324 ANNUAL REPORT OP THE Off. Doc. 



economics." Realizing fully that the reflections in this topic will by 

 a few be regarded as emanating from an obstructionist and fault 

 finder, the facts are unchallengeable with which the general public 

 will agree, especially practical farmers. 



Agriculture is a gamble and superlative industry reflected in all 

 lines of business, in stock exchanges and financial centers. While 

 the world stands in awe at the destruction of life and property in 

 Europe, the hand of charity is extended to the suffering, at the same 

 time a class of unchristian and uncharitable few are beginning to 

 speculate in business on the future and even present demands, hoping 

 to profit from the most cruel, unholy and uncalled for war in the 

 history of the world. It is hardly to be expected that impoverished 

 countries and dead people will be good customers: 



• 



''May every year but bring more near 



The time when strife shall cease. 

 When truth and love, all hearts shall move, 



To live in joy and peace. 

 Nor sorrow reigns and earth complains. 



For folly still her power maintains; 

 But the day shall yet appear, 



When the might with the right and truth shall be; 

 And come what may, to stand in the way. 



That dav the world shall see." 



REPORT OF ECONOMIC GEOLOGIST 



By BAIRD HALBERSTADT 



A perusal of the excellent inaugural addess of Governor Brum- 

 baugh, upon assuming the reins of government, indicates very plainly 

 that a complete reorganization of the several departments of the 

 State has become a necessity, and that it is his desire that such re- 

 organizations take place without unnecessary delay, so that a better 

 conduct of the business affairs of the Commonwealth may be in- 

 stituted promptly. It is his further desire, that for every dollar 

 appropriated by the State, its citizens shall receive a full dollar's 

 worth. That this change will involve the State Board of Agriculture 

 is quite probable, but to what extent and in what direction the change 

 will be carried out can as yet only be surmised. It is patent, how- 

 ever, that the new Executive desires the elimination of all orna- 

 mental or useless ofllcials in all departments, and that the money 

 hereafter to be appropriated shall be used to the very best advantage 

 or as he has aptly said in his reference to ''Our Farms:" "The 

 funds for the advancement of our agricultural interests ought to ex- 

 press themselves much more largely in wheat, corn and potatoes and 

 less in clerical and other forms of routine service. Let us legislate 



