666 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



POSTAL SAVINGS BANKS. 



Among the reforms now being advocated in the interest of the mass 

 of people, is the establishment by the government of a system of postal 

 saving banks. Absolute safety and convenience to the people, thus en- 

 couraging thrift, and bringing large amounts of money into circulation, 

 now hidden, because of distrust in ordinary monetary institutions, are 

 the arguments made in its favor. Postmaster General James A. Garey 

 advocates the system. The national Grange unanimously indorsed it. 

 It is here presented for consideration, so that an expression thereon by 

 the Grange may follow. 



GOOD ROADS. 



The question of good roads is far from settled and will continue to 

 interest the people until some improved changes are made. 



The conditions of the country roads so directly affect the results of 

 farming that it becomes a very important question. It would be well if 

 Granges take steps to inform their members on this coming question, 

 to the end that they will be able to consider and act wisely in the line of 

 their best interests, instead of complainingly looking on while others fix 

 some new regulations upon them in accordance with some untried theory 

 and regardless of the cost to those who must pay the bills. Our road 

 system is faulty, now that the country is so much improved, but it should 

 be perfected by those directly interested in the expense and business use 

 of the roads. 



RAILROAD PASSENGER RATES. 



Many changes in old established methods and regulations are being 

 made from time to time in answer to the requests of different interests 

 and persons, and it behooves farmers to keep close watch to prevent the 

 adoption of laws, local and state, that will give special advantages to the 

 few at the expense of the many. In this connection, the attention of this 

 body is called to the question of railroad passenger rates through mileage 

 books and other special provisions. Concession through these methods 

 are made, in the main, to the benefit of the constant traveler, and are 

 not available or practical for the use of the occasional traveler, and who 

 does not make repeated trips over the same territory. Mileage regula- 

 tions may operate as a barrier to prevent general lower rates for the 

 benefit of the public and may thus assist in establishing an unjust dis- 

 crimination against a class of people who Jiave contributed and sacrificed 

 more for railroad building than all others, and who now furnish by far 

 greater part of the business to maintain the roads in operation. 



In view of a possible unfair adjustment of the question of railroad pas- 

 senger fares, the earnest consideration of this body is called to consider 

 whether or not it will be wise for the farmers of the state to unite in a 

 memorial to the next legislature, asking the establishment of a general 

 two cent per mile railroad passenger rate. This rate prevails over the 

 eastern states, and it is not probable that the "Star of Empire" in this 

 case will move on to the west very rapidly unless our people act to ac- 

 celerate its movement. 



