Charles Bessey, Letters, 1881

So. Framingham Mass. Feb. 8. 1881.

Dear Sir:

Thanks for your offer. I want the dates for each specimen. I do not care how many duplicate [?]. Have had some very suggestive replies to my circular, and I can see that I am pointing straight at some game, but I dont know yet what one [?] [least?] I am pointing.

Kindly Yours E. L. Sturtevant E. L. Sturtevant

Publishers of

The American Agriculturist, and of Agricultural, Horticultural, and Architectural Books.

Sole Agents for Crandall's Building Blocks.

Orange Judd Company, Proprietors. No. 245 Broadway, [sic.] Passaic, N. J., Feb. [?] 1881

Prof C. E. Bessey, Dear Sir:–

You are no doubt aware that the Department of Agriculture at Washington has failed to meet the expectations of the Agricultural community. Instead of being a source to which farmers and agricultural teachers, and Editors would naturally look for aid and information, it is almost ignored by these, as an institution in which they have no part or interest. Its largest force, as if it were its most important function, is employed in placing the Government of the U. S. in competition with the Seedmen of the country, in putting up seeds; these are often of doubtful quality and of kinds just so rare and new as may be found in the stock of any country store. Instead of being a nucleus, or centre, around which all in any way interested in the promotion of agriculture in all parts of the country would naturally cluster, it has been from its beginning throughout its existence, up to the present time, almost constantly open to criticism — often the most severe in stating the facts — and frequently the subject of merited ridicule.

If you have watched, as I have, the course of the Department, you will be convinced, as I am, that this state of affairs is mainly, if not wholly, due to the fact that, the official Head of the Department — the Commissioner — has been a person not in any manner identified with either the practice or science of Agriculture.

If one who has been a cultivator in a small way has been appointed, he has been utterly wi hout Scientific knowledge himself, and quite unable to appreciate its value. It is quite within bounds to say, that at no time since its establishment, has the Department had for its official Head, one who was prominent as a practical Agriculturist, educated in the sciences related to agriculture, or who has been in any just sense a representative of any department of the state of agriculture practice or science in this country at the present time.

Several persons at Washington and elsewhere, eminent in the scientific world, have suggested that Mr. Orange Judd should allow his name to be presented to the President elect, as one suitable for the position of Commissioner of Agriculture.

(over)

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The matter has been presented to Mr. Judd in so earnest and forcible a manner, that he has the proposition under consideration. Being convinced that the chief reason why the Department has heretofore failed of being largely useful is, that it is not, and never has been, in cordial relations with, and never has had the sympathy of, the Scientific Agriculturists of the country, Mr. Judd will not consent to become a candidate unless he can do so with the approval of those interested in the sciences related to agriculture, and the prominent educators in agriculture.

Knowing — and approving — of this determination on his part, and being fully convinced that the appointment of Mr. Judd would be of the greatest value to the agriculture of the whole country, and be indirectly of real service to every worker in agricultural science, I have voluntarily taken this method to present the matter to those engaged in agriculture in any of its many manifestations and aspects, to those among them who I am happy to regard as my friends, and such will appreciate my motives without a statement of them.

In my opinion what is most needed in a Commissioner is; the ability to clearly appreciate what the Government can properly do for the benefit of agriculture — for as yet, we have very little evidence that it has done anything. Having determined WHAT to do, the Commissioner should have the knowledge that will enable him to select the proper scientific and other aids, that will enable him to appreciate and promote their labors, and an executive ability that will allow the plans that have been decided upon to be most effectively carried out. That Mr. Judd possesses these essential qualities I am fully conviced and will give my reasons later.

First, however, I would say, what you will hardly need to be told, that to one, who like Mr. Judd, is at the head of a large business establishment, the inadequate salary attached to the Office can be no inducement whatever. So far as money considerations go, he can only accept the position at a loss. I am free to say that — knowing of this aspect of the matter, as is I do, I was quite taken by surprise when I found that he entertained the project at all. When informed that the proposition had been made I at once, before hearing Mr. Judd's views, said — "You can't take it" — feeling that he could only do it with a great sacrifice. In talking with him I found that he looks upon the place as affording an extended field of usefulness; besides, I may say, that he has a proper ambition to be of real service to the agriculture of the whole country, and to make a success where others have failed.

