1901 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER 
393 
Events of the IVeek. 
domestic.—O wing to Mrs. McKinley’s critical ill¬ 
ness the President decided May 15 to abandon his north¬ 
western tour, and to return to Washington as soon as the 
invalid’s condition would permit. May 23 Mrs. McKinley 
was greatly improved.A mine explosion at 
Farmington, W. Va., killed six men and fatally Injured five 
others May 15.The car strike at Albany, N. Y. 
was attended by bloodshed May 16. A squad of soldiers on 
a car which was stoned tired into the crowd, and two 
busine.ss men standing in the doorway of their stoie were 
shot, one dying soon after. Several other persons were in¬ 
jured. May 20 irritation began to lessen, and there was 
no further violence. The trouble seems likely to be settled 
peaceably.Mrs. Lyman J. Gage, wife of the 
Secretary of the Treasury, died in Washington May 17. 
. . . . Fifteen cases of smallpox were discovered in a 
Polish convent at Detroit, Mich., May 17, and the entire 
institution has been quarantined.A pronounced 
earthquake shock passed through Ohio May 17. 
Three men were swept to death by a rusli of water in a 
mine at Hazleton, Pa., May 20. The water, which came 
from a previously unknown pool, was set free by a blast. 
. . . . Edwin F. Uhl, formerly Assistant Secretary of 
Stale, and Ambassador to Germany under the Cleveland 
administration, died at Grand Rapids, Mich., May 17, from 
a complication of diseases.An extensive strike 
of machinists all over the country was inaugurated May 
20, the object of dispute being a nine-hour day at existing 
wages. About 50,000 men are out, but there is no disorder, 
and employers are disposed to meet the demand. 
Several West Point cadets have been dismissed the sei-- 
vice, and others suspended, as the result of insubordina¬ 
tion and mutiny caused by the hazing dispute.May 
19, Everet Conway, a railway switchman of Evansville, 
Ind., brooding over an imaginary wrong done his father 
in a trade, killed W. C. Garrison and wife, fatally wound¬ 
ed Officer Wallis, wounded two other men, attempted to 
kill his own father, slew a herd of cows belonging to 
Garrison and set fire to his barn, and then, surrounded in 
his own house, commited suicide.A flood from 
the bee and Watauga Rivers swept through the low-lying 
section of Elizabethtown, Tenn., during the night of May 
22, drowned three persons, carried away 62 dwellings and 
caused damage to the rich farming district of Carter 
County estimated at $1,000,000. Nearly every farmhouse 
for some distance along both rivers was destroyed or 
washed from its foundations, and it is possible the loss 
of life will be increased when full reports are received. 
ADMINISTRATION.—The War Department has de¬ 
cided that in future all regular troops sent to the Philip¬ 
pines shall remain there three years, instead of 18 
months. ’Phis action is due to the heavy expense of 
transporting regiments across the Pacific and in send¬ 
ing our relief troops. Medical men in the ITiilippines 
have maintained that the enervating climate so reduces 
a soldier that after two years duty he is not lit for 
barrack life and the navy has found that long 
continuous service in Asiatic waters is not conducive 
to health. Secretary Root believes, however, that after 
troops become acclimated it is better they should re¬ 
main in the islands than to bring them home. 
Struggle in next Congress over reciprocity with Cuba 
is predicted at Washington. Administration will exert 
its inlluence to secure fair concessions for the islands. 
Sugar growers anu possibly other interests will strongly 
oppose any reductions of duties.Purchase of 
Danish West Indies is not completed, but negotiations 
are under way. United States is expected to acquire 
the ijossessions for $4,000,000 as a precautionary measure 
in defense of the Monroe doctrine. 
ITlllAPPlNES.—In connection with the commissary 
frauds at Manila, the following sentences will be pro¬ 
mulgated: Captain Frederick J. Barrows, Thirtieth 
Volunteer infantry, late depot quartermaster of the de¬ 
partment of Southern Luzon, who was charged with 
embezzlement and selling Government property, to be 
dishonorably discharged and to undergo live years' im¬ 
prisonment. Lieutenant Frederick Boyer, Thirty-ninth 
Infantry, formerly depot commissary at Calamba, on 
Bay Lake, on similar charges, to be dishonorably dis¬ 
charged and to undergo one year's imprisonment. Both 
Barrows and Boyer will eventually be removed to 
Leavenworth Prison, Kansas. 
