 2 means of imparting knowledge, and, appreciating the value of a well-ordered col- lection of natural objeets, deem it particularly desirable that such may be instituted at the several agricultural colleges of the countty. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTTON. 61 The resolutions were adopted. Mr. Haminron. I desire to introduce the following : Resolved, That the Commissioner of Agriculture be requested to have prepared for publication the proceedings of this convention, and have printed a sufiicient number to supply a copy to each member of Congress and five copies to be sent to each delegate on this roll for distribution in their respective States. A VotcEe. Where is the money to come from ? , Mr. HAMILTON. Well, out of the general fund. [Laughter.] Mr. CUNNINGHAM, of Illinois. I move to insert ‘+ 20,000 copies.” Commissioner WATTS. The great difficulty is that there is no fund. The convention will understand that the appropriations to the Depart- ment are specific, and cannot be applied to anything except what they are made for. Mr. Burns, of Alabama. I move that the resolution$ lie on the table. Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Could they not be printed in the monthly report? _ Commissioner Watts. That is rather impracticable, too, because it would require the whole report to publish a full report, and it would not be a legitimate compliance with the act of Congress. Mr. WHEELER. I would refer it to the committee to visit the two Houses of Congress. ' The PRESENT. It is moved that the resolutions be laid on the table. Carried. Mr, FERNALD, of Maine. I move that the report of the committee on experimental farms and stations be now taken up. — Agreed to. EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS. Mr. NicHOLSON, of Tennessee. As chairman of the committee on experimental stations, I would beg leave to state to the convention that we have had the subject under consideration, and we have been kindly aided by the co-operation of a similar committee appointed at Chicago during last summer, members of that committee being also members of this convention. The result of our deliberation isa preliminary report, which will be read by Professor Atwater. Mr. ATWATER, of Tennessee. I will read the report of the com- mittee: . The importance of speedily establishing experimental farms, or ex- periment stations, in the United States, scarcely need be discussed at this day and in this place. In all time the means of progress in art and science have been observation, experiment, comparison, and deduction —the ascent from facts to rules, and to laws which are the basis of rules. ‘The resources of simple observation and ordinary experience have long been well nigh exhausted in respect to many agricultural questions, and the paths of future progress must be determined and laid out by the aid of experiment. Nearly all the great benefactors of the art of agricul- ture have been men who knew how to plan, execute, and interpret ex- periments. Our implements of tillage and harvesting; our high-bred animals ; our choicest varieties of grain, roots, and fruits; our systems of land drainage and rotation of crops; our economy of fertilizers; in short, the best plans and practices of our agriculture, are the grand result of a long series of experiments, whose beginging is lost in the vagueness of tradition. Two evils that have thrown a heavy shadow on our agricultural ad- vancement have been: First, the painfal slowness and uncertainty of progress, and, second, the enermeus waste of misdirected energy. The 62 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. farmer who, in this country, has upon him in most cases the treblelabor of earning bis bread, of clearing up and permanently improving his estate, and of ascertaining for himself the best method for his husbandry,. must attempt either one of these enterprises at the cost of some success in the others. He needs and now begins to demand a division of labor. The advantages of co-operation in all enterprises of-a commercial or political character are sufiiciently understood. In agriculture we have long held the theory of associated effort, and through our agricultural societies it has accomplished much. A pressing want of the moment is the establishment of special stations for the simple and exclusive pur- pose of carrying on experimental investigations for the benefit of the farmer. This want has long been felt, and in many of our States the agricultural sociéties, the geological commissions, the boards of agri- culture, or the agricultural colleges, have put their hands practically to _ the task of satisfying an oft-repeated and most reasonable demand. These efforts have, indeed, been in part spasmodic, in part imperfect, and in all cases inadequate, but they constitute a beginning, and are the signs of an energy, which, when awakened and rightly directed, will be- come the pride and glory of our agriculture. The first requisite in this work is a clear vision of what it is practi- cable to accomplish. There are questions, whose solution would be of the highest service, which it now appears nearly hopeless to expect will yield to anything but the most scientific and prolonged siege. There are others, which, in all probability, may be resolved in a short time. To the first class belong the higher problems of cattle feeding. The precise condition of the formation of nitrates in the soil is a subject ' of the very highest practical importance in its bearing on the economy of manures and on the rotation of crops, which, doubtless, might be © quite fully elucidated by a compatively easy chemical investigation. In the second place, a full knowledge of what has been done in other years and other countries must be obtained before the work of investi- gation can be intelligently laid out. In Great Britain, France, and especially in Germany, has accumulated a mass of observations, facts, and conclusions, which constitute a capi- tal for prosecuting this business, which we can borrow by paying the slight interest of translation and publication, and without which we shall waste years of work in simply rediscovering what is already known and in repeating the trials which have been found fruitless. An acquaintance with the methods of research, which have proved successful in experimental study, -is a necessary ‘part of the investiga- tor’s outfit. It is folly to continue experimenting on cattle feeding. without chemical analysis of the food and of dung and urine, or to base the value of fodder rations on gain or loss of live weight, since we have had recent demonstration of the worthlessness of such methods. The supply of the means for the support of experiment stations is a matter not to be overlooked. Experiments cost money; stations must be procured, equipped, set in operation, and kept in operation perma- nently. They require continual outlay of labor and money, and return nothing but information and ideas. They are not and cannot be self- supporting. The State legislatures should be appealed to for aid in their establishment and maintenance. The agricultural societies should inake liberal contributions, and each landholder should be urged to add his subseription. The importance of the work makes it worthy of the aid of the Department of Agriculture, and of the direct support ot Congress. NATIONAL AGRIGULTURAL CONVENTION. 63 The cost of an experiment station need not be large. The eatfit will depend upon the direction in which investigation is to be prosecuted. A few thousand dollars, and sometimes a few hundred, will make a begin ning. The annual outlay may range from one to’ many thousands. Most of the German stations cost two to five thousand dollars a year. The grand experiments of Lawes and Gilbert, which have been in pro- gress fora quarter of a century, are said to have occasioned an annual expense often of fifteen thousand dollars. There is useful work that may be done tor a few hundreds. Concert and harmony of action are essential to the fullest suecess. In Germany there is annually held a convention of the persous—more than ne hundred in number—who direct and perform the work of. the forty experiment stations of Germany and the adjacent countries, in which they discuss the details of their labor, and lay out plarts for co-opera- tion and distribution of work. The uses of these stations are by no means implied in the enunciation of their immediate objects. They will be found to form the grand sources of agricultural progress. A plat of ground where trials in cul- tivation, or stable where feeding experiments arecarried on, or laboratory in which the questions of vegetable physiology are undergoing experi- mental investigation intelligently, isacenternot only of light, but of heat also. These stations will excite the interest of the most indifferent. They will educate the mature farmer who cannot be reached by colleges, who are not adequately reached by an existing agency. This result is one most reasonable to anticipate, and one which has. been brilliantly realized wherever the opportunity has been presented. Mr. NicHoxson. In bebalf of the committee, I desire to present the resolutions designed to carry out the recommendations that you have heard read. The committee, in considering the subject that was presented to them, learned that in France, in England, and in Germany, there has been accumulated a vast deal of information upon this subject. The great bulk of it isin the German language, and it needs elimination and con- densation, so that the facts, figures, and truths established there may be put into the hands of the American farmers. It so happens that there are a few gentlemen eminently competent to do this work. I will read the cemmittee’s recommendation: Resolved, That the committee be continued, and instructed to prepare such report as in their judgment may be best fitted to set forth the character, value, and practicability of experimental stations, and to solicit the co-operation and assistance of the Depart- ment of Agriculture for preparing, publishing, and disseminating said report. T am instructed by the committee to report this resolution. As chair- man of