The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1883-09-01


to illustrate the point l am making,
| will refer to some figures used by
Col. w. j. Sykes several years ago,
comparing productions in four coun.
ties in Middle Tennessee with pro-
auctions in four West Tennessee
counties for one year. The four
counties of Middle Tennessee were
Giles, Sumner, Maury and Williams
son. The four in West Tennessee
were Madison, Hardeman, Fayette
and Gibson. The value of farm pro-
ducts in the Middle Tennessee coun-
ties was s9,658, 056; and in West
Tennessee, $40, 054 900. What more?
That while this was true the whole
value of farms in the four counties of
Middle Tennessee was S29, 100, 1928;
and in the four counties of West
Tennessee only S16,0SO, 1856. Differ.
ence in area does not explain this.
The chief cause of this difference of
price in land and difference in pros>
perity in farming was, as the Stats
tics show, that the Middle Tennessee
counties diversified far beyond the
West Tennessee counties. True some
other influence might operate slight
ly, but with our railroad develop
ment, and health, and fruits, and
general attractions, other influences
operated very slightly. If any one
doubts the example just presented let
him make similar comparison be-
tween counties in West Tennessee,
taking county that runs solidly for
cotton and one that does not. The
county growing cotton may handle
more money, but not more net mons
ey. And, further, after a few years
the soil of the county growing cotton
becomes poor, while the soil of land
devoted to intelligent, diversified
farming becomes more productive.
In diversified farmin l beg high
place for the grasses. With the grass.
es CLASS clover, of course. The diff.
ference between sections growing the
grasses and those not, or if so to a
very limited extent, is absolutely
wonderful. If you 90 to a grass
country you will find prosperity, with
lands selling high. 1t is So in parts
of Kentucky and Missouri. 1t is so
in many of the Northern States.
And in England, where 30 per cent.
of the land is in grass, the land rents
for more than our land sells for. But
there they grow fine domestic ami,
mails, and feeding these they give
back the compost heap to the hay
field, increasing the yield wonderful,
ly. And so everywhere do the grass
es and improved stock and higher fer.
tility go together. By this policy land
is improved. By this policy wealth
and prosperity and health and happi>
ness are enjoyed. Pursuring this
course there is less friction, more rest
and culture, and longer life, filed
with greater usefulness and cheerful
ness while it lasts. And another sug>
gestion in this direction of diversiH-
cation. In West Tennessee farmers
close enough to railroads to ship adj
vantageously berries and fruits and
vegetables can make more money in
their growth than on almost anything
else, and | would urge the growth Of
fruits and vegetables; but not to the
neglect Of ne.blooded domestic an
imals. Of course the railroads can
crush the production of fruits and
vegetables by charging till there is
no profit, or an insufficient profit.
But will they do it? l feel sure they
will not. In the past we have had
our troubles troubles that have been
greater because Of lack of informa-
ton on each side. But light is break.
ing. The Illinois Central railroad is
leading in this liberal and progressive
spirit. The other roads will come in.
l was glad to meet Gen. Gordon, one
of our Railroad Commissioners, at
meeting of the West Tennessee Hor>
ticultural Society last week, at Milan,
who is studying the whole question
and doing all he can to bring the rail
roads to the establishment of such
rate of charges as will stimulate pro-
duction and give satisfaction. The
West Tennessee Horticultural Socie>
ty fixed rate on the different classes
Of fruits aud vegetables that it was
thought would be fair and just com.
pensation to the railroads, and placed
this in the hands of Gen. Gordon,
with the request that he urge its
adnnfinn IL this rate he accantad