Page:The autobiography of a Pennsylvanian.djvu/549

 necessary production and sale of food supplies. The commissioner has made an earnest effort to avoid the dangers which lie upon each side of this problem, and at the same time has enforced the laws upon this subject with a zeal and arnestness, it is safe to say, unequaled anywhere else in the country, and never before equaled in the commonwealth. The results are gratifying, not alone as an exhibition of attention to duty, begun under abuse and continued under most difficult circumstances, but the investigations of the division show that recently there has been a marked improvement in the character of food supplies sold in the state. If this has been accomplished, it is an achievement, the importance of which cannot be overestimated. The receipts for fines and licenses collected by this division during the last four years are as follows:

As at present constituted, the expenses of the division are in the main paid from the sums collected for fines and licenses. This is a system which ought not to exist in connection with the work of any of the departments, no matter how efficiently and honestly they may be conducted. The legislature ought to provide by appropriation whatever may be necessary to meet the needs of the division, and all collections should be paid into the state treasury for the use of the commonwealth.

The details of the work of the departments to which no special reference is here made, will be found in the respective reports, and upon the whole it is being performed in a way to reflect credit upon the commonwealth, and justify satisfaction if not elation on the part of her citizens.

The Valley Forge Commission has, up to the present time purchased in all 391.499 acres of ground, and secured both the outer and inner lines of intrenchments of which the latter have remained pretty much as they were at the time of the encampment of Washington's army. The acquisition of these lands and the establishment there of a park to be forever maintained and cared for by the state, where all the people of the nation may come to gather inspiration from the fortitude of the fathers, were very commendable, and show a proper appreciation of a priceless possession. Much has been there accomplished by the commission at comparatively little expense. Avenues have been laid out Rh