GENERAL FOREIGN NEWS.—Andrew Carnegie has 
given $10,000,000 to four Scotch universities—Edinburgh, 
Glasgow, Aberdeen and St. Andrew's. The fund will 
provide for Scotch students only.It Is an¬ 
nounced officially that the British Government is unal¬ 
terably opposed to raising the import duties in China 
to 10 per cent, as security for the payment of the in¬ 
demnity, and that Great Britain would only consent to 
such a raise of duties in connection with commercial 
improvements in the Chinese fiscal system. 
FARM AND GARDEN.—Statistics just published by the 
International Sugar Association show that Germany’s 
beet sugar acreage this year is 1,165,170 acres, or an In¬ 
crease of 69,947. 
One of the largest tobacco deals ever made in the 
West has just been carried through at Madison, Wis¬ 
consin, by the sale to a Philadelphia firm of 13,000 cases 
of last year’s crop of Wisconsin tobacco. About $350,000 
cash changed hands. The shipment will amount to about 
260 carloads. 
This year there has been planted 1,200 acres of canta¬ 
loupes in Pecos Valley, N. M., with an estimated yield 
of something less than one carload to the acre. Chicago 
will be the market, and the minimum price per carload 
is fixed at $300. 
California horticulturists are preparing to test the 
pistachio nut in the San Jos6 Valley. The nut of the 
pistachio tree contains a greenish kernel of an almond- 
like taste, which ’s extensively used by the Turks and 
Greeks as a dessert nut and in confections, and is also ex¬ 
ported. It yields a wholesome food oil. 
The Ontario County Fruit Growers’ Association was 
organized at Canandaigua, New York, May 4, and will 
cooperate with the State association organized at 
Syiactise in February. The following officers were elect¬ 
ed: President, S. D. Willard, Geneva ; first vice-presi¬ 
dent. Thomas B. Wilson, Halls Corners ; second vice- 
president, W. S. Marks, Hopewell ; secretary, Harry G. 
Chapin, East Bloomfleld; treasurer, Clarence T. Ottey, 
Seneca; executive committee, Thomas B. Wilson, chair¬ 
man, W. I. Cumine, Bristol; C. P. Whitney, Phelps; 
E. L. Moody, Gorham; H. G. Chapin, East Bloomfield. 
Seedsmen report an increased demand in New York 
State for dwarf Essex rape, cow peas. Soy beans. 
Awnless brome grass and Alfalfa seed. It is evident 
that the farmers are making practical application of the 
newest ideas in agriculture. 
'I'he Mt. Gretna Agricultural Exposition will be held 
at Mt. Gretna, Pa., August 19-23. 
Commissioner of Internal Revenue Yerkes has decided 
that where a retail dealer in oleomargarine carries on 
business at two or more stalls in a market building at 
the same time he is required to take out and post up a 
separate special tax stamp at each stall. But where he 
conducts this business at separate stalls on different 
days of the week, one special tax stamp, taken out for 
the market building, is sufficient when posted up at the 
stall where he is retailing oleomargarine. 
Prof. S. M. Emery has resigned his position as director 
of the Montana Experiment Station, which he has held 
for the last seven years, having accepted the position 
of manager for the Manhattan Malting Co., Manhattan, 
Mont. This concern operates the largest barley farm in 
the country. 
Prof. L. C. Corbett, lately horticulturist at the West 
Virginia State Experiment Station, has entered the ser¬ 
vice of the U. S. Department of Agriculture and takes 
charge of the new 400-acre experimental ground to be 
known as Arlington Farm. 
The Snyder-Harris Oleo Restriction bill, which had 
passed the Pennsylvania House, was passed finally in the 
Senate May 22 by a vote of 41 against only 1, Senator 
Magee, and now goes to the Governor. Senator Muehl- 
bronner explained to the Senate that he would not vote, 
because he was interested in the business affected by 
the bill. Senator Snyder says of the bill : “Of the 
several clauses which affect the interests of the farmers 
of the State the first is the color clause, which forbids 
oleo from being colored in imitation of yellow butter 
and fixing fines and penalties for violation thereof. The 
second feature of the bill prevents dealers from selling 
oleo for butter until their cases have been decided by 
the courts. This feature of the bill is very similar to 
the New York law, which has been so effectual in sup¬ 
pressing the sale of oleomargarine. The third feature of 
the bill lets one-half of the lines go to the informer, as 
under the law of 1885 providing for the suppression of 
illegal traffic In oleomargarine. The bill provides also 
for a license which each dealer of oleo must obtain from 
the Agricultural Department before being permitted to 
sell the substance. The penalties for violation of the 
act are similar to those in other States that have suc¬ 
ceeded to a great excent in suppressing this fraud.” 
