The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1873-01-09
Anderson, Jan. 8, 1873.
For the anderson Inteligencer.
D. E. F.

For the anderson Intethgencer.
MR. EDITOR: Now that elections are all
over, and the excitements consequent thereon,
are passing away, the public mind may be very
properly directed to other subjects of more
practical consequence to the people of the
South, pertaining to our advancement in ma
terial wealth and agricultural development. 1t
is universally conceded, that the basis of ma
tion's prosperity consists mainly in the devel-
ment of her agricultural resources. Such be-
ing the case, it iS far more important to the
people of the South, in their present helpless
condition as to national politics, to leave of
politics, as business, and to devote herself
energetically to the improvement and advance
ment of her national interests. In so doing,
we will most effectually secure immigration,
and add largely to the wealth of the State. The
organization of Farmers Societies in the vari-
Gus counties in the State, is one of the instru-
mentalities to be used for the accomplishment
of these purposes, and therefore ought to be
encouraged. But even these organizations Of
ten fail of accomplishing all the good they
might, by giving too much attention to premi-
sum and premium lists, and too little to the dis
cussion of political subjects pertaining to the
advancement of the agricultural interests of the
country. An Anniversary Essay on the occa-
sion of each fall exhibition, by an able man,
on some practical subject, would greatly en-
hance the intrinsic value ofsuch organizations.
For instance, the discussion of the stock law, at
the present time would be judicious and prac-
tical. see that the subject has been brought
up before the Legislature, and it is to be hoped
will receive that consideration which its i'm
portance demands Under the present condi-
ton of the State, there is, perhaps, no step
which could be taken by the law making pow
er of our commonwealth, more likely to adj
vance the interests of the agricultural part of
! our population, than the one proposed of abol'
ishing the old fence law of the State, and SUBJ
stituting therefor stock law, by which the
stock shall be fenced and not the crops. The
saving in the cost of the timber and labor to
the people of the State will be immense. Be.
sides the stock of the country will be i'm
proved in quality if not in quantity. 1t will be
to the interest of all parties to have less num-
her of stock but to improve the breed. But
then there is an absolute need for such law
to secure the peace of neighborhoods. There
is probably not one farmer in ten throughout
this county that owns lawful fence And
under our present labor system it is almost i'm
possible to have our old and dilapidated fences
repaired as they ought to be. In this state Of
things, in the crop season, the rambling, half
starved stock of the neighborhood, are con-
stantly making raids upon growing crops, and
receive as their reward torn and lacerated ears,
broken limbs, &c. Of course the peace of the
neighborhood is seriously disturbed, occasion
ally ending in law SUITS What is to be done
1 know of no adequate remedy but stock law:
So, Mr. Editor, / hope you will push forward
this much needed reform. In my next number,
shall touch on another subject of agricultural
development and society reform, even more ne
cessary than the stock law. -