Mr. TROWBRIDGE. Mr. Chairman, I desire to address myself for a moment or 2 to the amendment before the House, which is to reduce the appropriation for the collection and distribution. by the Dept of agriculture from $80,000 to $45,000. Last year there was appropriated for this purpose the sum of $65,000. This year the ask for an increase of $15,000. I understand the reason is that they desire to extend the field of distribution of these seeds into the region lately in rebellion. I apprehend the mere statement of this fact, coupled with the knowledge of members of the House of the condition of that country, recently overrun by 4 years of devastating war, and cut off during all that time from the advantages of this distribution of seeds, will be sufficient to commend and justify the approriation. While o: no member of the house will go further than I will in regard to the political restoration or reconstruction of these States, I assume that it is the interest of this country to encourage in every possiblewa the development of agriculture; and that is all that is proposed in this appropriation. I desire to say one word in regard to the proposition of the Gentfrom Ohio [Mr.]to discontinue this Dept because the head of it does not exactly suit him. I have before me the bill creating and establishing this Dept, and by an examination of iIt find that the present Commissioner has discharged his entire duty under it; and if there is any fault to be found it is with congress for not having more extensively provided. the necessities of the Dept. I admit that a reorganization of that Dept and erhaps of some other Depts by making the head of it a Cabinet officer, would be a very desirable thing; but I do not think we have arrived at that stage of development of the Dept to o: for that. It may be proper at some future time; but since the organization of the Dept this country has been directing its attention entirely to the prosecution of a great war. The Dept is growing up and making itself useful, and in a very short time, perhaps, it will be necessary to reorganize it on a much more extensive scale. But until it is reorganized I claim that a plain, practical business man is better at the head of it than a scientific man, as suggested yesterday. I trust the House will leave the appropriation as it stands $80,000. That certainly is not a large amount to be spent for this purpose. p