And State Papers 557 



to that end. At the same time it must not be for- 

 gotten that our railways are the arteries through 

 which the commercial lifeblood of this nation flows. 

 Nothing could be more foolish than the enactment 

 of legislation which would unnecessarily interfere 

 with the development and operation of these com- 

 mercial agencies. The subject is one of great im- 

 portance and calls for the earnest attention of the 

 Congress. 



The Department of Agriculture during the past 

 fifteen years has steadily broadened its work on eco- 

 nomic lines, and has accomplished results of real 

 value in upbuilding domestic and foreign trade. It 

 has gone into new fields until it is now in touch with 

 all sections of our country and with two of the isl- 

 and groups that have lately come under our jurisdic- 

 tion, whose people must look to agriculture as a live- 

 lihood. It is searching the world for grains, grasses, 

 fruits, and vegetables specially fitted for introduction 

 into localities in the several States and Territories 

 where they may add materially to our resources. By 

 scientific attention to soil survey and possible new 

 crops, to breeding of new varieties of plants, to ex- 

 perimental shipments, to animal industry and applied 

 chemistry, very practical aid has been given our 

 farming and stock-growing interests. The products 

 of the farm have taken an unprecedented place in 

 our export trade during the year that has just closed. 



Public opinion throughout the United States has 



