The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1868-03-26
AGRICULTuRE IN THE SOUTH.

Many Of the best men OF all parties In the
country look upon the condition Of affairs In the
South as presenting anything but hopeful
aspect, and 1t Is no part Of wisdom or statesman.
ship TO contemplate this condition OF things In
the South in any other light that which Is so
palpably presented, that every rejecting person
must see at glance the status OF the South to
be In more respects than one deplorable.
We DO not propose In this article to discuss
the political condition OF the ter unreconstrueted
States; but our purpose is TO OFFER some sugges-
tions in reference to their agricultural needs and
facilities. No one will question the vast sgrieul.
tursl resources of the South, the fertility OF Its
soil; the ease with which 1t may be cultivated;
the variety OF the crops which 1t Is capable Of
producing at a comparatively small expenditure
of labor and capital, and the ready market which
Is near at hand and open to receive, to an almost
unlimited extent and at fair prices, the surplus
products which this region of country can eS-
port
Our able and experienced Commissioner OF Ag-
riculture, Col. Capron, has taken this matter OF
the interests Of Southern agriculture In hand,
and IL giving much time and attention to the ur-
gent wants and necessities Of that section OF the
country. In pursuance Of this object he has ad-
dressed circular to the practical agriculturists
and writer's In the South, propounding to them
certain questions bearing upon the general sub.
cct Of agriculture In that region, and requesting
from them answers to his inquiries.
Col Capron says:
"Iti acknowledged BY all practical men that
changes must occur TO adopt southern agricui-
turc to the altered circumstances which surround
It, and the sooner the new way Il iSSna and me
more satisfactory will be the results. In the
hope OF obtaining facts and suggestions Of prac-
teal value these Inquiries will be addressed to
few promlnen agriculturists, accustomed to care
full and deliberate expression OF their experience
in writing in each OF the Southern States.
nra wi
doubt will not only call public attention to this
very interesting matter, but will awaken public
interest in the South, and lead to many useful
and eminently practical results.
TWAS unavoidable that the altered condition
OF the system of labor in the South which the
war brought about should result, to wide eS
tent, disastrously for time, at least; but that
time has passed, provided capital and labor ther,
will seek to make beneficial and harmonious
combinations, and will join hands, so to speak
for mutual protection and mutual benefits.
The South contains a population OF at leas
900 souls and the rich natural resource,
and capacities of the country cannot be sur
passed, II, indeed, they can DO cqualled by any
country on the globe.
We heartily endorse the policy OF the Com
missioner OF Agriculture. He has began at thu
right place, and has laid hold OF that prima
principle and industry which lifts nation u
prosperity and riches. For years to come IN
South must look to its agricultural industrie
for permanent and certain relief. This Is tn
Archimedean lever which must lift the South t.
that condition OF prosperity which is so nue.
needed at this time. Whenever agriculture
pursuits arc made OF paramount Importance an
persistently followed, all the other industrie
are pretty sure TO thrive. The COMMISSIONS
has marked out the right course, and is, with al
the energies and means at his command, pressing
on the work 1t remains only that the friend
of the South residing in that country secon'
Col Capron's endeavors to benent them, and
great and good work will be done. It may no
be amiss In this connection for US to suggest I
Congress to give to the Commissioner that sui
stantial aid which will enable him to carry for
ward the work which has been SO auspiciousl
begun.