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BREEDING BUREAU PLAN THE BEST T. E. Madden Opposed to Government Controlled Breeding Stnd for Producing Army Remounts. Lexington. Ky., April 27. — John E. Madden believes the Inited States government would make a costly mistake should it attempt, as has been suggested, to produce army horses from one big establishment. John E. Madden, who owns and aiinii-illy breeds more thoroughbred horses than any man in America and who is also a breeder of light harness horses, is perhaps the man of today best |K»sted on all types of horses, and, therefore, better qualified to siieak authoritatively npon the subject of horse production than all the theorists iu the land. This is what he said when asked for his views: "I am opiHisod to any proposition which practically ■mounts to tlie government operating or controlling any definite establishment or establishments for the breeding of horses. "In the first place the scheme would lie too costly, taking into consideration the inevitable staffs of high salaried veterinarians, managers, stud grooms, cost of mares and stallions, buildings, etc.. as well as the general upkeep and the breaking of the animal itself. "In the second place there is a diversity of opinion as to the breeds and types best suited to army purposes. A man who studies the ex|ieriences of foreign nations in breeding horses for the army will, I am sure, become convinced that the most feasible, valuable and direct policy for our country will be along the lines pursued by the Jockey Club Breeding Bureau in the state of New York, the State Racing Commission in Kentucky and by similar organizations in other states — namely, sending out thoroughbred stallions among tlie farmers. "There is no doubt in my mind that this policy is A success, for the improvement in the tyiie of horse being raised in our day is especially noticeable in Virginia, Maryland and New York, where the thoroughbred blood is more utilized to improve the general utility horse. "The only trouble is that not enough horses are being bred in this manner. "The western country especially needs stallions like those which the Jockey Club and Racing Commission have been sending out. "The western horse has the short neck, straight shoulder and straight pastern — defects from an army staiid]Miint — which the thoroughbred will correct. EVERY FARMER A BREEDER FOR UNCLE SAM. "The question how enough horses of this improved type are to lie furnished is easily, answered Every farmer should Is- a breeder for Incle Sam by a widespread adoption of what the Jockey Club, racing commissions. Hunts tlubs, breeders and farmers have lieen doing. Every farmer iu the United States should now become a breeder for the government. "Stallions are easily procurable. Racing associations, Hunts clubs and breeders have given and still are liberally donating thoroughbred stallions suitable for breeding the best types of cavalry and artillery horses. "Such stallions are being rapidly located in the different districts and farmers are permit led their services free of charge or at a nominal fee. A farmer can rear and sell a well-broken five-year-old horse for 25. chiefly for the reason that the dam is used. Iioth before and after foaling, for farm work, and that her offspring is early out to light tasks, thereby earning his keep until lie is ready for the market. This is most desirable. Iicing, in fact, a training for what is to come later. "In my opinion, it will lie .absolutely im| ossihle for the government to rear horses, have them broken and ready for use at five years of age for anything like 25. The cost would exceed that many times, being nearer ,200 per head. "Another advantage in the farmers being tlie breeders: The government purchasing agent- would not lie comia-IIed to take the mares, but could select the geldings, which are preferable. "The most pressing essential now is encouragement for the farmer. Supply the stallions, tlie service of which should lie free, and the general utility and pleasure horse will repay the farmer for all his trouble. "If every farmer can lie induced to breed one or more colts annually. I will guarantee that tlie government will soon have more horses to select from than would lie required, thereby enabling tin* government to secure the best."