that committee, I desire to offer an amendment, so that it will read: Resolved, That the committee be continued, and that Professor 8. W. Johnston be re- quested to prepare such further report as in his judgment may be best fitted to set forth the character, value, and practicability of experiment stations; and the commit- tee solicit the co-operation and assistance of the Department of Agriculture, for pre- paring, publishing, and disseminating said report At this stage of the proceedings President Grant retired. Mr. ALLEN, of New York. As a member of that committee, I have a few words to say, in as brief a way as possible. In order to get to work we wanta translationofthisforeign work. Professor Johaston, locatedin New Haven, Connecticut, the seat of the university there, which has the agricultural sehoel of that State, can do this work, and we propose 64 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. that he be charged with this duty; and it will. be done in this way with a less expense than almost in any other. Mr. KiIppart, of Ohio. Are they aw are how many experimental sta- tions there are in Ger many ? Mr. ALLEN, of New York. Professor Johnston knows. Mr. Kiippart. Lknow, too. There are sixty-seven experimental sta- tions in Germany, and each station furnishes a volume annually; and they have been in existence from three to eighteen years. I believe that I have the. bulk of them, and by the time we shave all that matter printed and distributed we shall have a library. Mr. ALLEN, of New York. We propose to pick out that which is worth something and translate it. Mr. KiippaArt. That, then, will leave us to repeat the useless experi- ments. I hold that each State should select what she requires and do hér own translating. No one is more anxious than myself for such translation, but the | labor is too great for any one man to undertake. Mr. CLARK, of Massachusetts. The importance of the business which is NOW before - us I think we shall all agree upon at ence, and the import- ance of knowing what shall be done is essential also. If we look back to the early days of chemistry, we fina that the old alchemists, from the year 800 to 1800, worked alone, shut up in their laboratories, trying to find the philosopher’s stone. Do not let us repeat that. 1f welet every State do it as the gentleman proposes, we shall have it done forty times instead of once. Mr. Kurppart. Not ai all. I propose to divide up the work among the States. We don’t care about rice and cotton experiments in Ohio, but we want wheat, corn, sorgho, and potato experiments, just such as © Georgia and Alabama do not want. Mr. CLARK, of Massachusetts. It seems to me, sir, that we could not dispose of this whole question so well as just in accordance with that resolution ; and I shall only be too thankful if Professor Johnston will as- sume this responsibility. Mr. SWALLOW. I wish to suggest one amendment. The main work of this committee is not yet accomplished—the establishment of these experimental stations; and I think it would be proper, sir, that there should be a committee- man from each State. One man does not know the peculiarities of another State so well as one who lives in that State. Mr. ALLEN, of New York. It has been thought best to leave it to the States to carry out in their own way. We only propose a general plan to introduce the matter, not to cenclude it. Mr. SWALLOW. I suppose the committee called to their assistance a committee of one from each State, and why not put them all together on the committee. Mr. Nicuoison. I know the committee were fully apprised of the great extent of the work done and the length of time that it has been going on, and it was because they were impressed with this fact that they “make this recommendation. And thus much on the point that there is too much work for one man todo. The French government sent a commissioner to visit, examine, and report upon these stations. Lhold in my hand not a very. large book, and yet it contains, clearly and succinctly stated, the main principles upon which the work was operating at that time, in 1867. Now I know, and I believe every gen- . tleman of science here will indorse it, that the gentleman whom I have proposed to do this work is fully as competent “to do it as the commis- sioner that the French government sent there. He has, in addition, the benefit of the Commissioner’s labor and all of these publications and ,NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 65 men ready and willing to work with him, and when they make their re- port, then Maine and Louisiana and Florida will be prepared to know _ what errors have been committed and what facts have been proven by this government by, these long continued operations, backed by money that we hardly dreamed of. It is aclear, simple work; a work that will produce just the very things that we want. We’want light, and I think we have named the man who can so collect the rays through the lens that will illuminate the whole subject. Mr. STURTEVANT, of Massachusetts. I think we are acting hastily. We have not sufficient information. We are called here to work for the Department of Agriculture, not to work outside. I move that this whole matter relating to experimental stations be referred to the Department of Agriculture. Mr. FERNALD. I wish to state that there are two committees acting together, one from Chicago, and the committee appointed by this con- vention; and these two committees in concert have carefully considered the matter, and they most earnestly hope that it will be voted to adopt the report as presented. Mr. SWALLow. As the committee would not accept my amendment, I have written it out. I move to amend by adding to the special com- mittee, ‘‘the business committee of this association and one from each State and Territory not here represented.” Mr. ALLEN, of New York. I cordially approve of the widest discussion and thought, but Ido not know how thiscommittee will get together. In the mean time the gist of the matter can be eliminated and be ready for report next year. And it seems to me the committee will not corre- spond, not willfully, but they will become negligent. Now, as a matter of courtesy, you are bound to pass it, and then if you want anything more | will cordially support it. Mr. SWALLOW. It is not my part to oppose anything the committee have, but to throw some information. Mr. CHILDS, of Michigan. I have no objection to the committee remain- ing as it already is, representing seven States. Ido not desire to see this amendment passed; yet, if it is to pass, I would prefer to move an amend- ment to the amendment. If this committee is increased, [ would move an amendment to increase it by a representative from each State not now represented. {‘*That is the amendment.”| I do not so understand it. This special committee represents eight different States; putting these two together will make fifteen, and my amendment was that instead of adding to this special committee of seven the business com- mittee, which represents seven States, that the chairman of this con- vention be authorized——e The PRESIDENT. The business committee of this convention consists of five persons. A MEMBER. The business committee which was appointed on the first day of the convention was one from each State. Commissioner WATTS. On the first day of the convention there was a committee appointed consiting of one man from each State. They defined partially what should be the business of the convention. That was considered, and the convention undertook to fix the mode in which the subject should be considered, and in that business they referred almost the whole subject to the business committee of five. The PRESIDENT. The chair will read the resolution of Mr. Nicholson. [Inserted above. ] Mr. SWALLow offers the following amendment. [Inserted above.] Commissoner WATTS. We have no means for doing that; our appro- S. Mis. 164-5 66 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. ’ priations are specified, as I said before, and it would devolve upon the Department an expense for which there is no appropriation. There is. a certain amount appropriated for the purchase of seeds, for salaries, and even to the care of the stables, and if there be any balance we are obliged to send it back into the Treasury at the end of the year. The PRESIDENT. Would it be legitimate to include the doings of this convention in the annual report of the Commissioner ? Commissioner Warts. I think it is likely, Mr. President, that we could give in the annual report of the Commissioner a condensed report of the proceedings of this convention. Ido not know bow much space it would take, but you and every member of the convention will appre- ‘ciate the necessity.of our keeping steadily to the mark of giving agri- cultural information to the country, and whether the publication of this would not be an avoidance of it. Me Mr. ALLEN, of New York. How Iong will it be before the next annual report comes out? Commissioner WArtrTS. These questions are very hard to answer. The annual reports have not appeared until more than one year after their dates. The report of 1870 has just been published since the Ist of January, and this is the first report that has been issued since I came to this position. - The Commissioner has recommended to the Agricultural Committees of the House and Senate, with which he has taken pains to have an interview, an additional appropriation to this Department. He has felt continually how little means we have to do with and how much infor- mation has to be furnished for different purposes. Whether they will do it or not is a matter for the action of Congress. I know those com- mittees are alive to increasing the appropriation. But you will find individuals in the House and Senate who sit upon the Treasury box with their finger in the keyhole. |Laughter.] But I only desire it to be understood that our appropriations are app itig, and we cannot divert them from their special objects. Mr. ALLEN, of New York. If we are to disperse after coming, some of us, a thousand miles and some of us many hundreds of miles, and - spending our money, without being noticed, we had better