Governmental Function 91 



on representation by agricultural societies. In 

 many of them, the executive officer is ap- 

 pointed by the governor. In a few cases, he 

 is elected at the polls. These various modes 

 and functions indicate that there is yet very 

 little clear conception in this country of the 

 governmental function of agriculture, as a 

 definite part of a state cabinet ; but this will 

 come in time, as clearly as it has come in the 

 administration of education, departments of 

 health, and the like. Such departments will be 

 frankly maintained by as large and free appro- 

 priations as those devoted to other parts of 

 the state government, and the executive officer 

 will be counted worthy as much salary as state 

 architects, engineers and attorneys general. 

 Such departments might have immense influ- 

 ence in dignifying country life affairs, in safe- 

 guarding them, and in stimulating the local 

 initiative of which we have been speaking. 



This means, of course, the new kind of public 

 or governmental organization, one not con- 

 ceived along political patronage lines. Govern- 

 ment by influence must go, and government by 



