THE LEVER ACT 



it seemed as if Congress would prescribe that at least 75% of 

 all the funds should be used in paying salaries and traveling 

 expenses of men and women county agents. This last amend- 

 ment was eliminated upon the assurance that the tendency 

 was in favor of spending more and more money in the 

 counties, and that it would be best not to impose too many 

 restrictions. 



The hearings before the Agricultural Committees, as well 

 as the expressions on the floor of the two Houses, bring out 

 clearly the co-operative relation provided in this bill which 

 makes it different in its control and operation from the other 

 landgrant acts. 



Secretary Houston defined this relationship when he 

 appeared before the House Committee on Agriculture. He 

 said: 



"The Department is to give information ; the colleges are to give 

 information, and there is no reason why they should not cooperate in 

 giving the information that they separately secure or secure in co- 

 operation. 



I believe that there is the key to the whole matter, and the most 

 admirable feature of it is that provision which requires them to set 

 their heads together to devise a plan for getting this information to 

 the farmers and have an agreement beforehand. And I cannot see any 

 possible danger of the invasion of anybody's rights. If it is legal 

 and wise for the Federal Government to make an appropriation to 

 be used in cooperation with the states, it certainly is legal and wise 

 for the Federal Government to take pains to see that that money is 

 expended for the interests of the people. And that is all this pro- 

 vision does. The only question that could be raised, it seems to me, 

 as to the concentration of power and legality, is whether or not the 

 Federal Government ought to appropriate the money. It does not 

 seem to me that any question can be raised as to the wisdom and 

 necessity of this matter after the money has been appropriated. 



Now, as to the machinery. As I interpret the Act, it contem- 

 plates that each state shall devise its own machinery, shall have 



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