have staid at home. [‘¢That’s so.”] I am perfectly willing that what I have said should be dropped out of the proceedings. But I want to read the report over at my leisure, and I want to think upon what was done ‘here, and if we are to go home from here with no report of our doings, we had better have staid there, and a great deal better. [A voice: ‘¢ Let us contribute.” | Why did the Commissioner call us here? He knew there was expense attending it, and now he says he has no money to pay the expense of publishing our proceedings ; and if they go into the annual report we do not get them till the next annual report comes out, which will be next year. Mr. Lines. I rise to a point of order. This discussion does not per- tain to the resolution under consideration. The PRESIDENT. The question before the convention is the resolution of Professor Nicholson, and that is the point which Mr. Allen, of New York, is discussing. Commissioner Warts. The chairman of the Committee on Agricul- ture of the Senate is present and would like to say a word. Mr. CoRNELL, of New York. I was simply going to remark that, if you will send your proceedings to Ithaca, 1 will have the students "of _ Cornell University publish them for you, to show you the kind of print- 2 & NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 67 ing they can do. [Continued applause. ‘That sounds like business ; that is right.” Mr. ALLEN. I thank Mr. Cornell for his generous offer, but I say, with all gratitude to him, that I do not think we should ride a free horse to death. Mr. CORNELL. I should be very glad to send to the gentlemen of this convention a specimen of the manner in which the boys of the univer- sity do printing. [Applause.] Senator FRELINGHUYSEN. I[ came here, gentlemen, at the request of the Commissioner, not expecting to say anything until this question of expense was raised in your body. I now only wish to say that I do not doubt that the Congress of the United States will, with great pleasure, make any appropriation that is necessary to defray the expense of pub- lishing the proceedings of this convention; and if this convention see proper to request that their proceedings be published, as chairman of the Committee on Agriculture in the Senate, I will take great pleasure in exerting my ability in advocating their publication. [Applause.] I would say, further, Mr. President, that I agree with the convention that our countr y is in ereat fault i in the attention it gives to this subject of agricultuse, and that this convention have it in their power to create a public sentiment which will call upon the Congress of the United States to make more liberal appropriations. Wiy, look at it. As Il understand, the agricultural products of this country for the last year were, in their value, greater than the national debt—very nearly $2,500,000,000. Of course, you are to deduct from that the expense of the production. And what is it to bein the future? Now there is about 20 per cent. of the whole area which is in farms, and only about 8 or 12 per cent. under cultivation. What are to be the interests of agriculture in the future? Itis the great interest in the country, whether we look at the national policy or the farmers, who have the independence and ability to control the na- tional policy of the country. It is first in the material interests of the country, and, | think we may say, in moral influence, for it is that class ot people, free from the temptations that surround city life, that exerts good influences. And I now tender myself ready, as the chairman of the Committee on Agriculture of the Senate, to co-operate with this con- vention, and with all who are interested in the farming interest of the United States, to induce Congress to do what ought to be done in this matter. [Applause.| Commissioner Warts. I now move that the Agricultural Department be instructed by this convention to prepare the proceedings of the con- vention, to make their report to the Congress of the United States, and ask that they be published. Mr. Linus. I move to amend by providing “ that we accept the offer made by Mr. Cornell.” I think that that would be much better. [‘No, no.” The PRESIDENT. The question is on the motion of Commissioner Watts Mr. THompson, I move to add that the thanks of this convention be tendered in the same resolution to Mr. Corneil for his generous offer. Commissioner WAtTrS. Whiie I would be very glad to pay any honor, and { feel very kindly for him, let the gentleman look for a moment to the attaching of it, to preface or conclude the resolution, by a comph- ment to any gentleman, and to take it up to Congress with this attached. Mr. Tuompson. I will withdraw it and offer it as a separate resolution. Mr. Dmenison. I wish to add an amendment “That the president of % 68 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. the convention and secretaries be associated in preparing the minutes of this convention.” ; Commissioner WATTS. The only difficulty is that those gentlemen are away. This cannot be done in a minute. Time is to be taken, and I do not see what good would come from it, as none of the gentlemen would be here to consult with us. Mr. CLARK, of Massachusetts. It may be very well, sir, for us to leave © the whole matter in the hands of this Department, but a single word which was dropped by the Commissioner leads me to doubt it. The Com- missioner has objected on the ground that this would not be agricultural information, but he says that the distribution of seeds, roots, and bulbs, as well as accounts of experiments, is agricultural information. And_ when the agricultural convention of this country come here as repre- sentatives from the different societies and embody their ideas in reports and resolutions, he says this is not agricultural information. Now, sir, I want the officers of this convention to go with the Commissioner in preparing the report. Mr. GREGORY. The Commissioner of Agriculture, with all deference, has already pronounced a part of the proceedings of this convention folly, ‘“‘of which he has washed his hands.” 1 do not see how the proceedings of this convention can be properly made up without the aid of the chairman and secretaries, who have had the minutes in - charge. The resolution was adopted. Mr. Ropison. I wish to introduce the following resolution : Resolved, That the thanks of this convention be tendered to Mr. Cornell, of Cornell University, for his generous offer to publish, through the students of the university, the proceedings of this convention free of cost. / Mr. CoRNELL. I beg the gentleman to withdraw it. The PRESIDENT. We are all very much obliged to Mr. Cornell, and have expressed it vociferously. Mr. ALLEN, of New York. He don’t need it. ‘ Mr. Rogison. I see that all great men shrink from notoriety. But. ‘it is due to ourselves, sir, as much as it is due to Mr. Cornell, and I hope that this resolution will pass. Adopted unanimously. The PRESIDENT. The question now is upon the adoption of* the report of the committee. The chair will read the resolution again and the amendment also. [Inserted above.|] Mr. SNopGRaAss. Let us understand now who are this business committee; if that committee is composed of five members or one from each State. [All the States are represented.”] Mr. Lines. I hope the amendment will not. be adopted, but that the resolution will be adopted as it stands. The committee will not correspond. A MEMBER. I move to insert “now” instead of “here.” Mr. ALLEN, of Connecticut. The committee have, in my judgment, arrived at the correct conclusion, and their report is precisely what we want. That amendment, it seems to me, would defeat the very, purpose of the resolution, and I think we ought not to pass it. The amendment of Mr. Swallow was lost, and the resolution adopted. MILITARY EDUCATION. ~ Mr. GreGory. I have the report of the committee to which was assigned the subject of military instruction in the colleges. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. _ 69 The committee to which was referred the subject of military education in agricultural colleges report the following: The military power of the ‘people is an object of national concern. However peaceful in temper or secure in position, no land is perma nently safe from the fearful visitation of war. No civilization, however ‘enlightened or however Christian, has yet been able to deliver any nation from the dread resort to arms, to defend its honor and its life. Certainly, our own nation is not yet permitted to give itself up to the dream of perpetual peace. It is, therefore, the dictate alike of Sagacious statesmanship and of a wise patriotism to maintain, in a state of healthful vigor and preparation, the military power and resources of the republic. In this view the following facts are important: 1. The old militia systems of the country have failed. They were _ cumbersome in operation, poor, if not useless, in results, and expensive to ame people. 2. The system of volunteer uniform companies has proved fatal and inadequate. Formed for mere purposes of good-fellowship and parade, these companies have, in most cases, been useless as schools of military art and have fallen into speedy decay. 3. Although it has been proved that our citizens quickly become ‘good soldiers when their country needs them, it has also been shown that they need, for their highest efficiency, intelligent and well-trained officers. To educate these officers on the field in the midst of actual war may be the quickest method, but it is at fearful risks and at a cost too frightful to contemplate. 