REMARKS IN THE SENATE, ON A RESOLUTION TO PRINT A LETTER OF THE
COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE ON THE CATTLE-PLAGUE, APRIL 25, 1866.
Mr. Sherman of Ohio, reported the following resolution from the
Committee on Agriculture:--
“_Resolved_, That there be printed, for the use of the
Senate, ten thousand copies of a letter of the Commissioner
of Agriculture, communicating information in relation to
the rinderpest or cattle-plague.”
In considering the resolution, he remarked that the Committee
“would like very much to report some measure of a practical
character, to counteract, if possible, the cattle-plague now
prevailing in Europe; but we did not see that Congress had
authority to pass an effective measure.” Mr. Sumner followed:--
I was sorry to hear two remarks of the Senator from Ohio. The
first told that the cattle-plague is coming. I hope that by proper
precautions it may be averted. I do trust it may never come. I will
not despair that the Atlantic Ocean may be a barrier. I was sorry also
for the other remark, that in his opinion Congress could not apply
any efficient remedy. I make no issue on this conclusion; but I was
sorry that the Senator having the question in charge had arrived at
that result. It does seem to me, that, under the National Government,
Congress should be able to apply a remedy in such a case. Is not the
National Government defective to a certain extent, if Congress has
not that power? I open the question interrogatively now, without
undertaking to express an opinion upon it.
I agree with the Senator, that it is of great importance that our
people should be put on their guard; he, therefore, is right in
proposing to circulate all information on the subject. But I do hope
that the Senator will consider carefully whether it be not within the
power of Congress, in some way or other, directly or indirectly, to
apply an efficient remedy.