ILLINOIS STATE DAIPwYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 25 



There is one thing that the farmers of Illinois need above all others, 

 and that is a dairy commissioner with sufficient funds to enforce the dairy 

 laws, which are being violated openly without fear of prosecution. 



We are fortunate in having at the head of the National Agricultural 

 Department at Washington such a brainy man as the Hon. James Wilson. 

 This department has taken steps to extend our markets in the old world, 

 where our best butter finds ready sale, when the prices at home will permit 

 shipping with a profit. 



As a result of the Pure Food, Drug and Seed Conference, held at the 

 University of Illinois, December 13th, 1898, steps have been taken to bring 

 before the present session of the state legislature a pure food and seed bill; 

 it is the earnest wish of the conference that this association take an active 

 interest in the subject. 



There is also asecono. call for a National Pure Food and Seed Congress 

 to be held in Washington, D. C, January 18th. This association is entitled 

 to one representative; shall we send him? 



There is also a move toward tax ing colored butterine 10 cents per pound, 

 instead of 2 cents, as the law now stands, which, in my judgment, would 

 be the right thing to do. 



Illinois needs new dairy buildings badly at the State University. The 

 trustees of the university are askin g the legislature this year for an appro- 

 priation for a dairy and agricultural building. If all those who are in favor 

 of the move toward getting the much-needed appropriation will write let- 

 ters to their senators and representatives they will do the trustees of the 

 university a favor. 



Think of it, Illinois ranks as one of the first dairy states in the Union, 

 and there are twenty-one states with better equipments in dairying than 

 Illinois. I think it is time that we wake up, put our shoulders to the wheel, 

 and help secure the appropriation. 



The secretary has secured some valuable premiums that are offered 

 here for butter. It is to be hoped that the exhibit will be large. 



For the last two years our membership has exceeded by far the number 

 that we ever had before, and L^hope this, year will be a record breaker, and 