The California Raisin Growers’ Association outlook is 
quite promising. New three-year contracts are being 
signed, and extra work done to get outside growers to 
join. Things are not going quite so smoothly in the 
Prune Association, and there has been serious op¬ 
position to the re-election of President Bond and the 
old board of directors. Indications now are that the 
old officers will be continued. These organizations are 
so large that they are difRcult to handle, and it is no 
wonder that numerous mistakes have been made. It is 
doubtful whether any board of directors will ever be 
able to handle such an elephant so that no one will get 
his toes trodden on. 
CROP PROSPECTS. 
All kinds of fruit trees are in full bloom. No frost to 
harm anything yet. Apnle tent-worms are not as plenty 
as last year. c. m. 
Syracuse, N. Y. 
Never were prospects better for a large fruit yield than 
at present; plums and pears in full bloom and everything 
betokens a bountiful supply of these delicacies. 
Cinclnnatus, N. Y. p. m. d. 
The latest reports from the Georgia peach section in¬ 
dicate that there will not be quite so many peaches as 
last season, but that the quality will average better. The 
works at the largest fruit package concerns are being 
run day and night to supply the demand for crates. 
Plums, pears and cherries are in full bloom (May 23); 
also strawberries and promise more than an average 
crop. Apples are also coming out, and are blowing 
{iretty full with the exception of individual trees that 
overbore last year, 'rhe prospect at present is for a fair 
crop of Winter fruit if we do not get too much frost. 
Ply Creek, N. Y. C. M. C. 
The crop prospect is fairly good for wheat so far, and 
young seeding is unusually fine. If we only have enough 
rain to maintain it the grass crop will be good. Fruit of 
all kinds but apples promise well for this season. Bald¬ 
win blossoms are not very plentiful and, in fact, the 
trees that bore a good crop last year are not promising 
well this year. t. b. w. 
Ontario Co., N. Y. 
Wheat and grass are looking better at present than 
any Spring for the past three years. Spring grain is all 
sown, and prospect is good. Corn is not yet planted; sea¬ 
son has been unfavorable for getting crops in early, but 
vegetation of all kinds is making rapid growth; berries 
and currants are very promising. Peas, cherries and 
plums are blossomed very full. Apples about one-half; 
very few Baldwin blossoms; other varieties quite full. 
Stanley, N. Y. f. e. v. e. 
All our crops and fruit are in good condition. Not so 
much wheat grown as formerly on account of the fly and 
low price. Peaches wintered well, and the outlook is 
good for a big crop. Strawberries are hurt a little on 
low ground by late frost. We hear no complaint from 
the farmers about hard times; they complain that farm 
help is very scarce. Uncle Sam, telephone companies 
and electric roads are using all the surplus labor of the 
country. No idle men now, except from choice. The 
same is true of female help. Good hired help fof the 
aged farmer’s wife hard to get. s. s. bailey. 
Kent Co., Mich. 
The prospects for most varieties of fruit—with the ex¬ 
ception of apples—were never better in this section. Cher¬ 
ries. I think, have the handsomest bloom 1 ever saw. 
Plums and apricots are a close second. Pears—especially 
Kieffer—are looking remarkably well considering the 
very heavy crop of last year. Quinces always do well, 
and we expect that the present year will not Injure their 
good reputation. As far as I have observed apples must 
take their place at the bottom of the list, although some 
varieties are blooming finely, including all early varieties, 
also R. I. Greening. Peaches are an unknown quantity 
in this vicinity. Owing to frequent rains and cool weather 
wheat and grass are booming. 1 have 3U acres of wheat 
that will reach an average of two feet high, while some 
by actual measurement measure three feet from crown to 
end of leaf. The season is backward for corn, beans and 
potatoes. w. h. d. 
Lima, N. Y. 
The weather has been very unusually cold and wet 
this Spring, and must greatly affect crops. Grass is as 
good as I ever saw it. If 100 represents the average ap¬ 
pearance of grass at this season, I should mark the 
present outlook for grass 125. All trees are very late in 
leaf and flower; very nearly two weeks behind the nor¬ 
mal. Apples are just coming into bloom, but the show 
is not full. 1 think not more than one-third of the trees 
have any bloom. Other fruits are blossoming full, 
especially plums, though two weeks late. Much land has 
been too wet to plow up to the present, so, of course, 
planting is much delayed. The lot I designed for straw¬ 
berries was so wet that I did not plow at all, but worked 
thoroughly with harrow, and set the plants. It was a 
case of using imperfectly prepared land or very late set¬ 
ting, and I chose the former. The season has been ideal 
for transplanting, and I shall expect the plants to live. 