4, The advancing experience of the age has decided that all arts resting on a scientific basis and largely involving scientific principles can only be well taught in scientific and technological schools, or, at least, by systematic educational methods. Military education is a fixed fact in all civilized countries. The old French armies owed their power to the educated soldiers who led them, and now Germany conquers France by the power of a still higher and better military education. West Point, whose establishment was urged by Washing- ton himself, inadequate as itis to the wants of so great a country as yours, has proved a great value to the nation, and has, therefore, been able successfully to resist all attempts for its overthrow. . A NATIONAL SYSTEM DEMANDED. From these facts we conclude that the time has come for the organi- zation of a wider and more adequate system of national military educa- tion. The conviction that we, as a nation, need something more than the single school at West Point is gaining a wide hold among the people. The law of Congress requiring the agricultural colleges and industrial universities to teach military tactics was both a confession of public need and an incipient effort to establish a national system of military schools. The wisdom of this effort no thoughtful statesman will deny. Our military power is, first of all, a national interest. When a hostile power compels the resort to arms, it is not allied armies of confederate States, but the Army and Navy of the nation that are summoned for. defense. To the outside world, and especially to its enemies, the repub- lic is one and indivisible. Hence, our military schools should have a national aspect and connection. But as our military powers also have State uses, and as our military schools ought to have a vital connection with State systems of educa- 70 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. tion, they should be in some sense State schools. The plan roughly involved in the congressional grant for colleges of agriculture and me- chanie arts admirably combines both elements, State and national. Perhaps our national law-makers ‘built wiser than they knew.” But it is evideut that something more is needed to give this plan full force and efficacy. The funds provided by the grant } are, In most cases, wholly insufficient for the sapport of a full course of military instruction, in addition to the other work required of these schools. The immense rail- road and other land grants made by Congress, just on the heel of the grants made for these colleges, as well as the narrow, if not illiberal, restrictions put upon the location of the college scrip, robbed the col- leges of more than half of the support they ought to have gained from the grants. Had the funds proved equal to what was justly expected by the States accepting them, they might have been ample for the work imposed ‘by the law of Congress ; but to meet that work will now, in almost every case, demand additional funds. Those funds will doubt- less be provided when the want is fully understood. A PLAN PROPOSED. 1. Let Congress give to every State that shall comply with the _pre- seribed conditions $15,000 annually, to aid in the maintenance of a col- - lege of military science, the conditions of this grant to be that any State accepting the grant shall furnish, as the military college, an insti- tution: first, having a capacity for the instruction of students, and an actual attendance of male students; secondly, furnishing instrue- tion in all branches of learning now provided at West Point, (military science to be included on receipt of grant;) thirdly, having a parade- ground ample for the evolutions of a battalion of infantry or a section of artillery, and a drill-hall sufficient for the drill of acompany ; fourthly, requiring all male students, unless excused for a just cause, to drill long enough to learn thoroughly the duties of the infantry soldier; and fifthly, affording free military education to all students applying for the same, under such teirtanian in regard to age and character as may be required. 2. The $15,000 shall be used in paying the salary of a professor of military tactics, who shall teach whatever pertains to the organization, subsistence, and management of armies in camp or field; a professor of military engineering, including ordnance, gunnery, &c.; an assistant professor, who shall be a competent drill-master and draughtsman; a band-master, who shall be competent to teach the college band, and an armorer, to be charged with the care of arms and drill-ball. The sur- plus, if any, may be used for the purchase of milftary equipment, mili- tary books, plans, models, and other apparatus of instruction. 3. The War Department shall appoint commissioners, who shall pre- scribe a course of military education for these military colleges, and also a higher course for West Point, which shall be made of higher grade, and shall receive a part of its students from the graduates of the mili- tary colleges. These commissioners shall also appoint annually exam- iners, W ho, with examiners appointed by the governor of the State, shall inspect the military colleges and examine the classes, selecting from each graduating class cadets, who shall enter the West Point school, with the same pay and emoluments as enjoyed by cadets of West Point. 4, The War Department shall furnish to the military colleges the necessary arms, accouterments, camp equipage, and ammunition to be used in the instruction of the classes and in the drill of all the students. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 71 ARGUMENTS FOR THIS PLAN. 1. It will greatly increase military education throughout the country. Three-fourths of the studies at West Point are such ; as are pursued at ihe good college. These colleges may easily take on the special mili- tary studies now taught at West Point; and so we may have in each State an institution equaling West Point in work and surpassing it in average numbers, while that institution might be advanced to occupy the eround of higher military instruction now wholly vacant in this soa ys It would afford to each State a body of trained military men, not yesastaven wholly from civil life, yet offering the means of the re: ady organization of its military power, not under foreign officers, but under those who would gratify rather than offend State pride. 3. It would be a vast national economy. The entire expense of these schools, one in each State, would be less than the cost of maintaining a single regiment; while, counting only an average of 240 cadets to each | college, it would give the country eight regiments of men, each of whom would be competent to become a drill-master at need, and would keep the whole country supplied with intelligent officers, 4, The time favors this movement. The late great war and the recent reduction in the list of army officers have left us lar ge numbers of edu- cated military teachers, who could at need fill these professorships. Olive in progress, the eraduates of the military colleges would supply all future demands for teachers. 5. Experience proves that the introduction of military education on a sufficiently large scale helps rather than hinders ordinary college work, aiding the discipline, affording healthful physical training, and promoting habits of personal neatness, order, and precision. The sum named is the least that can be relied on to induce the older institutions to make the effort, or to enable the new ones to do it successfully. Finally, unless Congress shall adopt some such system to supply the necessary aid for these inilitary colleges. or unless the States themselves grant this aid, the law requiring military instruction should be forthwith repealed. Mr. Cuiups. I move that the report be accepted. The report was accepted. Mr. MALLET, of Virginia. Is it contemplated by the report that new colleges should be established, or simply that the means of military in- struction in the agricultural college should be extended ? Mr. GREGORY. "To all new colleges established under the same law. Mr. MALLET. Is it true that the committee establish new societies? Mr. GreGcory. They contemplate establishing departments where they are already established. The PRESIDEN?. The chair is authorized to say that the report of the committee refers simply to the creation of military departments in the agricultural colleges. Mr. GREY. 1 move that the report be adopted. Mr. FIELDER. I desire to make a statement. The section from which Icome yields to no other section in the Union for the education of the females. I cannot vote for the report of the committee. I simply de- sire to state that it does not meet the sanction of my judgment. ‘There are facts and principles connected with the ideas of government that this whole plan violates, but I do not care to discuss the principles here. ‘ ae NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. Mr. Epmunps. I move to lay the resolution on the table. Lost, 29 to 30. : Mr. PURNELL, of Delaware. I do not wish to make a speech, but I am connected with a college which has been compelled as far as possible to comply with this act of Congress in regard to military instruction, and we have felt an inconvenience because we could not fully comply. . We have had drill and instruction twice a week, but we could not comply exactly with that act. But my reason is not that I am opposed to have any military education, but I would not like to give it so prominent a position. There is another reason that I have for opposing this report. I should think it would prejudice our action of yesterday if we go before Con- gress and ask an appropriation and then ask Congress to appropriate $12,000 or $15,000 a year; we will not get either. We must not be too greedy. I would modify the resolution so that the colleges should not be compelled to give this military instruction. And so I think we had better be a little more modest. Our college is struggling to establish itself under this appropriation of Congress under the act of 1862. Let us have the assistance to help us along, and let us keep that as a lead- ing point. Let us do one thing at atime. And let us vote to have this law so modified that the colleges will not be compelled to expend so much time on this military feature. Mr. WELCH, of Iowa. I do not propose to make a lengthy speech, but I wish to give my adhesion to the sentiment of that report. I think the convention ought to know, as evidently some few of the convention do not, what the law requires. It requires that every agricultural college that occupies the grant shall give military instruction. Now what are the practical difficulties? And so far as my acquaint- ance with the other agricultural colleges is