Mr. BIDWE L. Mr. Chairman, I wish to state that the ComAg have given this subject such attention as it was in their power to do to ascertain whether the amount of money asked to be appropriated for the distribution of seeds was too great, and the result of their investigation was, if the appropriation was not for the purchase and distribution of such seeds as we have now in all the seed stores of the country, the amount would not be too much. We took into consideration the fact that there were many loyal people in the southern States who wanted seed, an that it would be promoting the agricultural interest of the country to distribute it to them. Therefore, this additional appropriation asked for, amounting to $0.000. in view of all these circumstances.we believed would not be too much. In regard to abolishing the Agricultural De pertinent, I beg leave to enter my Agriculture (protest is the foundation of this government. Deprive this nation of that resource and we at once begin a downward tendency; but keep the agricultural interest advancing and we continue on the high road to prosperity. The distribution of seeds procured from different parts of the world must of necessity result advantageously to this country. It may be when they are sent to one portion of the country they are not so advantageous as when sent to another portion. But a better system of distribution, which can be carried on in no other way than by Depts, I say must result advantageously to this country. Ihope there will be no effort made to abolish this Dept. On the contra, I hope the appropriation will be considere necessary. It we rave not a suitable head for that Dept already, one should be placed there, and its means should be made adequate to the agricultural wants of the country. It should be a great emporium where should be collected rare and valuable seeds for dissemination, and from which agricultural information should be published. I will say further, that the ComAg have in charge a resolution instructing them to send for persons and papers and to investigate the accounts of the Dept of Agriculture. The matter is discretion ary with the committee to make the inquiry; and if they deem it necessary they willprose cute it. I make no charges against that Dept. I have heard complaints. I have listened to many, but I have made no charges. Nor doI feel warranted until investigations have been made in making any. But do insist that this Government, with all its varied interests, will not consider the agricultural interest as an in ferior one. For I do assure the House thatif there is one interest greater than another it is the agricultural interest. All the mines of the West and of the Pacific slope, great and incal culably rich as they must be, pale in the presence of the agricultural interest of this country. I hope. therefore, that the appropriation will not be diminished, nor that any steps will be taken to abolish that Dept.