1920] EDITORIAL. 607 



food materials and tho maintenance of sanitary conditions at a hi^h 

 standard in the establishments where they are prepared. 



Other measures whicli may be mentioned in this connection are 

 the Insecticide and Fungicide Act, intended to suppress interstate 

 commerce in adulterated and mishranded materials; the act of 1905 

 for the suppression of contagious diseases of live stock through 

 quarantine measures; the Plant Quarantine x\ct to prevent the im- 

 portation of nursery stock infested with injurious insects or plant 

 diseases, and combat the spread of insects and diseases from one State 

 to another; and the Lacey Act, regulating the importation of de- 

 tructive animals and controlling conmierce between the States in game 

 killed in violation of State laws. These and other regulatory meas- 

 ures greatly increased the duties and the responsibilities of the De- 

 partment, and further extended its activities throughout the country. 



The Commission on Country Life, while not a direct outgrowth of 

 Secretary Wilson's suggestion, received his hearty support and co- 

 operation, for he believed the problems of the farm and of country 

 living were fundamental and that the attempt to secure a closer in- 

 sight into the situation was an important step. He appreciated the 

 benefits which had resulted from the propaganda and the stimulation 

 of thought it aroused in this new direction. 



The above are some of the changes which occurred, the measures 

 inaugurated, and the things accomplished in this remarkable period. 

 While far from a complete review it will serve to show the scope 

 and the magnitude of development of the national Department of 

 Agriculture under wise, progressive leadership. Probably no exec- 

 utive ever gave himself more thoroughly and whole heartedly to 

 the task before him. He took the deepest interest and pride in the 

 activities of the Department and in its growth and influence. He un- 

 derstood the farming people and how to serve them. He looked upon 

 the whole Nation as his field, and his interest w^as confined to no sec- 

 tion and to no particular branch of the industry. It was said of him 

 on the floor of Congress that " Secretary Wilson has never known 

 party or sectional lines," and some of his most ardent support and 

 commendation came from those of opposite political faith. 



It was not that his period of service exceeded that of any previous 

 cabinet officer, covering four successive presidential terms, or that 

 he had come to this high position from the soil through experience 

 in public life and in his State agricultural college and experiment 

 station, that gave him claim to fame, but it was the great construc- 

 tive advancement he brought about through a national interest for 

 the just recognition of the farming industry. It was a product of 

 this unprecedented term and the preparation which had preceded it — 

 a vigorous rising to opportunity when it opened. 

 13621°— 20 2 