concerned, the difficulties are identical in them all. In the first place, we have not been able to secure men generally who are capable of giving military instruction. LI say with the chairman, who reports the action of the committee on that thing, that if we cannot get additional help then it is evidently wisdom that the law should be abolished ; but I do not see that there is any want of harmony or any discrepancy in giving instruction in military science and agriculture. So far as the young men are concerned, in the institu- tion of which I have the honor to be president, certainly there is a wholesome public spirit with regard to it. Now, if the gentleman will take the ground that we do not need military instruction in this coun- try, that our past experience shows that we have military men enough, and too many, then certainly let us abolish this law, for it is now one of immense embarrassment. , Now, as the gentleman who made the report says, the expense in- volved in giving this additional aid for the purpose of teaching military science will not amount in the aggregate to the expense involved in sus- taining one single regiment. The passage of this proposed law in Con- gress or the aid given to these institutions will, of course, make the edu- cation better and give West Point not what it has now, but give it a high-school that shall stand related to the colleges as the university of the State stands related to the public schools. I'think I seein it a well- . considered and grand scheme tor giving instruction in this very import- ant branch. ar Mr. WILLIAMS, of Texas. I rise to oppose this resolution. The law of Congress has provided for military instruction, and I think our duty here as agriculturists is to confine ourselves to something which will increase the capacity and usefulness of those colleges in that particular NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 73 branch, for, as far as military instruction is concerned, I have only to say this, that it is a feature in the colleges which is not popular and does not fit a man to be a good agriculturist. I had the honor to bea graduate, and I do not know that the military education does not improve a man as an agriculturist, and therefore I think this report is judicious. Let us confine ourselves to getting an appropriation to enable our colleges to be better in the line of agricultural education. Mr. CLARK, of Massachusetts. I am a member of this committee, and consented yesterday, rather against my will, to sanction the report. It seems to me that if we will heartily indorse the resolution presented by the honorable Senator from Vermont, and stop there, we can get it. [ think Congress will give us two professors, which is giving to each col- lege $60,000 outright. If this convention will assist in the matter by adopting Senator Morrill’s resolution, Congress will give to us $60,000 in cash, to every one of these agricultural colleges, and when the time comes for asking more, let us ask for more and we shall get it, for this matter of military education is not a thing of little importance. Not*many years ago, as one of the commissioners of the State of Massachusetts to organize a military academy, we visited West Point and the Naval Academy and learned what we could from Europe, and made a report to the legislature. Having been called to preside over that institution, I immediately set myself to work to establish a military branch which should be a useful part in the agricultural college; and I am not afraid to say here that that department in the Massachusetts college has been both popular and successtul. We started upon the idea that what was worth doing was worth doing well. I organized the military department of the college precisely as I organized the chem- ical laboratory for the chemical department, and a drill-hall 150 feet long, where our students can drill for the military. Then we said we will have the best of weapons—not wooden guns. And, sir, we have sabers and breech-loading rifles, and the Government will furnish them to every agricultural college that will give bonds and use them as they ought. And we want a good man to take charge of that department; not a wooden man, and he is a member of this convention to-day. Now, sir, what was the result? We organized our companies, the State fur- nished us with uniforms and with flags, and all the people were proud of the agricultural cadets, and at our last commencement the battalion was reviewed by the governor and State officers and they were proud of them. Sir, they were able, every one of those twenty-seven who grad- uated was able to step out and take command of that battalion and put them through all the ordinary evolutions. .And those young men to-day are more capable of acting as‘oflicers than military officers generally. I was sent, after I had enlisted, and put under a Massachusetts major general instead of a colonel, and the first thing he said to me was, “The first thing 1 want to know about a man is what he knows.” Said I, “Tf do not know much, but I can learn if I have a good teacher.” Well, that man did not know enough to get that regiment out of the camp into the cars. It was his boast, sir, that he had been a sergeant, lieu- | tenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel, colonel, brigadier general, and major general, but from the day of his appointment he was major general of militia. He very carefully dodged all drill of the regiment after we goton the fighting-ground. [‘No, no.”| Well, sir, I believe that he was not fit to command ‘an army to defend what little corn and pota- toes we have in Massachusetts, and he was generally detailed for such purposes. Mr. Mori, the Japanese minister, when he went up to the 74 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. college and saw the cadets drill, exclaimed, “ Ah, that will teach the people to feed themselves and defend themselves.” \ Let us have an efficient corps of officers. I know that our old militia system to-day costs us $200,000 a year, when we think it is a very big thing to pay $20,000 a year to the agricultural colleges. We have one hundred and thirty students in our college, and if ever we have occa- sion to fight we will furnish men who can organize an army and take it into the field and use it better than the militia officers under whom we went to the war. Now, then, sir, in regard to my feelings on this motion before the house, IT beg to disseut from the action which I confess I submitted to yester- day. I felt thatit wasasking too much. I felt that, with the law stand- ing as it does, Congress could not refuse us the gift ‘of, an officer. And, as I said to Secretar y Belknap, ‘“‘ We want an experienced officer.” «:Q,7 he says, “ we cannot give you your pick, we can give you one of the new men.” I told him I didn’t make my wagon- wheels of that stuff. Well, says he, “* We want the good stuff in the Army.” Well, "there is a fort, Fort Adams, at Newport, and a very safe place it is, too ; and there are eight or ten graduates of West Point roosting on that artillery there; and I hope the enemy won’t attack them. I ask the Secretary of War to give us an experienced soldier. ‘ We cannot give you an old officer; he is gone out of work ifhe goes to you.” “I will see that he has four bours of .bhard work every day, and I will develop him better than in any other place.” Now, sir, Senator Morrill is a good leader, he is the father of the original bill; at least, he was the champion of the bill in the bouse. Why, sir, Senator Morrill was at our com- mencement, and he was delighted to see the success, and I feel like tak- ing my hat off and thanking him, and I think we all owe it to him. The PRESIDENT. The question is on the motion of Professor Grey, of Kansas, that the report be adopted. Mr. TayLor. I move that the resolution be laid upon the table. Mr. Dentson, of Kansas. I infer from the information conveyed by President Clark that the preposition on the part of Senator Morrill is that the agricultural colleges shall receive from the Government their arms and equipments, a sufficient amount for all that the college needs. Am I right? Mr. CLARK, of Massachusetts. Yes, sir. Mr. DENISON. And that these agricultural colleges shall receive, through appointment from the Government, two proféssors. Am I- right? Mr. CLARK. I so understand it. Mr. Dentson. Then I regret, Mr. President, that the chairman did not have this information before the report was made. Mr. GREGORY, of Illinois. The action of the War Department has been to withdraw the pay of the retired officers who were acting in the military academies, and before that action took place they withdrew all the allowances of the officers put on detail service, so that we found that, if we were to receive a detail officer to teach military tacties, it would cost us just as much as to go and select our own man. I want to say a word upon this subject to the agriculturists, of whom I am one, for I recognize no difference. I doubt whether many more of them ,work a bigger tarm than I do or in any more practical way. The au- thorities at Chicago, during the late fire there, telegraphed to the Indus- trial University to send every man there. We had muskets for only one hundred and fifty, and, after doing service there, they received the high recommendations of General Sheridan. These agricultural colleges are NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SONVENTION. 