No. 4.] FARMERS' NATIONAL CONGRESS. 248 



the eastern and western shores of our country, by a ciinal 

 uniting the two oceans at Nicaragua, or such other point 

 deemed most advisable, to be constructed, controlled and 

 maintained by the United States, and urges the Congress of 

 the United States to take such action as shall promote this 

 object. 



That the Farmers' National Congress endorses the Grout 

 bill, now pending before Congress, especially section 1, as 

 of exceptional importance, and that it should become a law, 

 though nothing else were coupled with it, as it would make 

 imitation butter subject to the laws of any State into which it 

 might be carried. 



That, with the above a national law, we favor section 2 of 

 the Grout bill, which would increase the tax on the imitation 

 of yellow butter, adding, however, no additional burden on 

 oleomargarine, which may be in such distinct form and color 

 as will a})prise the consumer of its real nature. 



That, in our opinion, it is the duty of Congress, at the 

 earliest day possible, to enact legislation to secure the res- 

 toration of American-built mail carriers and freighters, by 

 the extension of such aid as shall enable them to successfully 

 compete with the merchant ships of foreign nations, receiving 

 like aid, in the carrying of our exports and imports. 



That we cordially commend Secretary of Agriculture Wil- 

 son for the care and pains he is exercising in the collection 

 of seeds for distribution, and we recommend that hereafter 

 seeds be distributed through the experiment stations, instead 

 of through members of Congress. 



That the Farmers' National Congress heartily endorses the 

 action of the national government in extending the benefits 

 of free mail delivery to the farmers of the country. 



That we denounce all proposed leasing of the public do- 

 main for grazing purposes as un-American, and contrary to 

 the interest and develo})ment of our country, and earnestly 

 protest against the enactment of any national law for leasing 

 the public domain. 



That this Farmers' National Congress recommends such 

 legislation by the States and nation as shall limit the rates 

 on sleeping-cars to a just and fair compensation for the 

 service rendered. 