My potato Held is only partly planted yet, though I 
have tried to work the land whenever it was dry enough 
to work. Now another heavy rain is falling which will 
make' it mud again. Peach, plum and cherry trees are 
in full bloom, and 1 am wondering whether this cold rain 
will not prevent good fertilization of fruit. 1 think 1 
have noticed such results in past seasons. m. m. 
Medway, Mass. ___ 
GOVERNMENT CROP AND WEATHER NOTES. 
'rhere has been slight damage from frost In the 
Northern Atlantic States, Lake Region and Upper Ohio 
Valley, Western and Southern Texas, Southern Louisiana 
and parts of Alabama and Florida are still suffering 
from drought. On the Pacific Coast the weather has been 
cool, with an excess of rain in Washington. Corn plant¬ 
ing is going on rapidly in the Central valleys, Minne¬ 
sota and the Dakotas. Large quantities, however, yet 
remain to be planted in the Northern Atlantic States, 
where rain has hindered all farm work. Winter wheat 
is suffering for rain in the Missouri Valley. The grain 
outlook on the Pacilic Coast is promising. The Southern 
oat crop is in bad snape owing to the lack of rain. 
Cotton conditions in the Carollnas and Georgia are 
favorable, but much of the replanted is not yet up in 
the Southwest. Tliere have been severe hailstorms in 
North Carolinai which have made havoc on the truck 
farms. Bloom on late apples in Ohio, Wisconsin and 
New York light. Indications are that hay crop in New 
York will be large. The Jersey cranberry outlook is 
unfavorable, many of the bogs having been damaged by 
drought last year. Fly and chinch bug reported to be at 
work in Indiana and Illinois. 
Great damage has been done to crops and buildings 
by floods in 'i'ennessee and North Carolina. The 
crops of some farmers along the river valleys have been 
entirely destroyed. 'I'he hailstorm in North Carolina 
seems to have been the woi-st ever known in that State. 
Berries, cucumbers, melons, cabbage and potatoes in 
some of the best garden sections in the eastern part of 
the State have been ruined. It is possible that the injury 
to i)otaloes may not prove so serious as is thought at 
present, as they stand hard usage better than other 
vegetables. Charleston vegetables are being cut by 
drought. Early cabbage is not heading properly, and 
beans are also suffering. 'I'he Charleston beans received 
at New York for the last week have been inferior. A 
good many strawberries have been shipped from North 
Carolina, but the quality has not been up to the standard 
and they have been sold for correspondingly low prices. 
Hot weather along the lower coast is ripening the 
berries very rapidly. Conditions in the peach section of 
North Carolina indicate fair crop. Delaware and Virginia 
are shipping plenty of asparagus. Cutting in the Caro- 
linas has ceased. Tomatoes are being shipped from cen¬ 
tral and northern Llorida, but the quality is far from 
good, a large share of them being tough and tasteless. 
CUTTING SEED POTATOES.—We have had a good 
deal of experience in cutting Early Ohio potatoes, con¬ 
fining most of our efforts to that variety. 1 have planted 
this variety of potato under a large number of different 
kinds of conditions, and last year made a very careful 
study of the value of the seed and stem end in direct 
comparison with each other, on a very even quality of 
soil, using potatoes whic’n were of equal weight, treated 
for scab, and given an equal weight of piece of each 
kind. I found no advantage of one piece over the other. 
From a consideration of work which I have done for the 
last five or six years along this line, I would say that 
I have no evidence that there is any variation in favor 
of either the stem end or seed end, which would affect 
an ordinary field crop so that it could be noticed. In¬ 
deed, I have been unable to draw any conclusions when 
the work was carried on in the most careful manner. 
'I'he weight of the piece and strain of the potato seems 
entirely to govern this matter of the number of stalks 
and the number of potatoes produced. Very often the 
same variety of potato, after it has run a number of 
years from the original, will produce wide variations or 
strains. I find there is a marked uifference in the num¬ 
ber of tubers which a given weight of tuber will pro¬ 
duce in a hill in the different cases. With a given strain 
the number of stalks produced from an ounce of seed 
planted is quite uniform, also the number of tubers pro¬ 
duced, provided the conditions are always kept as nearly 
as possible the same. henry l. bolley. 
N. Dakota Exp. Station. 