15 ready to feed the country and to defend it, and the great agricultural schools must do both these things. The State legislature last year gave us $25,000 to erect a drill-hall, sixty by one hundred and twenty feet. And, at this hour, there is a bill pending before the legislature of Illinois, introduced by a farmer—a general also—a member of the House, that the colleges shall give military education. Mr. WELCH. Does this education injure the college by keeping pupils away ? Mr. GreGcory. Nota bit. Military education has not turned away a single student. Now, Mr: President, I move that the resolution pre- sented by Senator Morrill be referred to a special committee. The PRESIDEN®?. The first question is upon the motion of Mr. Grey, of Kansas, that the report of the committee be adopted. Mr. Burns. I move that this subject be made a special order for Monday next, at 11 o’clock. Mr. Kine. I move to recommit it. Mr. Burns. My object was only to make it a special order, so that it might become very well known. Ido not know whether it includes females or not. The PRESIDENT. You have finished action upon the resolution of Sen- ator Morrill. It was referred to the committee appointed to present the resolutions to Congress. Mr. MALLE?, of Virginia. Ido not wish to address the convention, but to suggest a single point. The condition of things in the different States varies covsiderably. In the State which I have the honor to represent here there is at present a thorough and efficient military academy, founded on the same principles as at West Point, and con- ducted in a thoroughly efficient way. It would seem, therefore, very undesirable that it should be rendered compulsory in the agricultural colleges to establish the necessity of compelling the colleges to give military education. It is compulsory at present, and I am disposed to favor the alternative suggestion that, if the suggestion for increased means for military education be not found tenable, the law as it at pres- ent stands, requiring the educational colleges to give instruction also in military tactics, be repealed. It seems to me agriculture is one entire and distinet branch. Military education, of course, has its importance, and that is very great. They are two of the most distinct branches. In human life you may bring together two distinct branches as you may—any two distinct branches under one head—but they have no connection. Mr. SnopGRASS. I would like to offer a resolution which really expresses that which has been expressed, including the speech made by the last gentleman, the sentiments of which 1 concur in. It is that this convention ask Congress to repeal the law requiring agricultural colleges to teach military tactics. Mr. Lines. I believe that the resolution introduced by Senator Morrill covers the whole ground, and therefore, for the purpose of concluding the matter, | move that the report be laid upon the table. The PRESIDENT. Senator Morrill’s resolution has beén passed upon by the convention. Mr. Kine. We passed upon this whole matter prior to the report of the committee in the shape of asking the War Department to give a teacher to each of the colleges. The report of the military committee was laid upon the table—39 to 24, 76 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. Mr. EpmuNpDs. Mr. President, we have been here now for two days, and have passed several resolutions asking Congress to make an appro- priation for seeds, another for the benefit of *this Department and meteorological observations, and now we want certain reports to be distributed among the people, by which we may know from time to time whether to hold our crops or to put them upon the market. Ihave some resolutions here which I wish to introduce: Resolved, That; in the judgment of this convention, the purchase and distribution of seeds, plants, roots, &c., that are not new, and are not known or supposed to have a distinctive and especial economic value warranting their introduction, should be dis- continued by the Department of Agriculture. ' Resolved, That Congress be respectfully requested to make provision for the prepara- tion and gathering of statistics, to be published in the monthly reports of the Commis- sioner of Agriculture, which will correctly show the true condition and prospects of crops in the several counties of the United States. Resolved, That Congress be urgently requested so to increase the salary of the Com- missioner of Agriculture as to elevate the Department to its proper position in the General Government. Now, it seems to me that this strikes the whole question. It elevates this Department to its proper position, and makes out what they are to do. I do not know but that the legislation already had is sufficient for the second resolution, but I do know that the reports that we get do not show to ns the true condition of the crops throughout the country. And if the legislation already provided is not sufficient to enable the Commissioner to gather the information of the condition of the crops and send it broadcast over the land, so that the man who has his crops may be prepared for himself to judge whether he should send them into the market or trust to the middle-men, then we want addi- tional legislation. IJ ask that these resolutions be considered separately. The convention refused to consider them separately —22 to 16. Mr. WILLIAMS. I move that the resolutions be laid upon the table. Carried—45 to 40. Mr. BeckwitnH, of Michigan. I move the following resolutions: Resolved, That the Department of Agriculture may be an efficient instrament for the dissemination of valuable seeds and plants grown in one country or section of country * to another, where they are most grown, or where a change of seed is required. Resolved,. That in the selection and distribution.of seeds and plants the utmost care should be exercised, so that only the best of best varieties should be sent into those sections of the country.for experiment which are best adapted for their successful growth. Resolved, That the Department be requested to procure oats, barley, wheat, and rye from Nova Scotia and the provinces of Quebec and Toronto, for distribution in this country where these crops are cultivated. Resolved, That the Department be requested to procure tobacco-seed from the valley of the Connecticut for distribution in Illinois, lowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska, and such other States as have begun the cultivation of that crop. Resvlved, That it be requested to distribute in New England, and such other places as it may seem desirable, samples of the Treadwell and Dihl winter wheats grown in Michigan, and of the best spring wheats grown in Nebraska. Mr. Burns. I move that the resolutions be laid upon the table. Carried. The PRESIDENT. The chair would announce the following: COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SOCIETY. Messrs. Beckwith, Michigan; Robison, Ohio; Clark, Vermont; King, New York! General Hampton, South Carolina; General Halstead, New Jersey. Governor PATTON. I desire respectfully to submit to the convention whether or not it would not be better to have a recess now of one hour, NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 17 and let the committee report and then have a session of three hours thereafter. We could have a session of three hours this afternoon. We could adjourn before the cars leave the city in every direction, for I desire the convention to separate.in a body. We can do the business before us in three hours. Mx. ALLEN, of Connecticut. It becomes imperatively necessary for us to fix the time of final adjournment now, and I therefore move that, when this convention adjourn, it adjourns at 5 o’clock to-day. Mr. Burns. I move to insert ‘3 o’clock on Monday.” Lost. The PRESIDENT. The question is to adjourn at 5 o’clock to-day. Carried. Mr. CLARK. I desire to add to the committee on the formation of a national society General Wade Hampton, of South Carolina. Carried. [Inserted ih the list.] Mr. G1inMAN, of New Hampshire. I desire to make a motion, that, if Congress see fit to publish the proceedings of this convention, ten copies be sent to each member of the convention for distribution in the several States to which they belong. Mr. WHEELER. I move to amend by inserting one hundred instead of ten. Carried. The resolution as amended was adopted. Mr. Rem. As we have agreed, sir, to adjourn this convention at 5 o’clock, [ move an adjournment until 3 o'clock. Lost. The PRESIDENT. Mr. Snodgrass offers the following resolution. [in- serted above. | Mr. CLARK, of Massachusetts. I move to add: “That the thanks of this convention be tendered to Senator Morrill for his aid to agriculture and agricultural education.” Carried. Mr. Kine. I move to add the name of Senator Frelinghuysen also. Carried. The resolution as amended was adopted. Mr. CLAGHORN. I move to take a recess for half an hour. Carried. RECESS. The convention then took a recess for half an hour RE-ASSEMBLING. The PRESIDENT. The convention will come to order. The chair is desirous of securing what he has endeavored to secure in various stages of the convention, ‘and it will not take many minutes to do it, and that is the post-office addre ess of the various delegates. [The president then called the list of delegates, and inserted the post- office addresses as far as possible. | General HALSTEAD. I offer the following resolution with great pleasure : Resolved, That Congress be petitioned by this convention to increase the salary of the Commissioner of ‘Agriculture to $6,000 per annum. Carried—35 to 5. , Mr. WHEELER. I desire now to take from the table the resolution 78 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. [Mr. Beckwith’s, which is inserted before in the proceedings] which was laid on the table, in relation to the distribution of seeds. Carried. The PRESIDENT. It is with relation to the distribution of seeds, and calling upon the Commissioner to select proper places and to distribute the seeds. Mr. Beckwiru. It is the only resolutign that bas been presented here that is strictly agricultural, is the reason why it has been voted down. [Laughter.