Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Madigan Installed in Agriculture Post

President Bush and leaders of Congress from both parties saw Rep. Edward R. Madigan (R-Ill.) sworn in as secretary of agriculture. Bush praised the nine-term congressman from Lincoln, Ill., as “a class-act secretary” and added: “He brings personal qualities to the job that farmers and ranchers hold dear: honesty and integrity.” He said Madigan, 55, will work to ensure free and fair trade for American farmers. Referring to Bush’s high ratings in public opinion polls, Madigan replied: “It is . . . a very distinct honor to join the Cabinet of the most popular President in American history.” He succeeds Clayton K. Yeutter, who was named chairman of the Republican National Committee.