Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1883-08-04
THE FARMERS CONVENTION.


21st ult., and below we give the open
ing address of ce,President Slaughter.
1t sets forth in lucid, succinct style
the aims and objects of the move the
farmers are taking for organization,
and Clearly lines out the work to be
undertaken and accomplished by the
associations. Besides all this, it con-
tains much encouragement for the
young and old farmer, and will repay
perusal. Mr.. Slaughter spoke as fol-
lows
Gentlemen and Fellow Citizens
Though the objects of this meeting
were named in the published call re-
questing your attendance here today, l
will again briefly state them:
On the 9th of June last a convention
of Middle Tennessee farmers was held
at Nashville for the purpose Of effecting
an organization, which was termed the
Middle Tennessee Farmers Association.
The organization was effected by the
election of president, secretary and
treasurer, and one vice president from
each county within the middle division
of the State.
AS East and West Tennessee were
both represented in this meeting by
representative farmers, it was agreed
and determined to call a State conven>
ton of farmers to meet at Nashville on
Tuesday, September II, 1883, for gen.
eral consultation upon various subjects
connected with the agricultural inter-
ests of the State, and for the purpose
of inducing complete and permanent
organizations throughout the State.
The vice presidents of the associa'
ton we're directed to take such steps
as were deemed necessary for the proper
organization of their respective counties
and this meeting was called mainly fol
that purpose.
The farmers of East Tennessee hav,
for some time past possessed an organi
cation, and those of West Tennessee,
met at jackson on the 4th of the pres
ent month for that purpose.
/ have for many years past felt
deep interest in the matter, and | wisl
it were possible to impress it upon tn
mind of every farmer in the union tn
great Importance to themselves of
complete, thorough and permanent or
ganization.
We may undertake to state upol
paper or verbally the various benefit
to be derived, but they can only b
properly seen Or fully appreciated afte
being realized through the medium @
organization.
do not mean to say that organizs
ton today will bring these benefits tC
morrow, or next week, or next month
but just so certain as proper organizs
tons are effected, properly cultivate
and permanently maintained, they wi
come sooner or later in many forms t
ourselves or to our children.
Neither do I pretend to say that OIL
, CARNATIONS alone will produce thes
benefits, but | do say that organizatio
and cooperation properly effected, an
then rightly cultivated, zealohsly guarc
ed and permanently maintained, wi
be worth millions in the way of fnal
cial wealth, independence, social stan'
ing, influence and intelligence to Il
great agricultural masses of the Stat
Although the agricultural interest
the world is the principal and only r
liable foundation upon which must re
every other class of business, trade
profession, and upon which all othe
must depend mainly for the sustenan
of life and wealth, farmers as a gener
rule are less appreciated socially al
otherwise than are those of any 9th
honorable trade or profession. TIL
have less influence in the manageme
of State and National affairs less la
enacted for their benefit; are more il
posed upon by monopolies, rings a
spectators; are more deprecated upC
have more stolen from them, with Il
laws to protect them from depredatc
and thieves; have less knowledge
A. oront;t,, ,>rOJ,ool &C tbo;r ~,