I have already stated that Mr. Judd will not allow his name to be used as a candidate unless he feels in advance, that, should he be appointed he will be sure, at the outset, of the sympathy and co-operation of those actively engaged in the Scientific pursuits related to agriculture, taken in its widest sense —  Those who are at work in the Laboratories as well as at the Experiment Stations, and those who as educators in all departments, are now shaping the future of intelligent agriculture in this

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country — it is to ask for an expression of this that I address yourself.

As you may not know Mr. Judd personally, and as I, for nearly 20 years have been (except when he was abroad) in almost daily contact with him, I append here in brief the reasons why I consider him not only well qualified for the position of Commissioner, but even, on the whole much better adapted to that position that any other person of whom I have any knowledge. My reasons for advocating his appointment are:–

1st — He has marked business and executive ability, and enthusiastically devotes himself to whatever may be the work in hand; With besides an energy which overcomes all obsticles that would deter most others.

2nd — Having been from early life a farmer, and having been for nearly 30 years an Editor of an Agricultural Journal, and being thus brought into constant relations with farmers, he has also traveled for observation very extensively in all parts of this country (and also in Europe), hence he knows the present status of our agriculture, and is well informed as to the needs of farmers.

3rd — His education has been broad as well as special, and such as peculiarly fits him for the position. After graduating in a full Collegiate course, he was three years as Yale for the study of Agricultural Chemistry and related branches.

4th — He has the confidence of the farming community, to whom he is probably more widely known for business enterprise and integrity, than almost any other Agriculturist in the country. Among the other matters by which he favorably known to the former generation of farmers is the Crop Reports, which he originated and for many years at his own expense, collected, systematized and published. To place him at the head of the Department would at once inspire farmers with a feeling of confidence and convince them, in the catch phrase of the day, that this "means business."

5th — Probably no one better understands both from study and from observation at home and abroad, just what Science is able to do for agriculture. His appreciation of this is shown in the fact that he was instrumental in establishing the first Experiment Station in the United States, and afterwards gave it active support both by his influence and money.

6th — Mr. Judd has the acquaintance of a large circle of Scientific men, and has the greatest confidence in them. He believes in Science and appreciates its workers. Should he be Commissioner he would call to his aid the best men in each branch of Science, and would make the Department of Agriculture a Scientific centre, a place where every worker in any field or investigation would feel at home, and with which such, in all parts of the country, would be in hearty sympathy.

7th — (This must be for obvious reasons ESPECIALLY PERSONAL, as it is ). A word to the workers in Science, among whom I may, in my way, claim a place. I can say, after a long experience, that Mr. Judd when once assured that a Scientific worker is competent and deserving of his confidence, he gives it most unreservedly.

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Publishers of

The American Agriculturist, and of Agricultural, Horicultural, and Architectural Books.

Sole Agents for Crandall's Building Blocks.

Orange Judd Company, Proprietors. No. 245 Broadway,

New York, 18

And when he feels that one is equal to his work, he gives him full scope, and help, with no hindrance. But the pretened and smatterer in Science will find it more comfortable to be elsewhere.

9th — Finally — Led me add this, from almost nothing, he has built up an Agricultural Journal which has a larger circulation than any other in the world. This was done almost unaided, as he did not take in business associates until after the paper and its belongings had become too large for one man to control. That he would bring the same ability to any other field of labor to which he may be called, those who know him are fully assured. If there is any one who can impart new life to the Department of Agriculture, and lift it out of its present state of suspended animation to be the agent of usefulness to farmers its projectors intended it should be, in my opinion, that person is Orange Judd.

The foregoing is essentially what I would say to several Scientific friends, and to save manual labor and time, both of which commodities are just now most precious, it is put in TYPEWRITING. I wish those who receive it to regard it as having all the personal application that it would have were it in script, and find in the easier reading a cause for thankfulness.

Very Respectfully. George [?]