| The tobacco I put in at the special request of some half a dozen of the best agricultarists that attend this convention, and since it has been tabled it has been called up to see whether it would pass. st . Mr. Bowman. I have just had a conference with the Commissioner, and he tells me that that is the great want of the people, and it is about the only appropriation he asks for. Mr. MAYNARD. I wish to give a few words of testimony, if I under- stand the resolution correctly. I understand that it relates to the dis- semination of seeds through the Department of Agriculture. I have been connected with the House of Representatives of the United States for many years, and have had the distribution of seeds through the Department officially to some extent, and I tind every year that the . call for them has not only increased in numbers, but increased, if I may use the expression, in intelligence. Men desire them to introduce new crops into the country; and those calls do not come from those “in cloth,” but from men who handle the plow, the tillers of the soil, and I have thought it proper on every Suitable occasion to recommend these appropriations. é The PRESIDENT. The resolution simply urges an additional distribu- tion of the seeds. The resolution was adopted. THANKS ‘ Mr. WHEELER. I move the following resolutions: Resolved, That we recognize the wisdom of the honorable Commissioner of Agricul- ture in calling this the first national convention ever held in this country. Resolved, That our thanks be tendered to Dr. Loring, of Massachusetts, for his able “and dignified performance of the duties of president of this convention ; also, to R. F. Johnston, esq., of Michigan, secretary of the convention, and his assistants; also to the newspaper press of Washington City, especially The Patriot, whose semi-official reports have given to the country the ouly early aud reliable details of the proceed- ings of the convention, Mr. Burns. I desire to offer the following resolutions: Resolved, That the thanks of this convention are tendered the president and secre- taries for the kind and attentive manner in which they have performed the duties of their respective positions. Resolved further, That they continue the officers of this the National Agricultural Association until a re-election of officers at the next annual convention. The PRESIDENT. The chair would state that he intends to resign his position after the dissolving of this convention. Mr. Rogison. Mr. President, 1 think that resolution is inconsistent, irrational, if not to say weak. The resolution was lost. . Mr. Everts, of Montana. I offer the following: Resolved, That the thanks of this convention are justly due to the honorable Com- missioner of Agriculture for his earnest efforts in promoting the objects for which we have met; that we sympathize with him in the fact that there is no appropriation which he can use to carry out the objects of this convention; that our thanks are due NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 9 and are hereby tendered to him for his courtesy and kindness to the members of this convention. Mr. Burns. I move to lay the resolution on the table. Lost. — : The resolution was then adopted. Mr. McKnieut, of Utah. J wish to offer a resolution. Resolved, That the title of the act of July 2, 1862, evinces the intention of Congress to have ineluded the Territories within its provisions, but the text of the act does not embrace them; that, therefore, it is the desire of this convention that an act of Con- gress be passed declaratory of its intention that the Territories of the Union, as they are or may be organized, be embraced in the provisions of the said act. The PRESIDENT. Is that the college act? Mr. McKnieut. Yes, sir. Mr. SnopGRAss. We have a Territory in the District of Columbia, and so we never can become a State. That is the first fact, and we are now hoping to have in this District a college of the same kind, towards which we have taken some steps. I think our status is fixed, but there - is no harm in anticipating. Mr. WHEELER. To satisfy their case they may have another resolu- tion. In the case of the territorial officers the carpet-baggers get all the money. I have been ten years under those feliows. I therefore move to lay the resolution on the table. Lost—12 to 30. Mr. CHANNING, of Rhode Island. I desire to offer a resolution. Jicsolved, That this convention recognizes the importance of the microscopical investi- gation into the fungoid diseases of plants, which has been inaugurated by the Depart- ment of Agriculture, and trusts that this important branch of microscopical research -will hereafter receive the attention and encouragement which it deserves. Ii there were time I should say a few words on the matter. There have been some very important results, as I regard them, as obtained here in this past year. Adopted unanimously. Mr. CoRNELL. Knowing the anxiety that the colleges feel on the sub- ject of their present situation in regard to military instruction, [ think it would be wise to strengthen the hands of the sub-committee of six that we have appointed, and I therefore move that we take from the table the report of the committee on that subject and reter it to a com- mittee of Six. o Carried. Mr. McKnieur. I beg leave to offer this resolution: Resolved, That as a courtesy, and in accordance with his request, Hon. Mr. Cornel be furnished an oflicial copy of the proceedings of this convention. -Carried. Mr. LirTLE, of Mississippi. I have a resolution that I desire to offer: Tesolved, That this convention petition the Congress of the United States to repeal so much of the act of Congress of 1862 in regard td agricultural colleges as requires them to give instruction in military tactics. Mr. Twomsty. I move that that be referred to the committee of six on appropriations. Carried. Mr. SWALLOW. There are two members from the Territories of Utah and Montana, Messrs. McKnight and Everts, and I desire that they be added to the committee on the preservation of timber. Carried. PATENTS, General HaustTEaD. I offer the following resolution for the want of 80 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. having a collection of the different mechanical implements. There has been no collection of them so that we can see them and understand their workings: | ata Resolved, That the committee appointed to confer with the Agricultural and Appro- priation Committees of Congress be requested to recommend to Congress that the establishment of a museum of working models of all agricultural implements and machinery that have been or shall be patented would be for the benefit and instruction of all agriculturists visiting the Agricultural Department, said museum to be under the control of the Commissioner of Agriculture and be erected on the grounds of that institution. — : I would have it that the patent-law require that the inventors should send a working model, and you will find it will be of very great service to the farmers of the land. - Mr. MAYNARD. How large a building would be necessary? [Laughter.] General HALSTEAD. Well, sir, we would nrake a shed one story high. Mr. Kine, of the District of Columbia. I would also ask the gentleman how would he draw a distinction between agricultural and the mechan- ical sciences. Mr. Epmunps. The implements exhibited at the annual Illinois State fair would cover more than half of these grounds, and to take the im- plements of this whole nation, you would have to shed the whole ground and make it three or four deep. Mr. SNopGRASS. This will require the poor man to furnish a working model. and I wish to make it a request, not obligatory. Mr. WitLtams. I move that that be laid upon the table. Carried. THE CONVENTION. Governor Patron. I suppose the business of the convention is about completed. 1 have a resolution of thanks to the president of the con- vention for the manner in which he has discharged his duties, but another gentleman has offered it, which answers the purpose." Now, the moment has come when we are to separate. I think it will be proper for the convention to designate a time to meet, that when we go home we can say that this convention was a success, and that, as evidence of that success, in the opinion of every delegate, the convention determined to re-assemble regularly every year, as contemplated by the report made by the gentleman fom Georgia. Now, Mr. President, if we can deter- mine upon a day to meet again, it would be exceedingly agreeable to all. I have attended in the course of my life many commercial conven- tions, political conventions, and many State conventions. I was in the senate for a great many years in Alabama, and I can say with truth I have never registered my name in a convention that ended with more satisfaction to myself than the agricultural convention which is now about to adjourn. [Applause.] I have never participated, either directly or indirectly, in the discussions of a deliberate body where there has been more harmony and good feeling than there has been in this con- vention, due, in a great measure, to the president, who has so faithfully and patiently discharged his duty. [Applause.] I believe, Mr. Presi- dent, that it is the beginning of good things; that we are now beginning a system, or, rather, the meetings of agricultural conventions, that are going to result.in good. Sir, when I look over this convention I find inany, like myself, with grey hairs, the evidence of having spent a life- time, yet I feel young, although I am older than many gentlemen around and about me, [laying his hand on the head of Mr. Allen of New York, who said, “Yes, that is so”—laughter] for even now we have to work yet and do the work of a man. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 81 When you goto Alabama, and when you go to the great State of the Union, New York, let us all go home and tell the people in deliberative assemblies, in county meetings, tell them that we must work up. The great work of life is before us, and one of the great interests is agricul- ture. And, without making remarks that I might make at the last hour and moment of the session, I say to this assembly of intelligent, worthy men—equal to Congress or any other body—I say to them, my friends and my tellow-countrymen, let us live together as brothers, let us work together as brothers, and when we, in the course of human events, shall have finished our work, let us be prepared to enter into that rest which is prepared for the faithful of God. [Amen.] THE NEXT CONVENTION. Mr. ALLEN, of Maine. | make a motion that the next convention of Sale be held in this city on the second’ Wednesday of February, 1873 Mr. Twomsry. I would prefer the second Wiednenday of January, as it would be too near the 4th of March. Mr. Rosison. I wish him to modify it. Our institution is not a State institution, chartered by the State, and therefore we would not be enti- tled to admission. The PRESIDENT. All that has been provided for by a resolution. Mr. Ropison. Let it be read. [The resolution was read as printed above.] ‘ Other agricultural associations ;” yes, that takes usin. Our institution is the Northern Ohio. It embr aces, perhaps, some twenty counties, and, as far as its proportion and execution are concerned, we challenge any of the State institutions anywhere. [‘ It is a great thing.” Laughter.]