The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1860-10-20

| EmpOFia toWnsDlD has been thoroughly
canvassed by w. o. Ferguson and Joseph
Hall, they report as follows
Nc. acres corn planted, 1860; I54I-
Yield of same not more than one bushel
per. acre. No. acres wheat, some winter
and spring, 340-No. bushels harvested,
10. No. bushels Buckwheat raised. none;
potatoes, none; garden vegetables, none.-
The amount of old corn on hand Sept. 90.
about 400 bushels.
A number of the families visited were
found to be in quite destitute circumsian-
ces, while, from observation and inquiry
made, it is presumed that at least one half
of the population viii need assistance be-
fore the close of the present year.
The statistical portion Of the shove will
at least, be found to be correct, while the
few observations appended, although believ-
ed 10 be correct, may go for what they are
worth. Respectfully.
JOSEPH HALL.
Here now we see the result in Brecken-
ridge county occasioned by this twelve
months drouth, and that too in one of the
best, if not the very best, counties for agri-
cultural pursuits in Kansas. Last year our
farmers raised in some cases 80 bushels of
corn to the acre. This year the average
yield is less than one bushel.
The question now arises what may be
done to alleviate the distress of our people;
to meet present wants and to provide for
future contingencies. The half of our pop
ulation require assistance, and / make free
to say, that if such be compelled to seek as
sistance from abroad, it is not the business
of those with full bellies to forbid it, or even
to point at such the finger of scorn. 1t is
time that those in need should concert some
plan of action. A public meeting should
be at once held and relief committees ap.
pointed who must see to canvassing the
county more thoroughly, while at the same
time, efforts should be made to communi-
cate our condition to the people of the East.
If Breckenridge county should organize
society and the several townships cooper
ate, and the newspapers of the county rem
der assistance in the movement, and not op-
pose it, such action would carry Eastward
an influence sufficiently powerful to pro-
cure all necessary aid and place US on a
good footing for resuming our business la
bors in the coming spring.
Douglas county moved early in this mat
ter. A society was organized and an agent
despatched to the East to procure aid. Seed
wheat in large quantities has been procur-
ed, and on the opening Of Spring her pIai-
ries will exhibit living greenness, which
will quickly transform to waving fields
OF golden hue ready for the harvest. We
need seed wheat. Shall we make an effort
to obtain it in this the only way possible.
or shall our own prairie land remain as now
barren throughout the suceee ass- 5ea@s---.s=s.
1t is now too late to procure fall wheat
seed, but would remind our farmers, that
much of the wheat crop this year raised in
Iowa and Wisconsin is spring wheat. In
northern Illinois at least three fourths of
the wheat raised is likewise spring wheat;
and have received letters from there of
laie stating that from some of the choice
varieties, such as Soft Siberian, Rio Grande |
and Black Sea wheat ETC., from 40 to 50
bushels of choice wheat have, in many ca
ses, been harvested to the acre. / know it
is believed by many, that our soil is not ad-
apted for the raising of spring wheat; but
all will agree, that newly imported seed on
new soil is apt to produce well; and, could
we but manage to procure supply OF this
article for seed the coming year, we might
reasonably expect good crop for two or
three years at least, despite deterioration.
And now. Mr.. Editor, in closing this COM
protracted TO a much greater
length than at first contemplated, 1 would
ask respectfully. yet earnestly, that the
NewS may hereafter lend its very potent in
fuence, in aid of the unfortunate half of our
population who are reported destitute and
needy. / know that on account of the po
sition you occupy, you are capable of ex-
erting very great influence, by means of
correct information concern
ing the condition and needs of the people. I
And 1 can but believe, that you are by this
time, aware that the statements heretofore
m ade in the Meas, and referred to in this
were erroneous; and have
been productive of much harm. You can
now make amends for such mistake, by lend I
ing an influence in favor this cause. If, /
on the contrary, you cannot from motives |
of some kind subscribe to this course, |
would still insist, that the cause be aided
by you in someway, and If in no other,
at least by printing the thoughts indited
by the pen OF friend and patron.
j. w. R.
From the Topeka State Record.