The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1876-07-13
LABOR REFORM ASSOCIATIONS,

The citizens of Laurens County for the
past year have been engaged in perfecting an
organization for the suppression of traffic in
seed cotton and reformation of the labor
system, which is known as the "Anti-Cot-
ton Shop and Labor Reform Association" !"
These organizations exist in every neigbbor-
hood of Laurens County, we believe, and
have already exerted salutary influence
upon the prosperity and advancement of the
farming community. The objects are non
political or rather non-partisan, and are
limited to the application of the following
principles: l. The abatement of traffic in
seed cotton and other farm products; 2.
The control, productiveness and increased
remuneration of labor; 8. The lessening OF
the intolerable burdens of taxation. The
members are pledged not to engage in the
traffic of seed cotton, nor to permit others to
do it, if they can prevent, except under such
regulations as may be imposed; to use all
their influence to induce both laborers and
employers to respect the obligation of con-
tracts; in no case to hire laborer 'under
CONTRACT unless he produces discharge
from the other party, from legally consti-
tuted court, or from the chairman of the
executive committee of sub-Association; |;
to be governed by kindness and justice in
the execution of contracts, and to discoun-
tenance and disown any employer who may
be guilty of wantonly expressing laborer
or acting wrongfully towards him; and to
report any aagrant act of injustice in the
assessment of property, or Gsssl lsburse-
ment Of the public funds, that may come
within their knowledge.
These are the general principles and
methods of procedure upon which the Labor
Reform Associations are acting wherever
established, and careful examination will
satisfy any unprejudiced mind that the
organization is intended for the benefit of
all classes engaged in agriculture. In pro-
tecting the emplo, er from worthless and
Szpliable labor, the Association seeks to
enfow safeguards around tis,sssorer, and
prevent expressions from any source. The
suppression Of illicit traffic in farm products
cannot work injury to any honest man,
laborer or employer, and therefore deserves
encouragement from all classes disposed to
uphold the right and put down the wrong.
The reduction of burdens ME taxation and
the protection of the public funds from
peculation of dishonest officials are certainly
needed in South Carolina, and form 20 con-
summation most devoutly to be wished"
These Associations are spreading rapidly
and attracting attention thror. aout the up
country, and we are informed that an effort
is now making to introduce this plan of
organization among the farmers of Anderson
County. The initiatory meeting will take
place on Saturday next, 18th inst, in the
town of Honea Path, and will be addressed
by Rev. A. W. Moore, who is the leading
spirit of this movement in Laurens County,
and gentlemen of fine attainments and
exalted character. He will explain the
operations and purposes of the organization,
and will doubtless satisfy the minds Of the
most skeptical that this movement contem-
plates the greatest good for the greatest
number, and seeks to correct abuses in our
midst through peaceful and legitimate
agencies, without trespassing upon the rights
or liberties of any citizen. Our farmers
ought to attend the meeting at Honea Path,
and learn for themselves the advantages
proposed by the Anti-Cotton Shop and
Labor Reform Association.