| Our receipts last year were $42,000; beat that if you can. Mr. DENISON. Some of us come a long distance. I do not think it will be essential to the suecess of the convention that Congress should be in session. I do not know but that will discommode and disconcert some who would like to be here, and who would like to be members of the convention. I think the 25th of February would be better, and, if they choose, they can stay to the inauguration of the President after they have finished their business. The PRESIDENT. Will you allow the suggestion, has this present day been inconvenient to anybody? Does the second Wednesday interfere ? Mr. CoRNELL. That interferes With the New York State Agricultural Society. Mr. Drentson. Make it on Thursday instead of Wednesday. [‘ No, that is too late in the week.”| Mr. BURNS, of Alabama. We are planting corn down in my section now, and it is the time we planters want to be at home, and ought to be there. ° Mr. WHEELER. I move to make it the third Wednesday of February. Carried. Mr. SAFFoRD, of Vermont. I move to make it 1874 instead of 1873. Lost. The resolution, as eiaaeil! was adopted. Mr. Lives. The call that was proposed is for the representatives from the agricultural colleges and societies and horticultural societies, and [ think, Mr. Pr esident, that unless some way can be provicted that agriculture and horticulture can receive more attention it will attract very few members. When they come to see the proceedings of this convention and discover but a single resolution pertaining to practical S. Mis. 164——6 82 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. agriculture, I think they will naturally raise the question, “‘ What busi- ness have we here ?” Now there has been one resolution, which I submitted myself, that some expression should be made on the part of the convention, and that was calling tae attention of farmers to the planting of trees, and that has been buried. The PRESIDENT. The chair would state that that resolution was re- ferred to one of the best committees that I could make, and from whom I expect a careful and elaborate report. Mr. LINES. Not the resolution of mine; mine was a resolution of advice to farmers. Mine was calling the especial attention of individual farmers, not for shade, but by the hundreds of acres.. Yet it has been one of the most gratifying conventions I have ever attended in my life, and I have been to a good many, and particularly so because there are persons here from every part of the country. And now we look in one another’s faces and see ourselves reflected. I wish to have it continued, but I wish to have it more useful, not to be confined to colleges particularly, although I am particularly interested in colleges, and I want them to be splendid. Mr. SWALLOW. I wish to make one suggestion, Mr. President; the , resolutions we have passed call upon three societies where it does one college. You have the privilege of sending up six where we have but two; and if you cannot take care of the interests I think you ought to be beaten. Mr. ALLEN, of New York. You have neglected as meritorious gentle- men as. any, gentlemen connected with this department. I allude to the statistician, Mr. Dodge, and the entomologist, Mr. Glover. They are working here for a mere pittance, and I wish to give them what they deserve, including Mr. Saunders, the superintendent of the gardens. I move, therefore, that the compensation of these three gentlemen, Messrs. Saunders, Glover, and Dodge, be increased in proportion to the increase recommended by the convention in regard to the salary of the Commis- sioner; that is, from $2,000 per annuin to $4,000. The resolution was seconded. Mr. J. H, Kine, of District of Columbia. I will give the name of Pro- fessor Taylor, the microscopist, also. The resolution was adopted. CLOSING ADDRESS OF DR. LORING. . The PRESIDENT. I feel under personal obligations to the gentlemen of the convention for the courtesy and kindness which they have manifested toward me through all its deliberations. The convention has been to me one of extreme interest, manifesting, as it has, the desire to elevate both the scientific and the practical inter- ests of the country. In the opening speech which I had the honor to make to the convention, I took especial pains to place practical agriculture in the front rank, as the real foundation of all scientific investigation. [Good.| For myself, the interest I have in the occupation is that of a practical farmer and observer. From that rank I have never proposed to raise myself. And working as I have, year after year, in Massachu- setts, with such men as Agassiz, who never accepts a scientific principle until the facts upon which he bases it are provided by the practical farmers themselves, and who represents in that respect the highest and wisest sense of what all true science is—working, as I have done, in that capacity, I have learned to value more and more the facts that have NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. 83 been brought in detail from the farms themselves, and have, therefore, been disposed to place practical agriculture at the foundation of all ad. vancement in farming. And I therefore join hands with the advocates of agricultural colleges, while I admire the manner in which the prac- tical farmers here have presented their claims en this occasion. Now, gentlemen, I think in the call extended to us, a specific object was laid down, and I do not think this convention traveled out of its record, or wandered one step from its object when it undertook to deal with education and to appeal to Congress to stand by it in that appeal. [ Applause. | As the presiding officer of this convention, I desire to say, in behalf of those educational gentlemen to whom I have listened with so much pleasure, that I do not accept the compliment paid to them when they were told that the dignified and proper debate upon such a question as practical education constituted the “folly” of this convention. [Ap- plause.| And I say this with the most profound respect, too, for all those who joined us and for all who have the agricultural interests of this country in their hands. I say it because I think it is just to those who came here to accomplish one of the most important objects of the convention. And I am sure it ought not to go upon record’that hostil- ity to this object was the opinion of any man holding a seat in this con- vention. [Applause.] fam sure there is no one in this room who will not agree with me in that respect. [Good. | I have never before taken part in any assembly in which the different interests of the country were better represented from nearly every State in the Union, in which [ thought all gentlemen had a right to go away with so much respect for each other's opinions and for each other’s pur- suits as this. If the practical farmers of this country, sitting in this convention, have not learned to respect the ardor of the scientific gen- tlemen, and if, on the other hand, the scientific’ gentlemen have not learned to respect the enthusiasm and practical common sense of the farmers, [ am sure it is impossible for me to tell what convention could bring about such a fortunate result. I am confident you must all depart feeling under personal obligations to the Commissioner of Agriculture, who was kind enough to call you here, and for the accommodations provided for us. I am sure you must all go away from here with stronger motives, and that you can assure yourselve es that, from this moment, agriculture has received a new impetus in this country [applause] and an interest that will not only be a profit tothe farmer himself, but will increase .the respect for him in the community. I have a suggestion to make with all deference. I think it might be well for a committee of three or five to be appointed to confer with the Commissioner of Agriculture in regard to calling the next convention in the city of Washington. For when you remember that you have been called here by his courtesy alone, that you are not a permanently organized body, and that this organization, if continued at all, must be continued by the aid of the Commissioner, it does seem to me courteous and proper that such a committee should be appointed. IT again extend my thanks to you for the kindness and consideration which you have shown me during the sessions of this convention, and _ beg you to carry with you my warinest wishes for your welfare and pros- perity and the continued power and success of the interest which you represent. [Applause. | Mr. Twomsuy. The motion was made yesterday that a committee of five be appointed, and the Commissioner of Agriculture was the chair- 84 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION. man. It was passed, however, requesting the Gomimissioner of Agricul- ture to make the call. I move that a committee of five be appointed. Mr. Curbs. I would suggest that the president of this convention be the chairman of the committee. The resolution, as amended, was adopted. The PRESIDENT. The chair would appoint on the committee Messrs. Twombly, Wisconsin; Governor Smyth, New Hampshire; Clark, Massa- chusetts; Cornell, New York. ADJOURNMENT. Mr. WHEELER. I move that the convention do now adjourn. Agreed to. ‘And (at 5 o’clock p. m.) the convention adjourned to meet the third Wednesday of February, 1873. Pi wil = be Pd Sa < ai « Bes San was cc ré CCR AES SS SS EER LEE OK EEK = 5 Ee” Cec so KET x Ce Cc at GEE eK ei Cc K sf Se aC a as OCG OE | 4 4 COC CEs, COE Gem FH CC GEES |S ECO c OS eG ECC CS EE EEE ECL € a ae a GE GE EC Ree ES ECC - re i ond Ge me. 4 CO CCC EH eeate cx om. OK, (a (ee < ete Wie MECC Pate, COCCE ( COE CC CEC CE, | CEE ECEC CEH! CGC ECOG KE CRAG ES GEAR, EC GE = Cr (