Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 December 1898 — FARMERS IN SESSION. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

FARMERS IN SESSION.

National Congress Begins Deliberations pt Fort Wayne. The farmers’ national congress of the United States of America assembled at Fort Worth, Texas, in its eighteenth an-

nual session. ExGov. William D. Hoard of Wisconsin presided, and among the delegates wore representatives of all ithe States and territories of the Union and of several of the Canadian provinces. After prayer by Rev. Alexander C. Garrett of Dallas, the visitors listened to addresses

of welcome by Mayor B. B. Paddock. Gov. Charles A. Culberson, President W. E. Skinner of the Fort Worth Live Stock Exchange and others. Responses in behalf of the delegates were delivered by Secretary John M. Stahl of Illinois, William Freeman of Maine and F. L. Maxwell of Louisiana. After the roll call by States President Hoard proceeded to deliver his annual address. A feature of the congress was the attendance from some of the States of large numbers of associates, to re-enforce the delegates. lowa had sixty-three persons, including the delegates, ami Colorado had fifty-four. The annexation of the Philippines was one subject which engrossed the attention of the delegates. The report of Prof. Henry of Wisconsin on the President’s address was adopted. It recommended instruction in the principles of agriculture in rural public schools; that commercial representatives for American agricultural products in foreign markets be provided; that the best possible means for the operation of steamship lines direct to South America should be secured, and that laws against food adulteration be adopted. The report also urged farmers to uphold agricultural colleges and experiment stations and recommended strong taxation laws for securing equity in taxation. Resolutions were adopted and ordered to be sent to Congress favoring government aid in the con: struction of the Nicaragua canal and government control of same, and for the development of the beet sugar industry.

W. D. HOARD.