The Russellville Democrat., 1875-12-09
VOL. l..
PAYING DEBTS.

and follow the blow, we mean; as these compose the greater DOT ,ion of the laboring class in our scction-arc rcaping the reward of their years labor. The sum- mcr has past, the harvest has come. and those who have laborcd iudiciously are now in possession ol thc fruits of their toll. AS a general thlng our people have been blessed with crops, the yield of which is ample to remun- crate them for their labor. The first crop harvested was an unusu- ally fine one. We may safely say, we presume, that Pope county never before made as fue a crop of wheat as that of the present year. On the score of bread- stuff our people are easy. The corn and oat crop is also as good as any country will average. Feed for stock ought to bring no anxie ty to our farmers for the ensuing year. The yield of cotton has disappointed most everybody very agrecably. The cotton yield of our farms this year may be set down at from 600 to 2000 pounds to the acre. We have had one of the most favorable falls tor gath cring the cotton crop that has ever been experienced in our country. Those who have man aged iudiciously have nearly com pleted the picking of their crop. The relative price of the staple IS as good as could be expected. The shrinkage in valuc of most every fabric used by our people, and the reduction of the price of labor makes the present price of cotton about as good as much larger figure would have been few years ago when labor and goods were high.
 Our people who are now free from debt will find it as easy to live at present prices for their cot ton, as they did when they got more for it. And this very nat urally brings up the subject of paving debts. This is.the time of the year when the honest, earnest man should square up. If your merchant has carried you through, he is now needing his money; and he should have it. This should be the first thing. To put him of in order that you may buy more lands, more mules, put up new gins and houses. is acting in bad faith and calculated to break down and destroy that confidence in the honesty and in- tegrity of our farmers which is so essential to prosperous condi- tion of our country. The mer- chant has his obligations to meet and his sole dependence is upon those whom he has trusted. If he fails to collect, he will disap- point his creditors, and they in turn will disappolnt theirs; the whole business activity of the country is thus paralyzed and dull, hard times is the inc itable consequence, Just as essential to the healthy business activity and general prosperity of q com munity is the prompt meeting obligations. and the scrupulous discharge of indebtedness at the end of the year, as IS the close connection, accurate fitting and true balance of the different parts of machinery to its well working and smooth operation. No man can gain anything by allowing his just debts ito go unpaih The damage he will receive by allow ing his credit to get at discount will Ee a mark upon h character which will keep him continually working at disadvantage. His custom will be shmaed and i'm mcnse profits will be demanded of him to pay for the risk. Deal ing with him will be regarded as the underwriters regard insur- ance on frame ranges it will be Il hazardous risk, and large pre- lnium will De demanded.
 Every man who has outstanding store and supply accounts should settle with his creditor within the next thirty days. It is the only
 way to keep mp life and activity.
 Tn. sottlo,,out should he il cheer