146 AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS. 



State constitutions ; also to enact laws defining " the eligibility of persons 

 of mixed or unusual occupation or residence, subject to all the limita- 

 tions of this article." In pursuance of this requirement, Section 20 of 

 the statutory laws enacted at the last session of the Supreme Council, 

 says, " That the question of eligibility be left to each State, subject to 

 the limitations of the constitution." This conflict between the organic 

 and statutory laws has caused confusion and embarrassment throughout 

 the States. I recommend that Section 20 of the statutory laws be 

 repealed, and that the Supreme Council enact a law in conformity to 

 Section 2-, Article VIII., of the constitution. I further recommend that 

 the Supreme Council determine and fix definitely the question of the 

 eligibility of mechanics living in cities and incorporated towns. Much 

 confusion and irregularity has grown out of the ambiguity of the law on 

 the eligibility of this particular class of our citizens, and it is important 

 to the good of the order that the matter should be definitely settled. 



3. Under Sections 17 and 18 of the statutory laws, the office of crop 

 statistician is created and his duties defined. The functions and powers 

 of this officer and his subordinates are so indefinite, and the machinery 

 through which this service is to be performed is so imperfect, that I beg 

 to direct your attention to it. The importance and magnitude of this 

 work, if undertaken at all, require an expenditure of money and labor 

 much beyond the scope contemplated by the law as it now stands. The 

 value of the information sought depends upon its accuracy, and the 

 promptness, often, with which it is disseminated to the membership. 

 To secure this would require the constant service and entire time of the 

 head of the department, and much of the time and service of his subor- 

 dinates throughout the States. It will be observed that neither the 

 chief officer nor any of his subordinates are required to give any specified 

 time to the work, nor are they allowed any compensation for their 

 services, nor any appropriation to defray expenses of printing, etc. 

 Under existing laws this service must necessarily be voluntary and imper- 

 fect, and hence of little value ; and I would therefore recommend that 

 means and measures be adopted to render it effective and of practical 

 value to the order, or that it be abolished. 



4. I recommend, if it be practicable and expedient, that the office 

 and duties of treasurer be transferred and merged into that of the 

 secretary. 



5. I respectfully suggest to your body the expediency and advisability 

 of requiring any officer of your body who may be nominated or ap- 

 pointed to any civil office, to tender the resignation of his office promptly 

 upon his acceptance of such nomination or appointment. 



