l8 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOLL WEEVIL CONVENTION. 



dwelling on the hills of 'Maine or inhabiting the floral homes of California 

 is just as much interested in suppressing or battling with the boll weevil 

 as the citizens of Louisiana are. 



Now, the Secretary of Agriculture and the President are in full accord 

 and fully agree that this is a matter for the whole nation; that though 

 the attack has been made upon the crops of one State, it is just the 

 same as if an invading army had come from the populous countries of 

 the old world to assault the integrity of the great commonwealth of 

 Louisiana, and the great army of the Nation should be extended to 

 protect and avenge the injury. We have been victorious in every struggle 

 we have had. This great country, with its enormous wealth, with its 

 great power, has hitherto been victorious upon every battle field ; shall 

 it go down through history that we have been whipped by a boll weevil? 

 (applause and cries of "never"). I think that is the true answer. Never. 

 In this conflict, although it is with a hidden enemy, elusive and uneasy 

 of attack, we shall yet be victorious, and discover some means of ex- 

 terminating the boll weevil. Therefore, it seems to me that the people of 

 Louisiana and the people of Texas, and the people of the whole South, 

 may rest assured that whatever legislation is necessary to carry on the 

 work, will be given at Washington, and the necessary fund will be 

 appropriated. Your Congressmen can speak more definitely upon that; 

 but I know that that is the general feeling, at least of the Executive 

 Department. It is only necessary that the methods should be conservative, 

 be clear, and definite, in order that they may be justified in the appro- 

 priations made. As soon as that can be determined, I doubt whether 

 there is any doubt but what the whole country will rally forth to the 

 help of the people that have thus been attacked. 



The question is "where should the battle be fought." I believe it is 

 conclusively shown that the only place to fight the enemy is where the 

 enemy is, and that would be in Texas, but we should be fortified and 

 prepared in the State of Louisiana. 



I was greatly pleased this morning, I might say I was gratified at the 

 conservative tone of the paper of Professor Morgan. His suggestions 

 were wise, and they were timely. A great deal can be done along those 

 lines. It has been demonstrated certain things have been demonstrated 

 for us ; and should not be given up. The lines of work it seems to 

 me, particularly to be done immediately are those first of Entomologists. 

 Not one, but a regiment of them, want to be turned loose on the fields, 

 to find out not only the habits of the boll weevil, but also, while we are 

 about it, let us wipe out every pest that troubles the cotton plant. Get 

 at the boll worm, and the catterpillar and everything else that tends 

 to injure the cotton crop. Let us exterminate him, and not let the war 

 run on forever. 



Now, if it be possible, extend further the process of investigation, for 

 the boll weevil may somewhat change his habits. He is a pretty sharp 



