The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1885-11-26
Special Correspondence of the Gold Leaf.

ROCKY MOUNT, N. c., Nov. 2o,'S5.
Yesterday marked an important era
in the history Of our town and commu-
nifty. The large and spacious ware
house recently completed, was opened
for its first sale of tobacco, with ap-
propriate ceremonies.
Mr.. w. l.. Meadows of Wilmington,
who has charge of affairs, was kept
busy for several days receiving and ar
ranging tobacco as it poured in from
Nash and Edgecombe. At an
early hour yesterday morning large
crowd, consisting Of fair women, law
yers, preachers, doctors, farmers, both
black and white, poured in until the
warehouse was full, to witness the
opening ceremonies.
A cannon doomed, and upon the
heels of the echo followed a lively and
inspiring air from the Rocky Mount
brass band
At II NJ, Mr.. B. H. Bum arose
and called the meeting to order He
congratulated the farmers and people
upon t7rz rros7 80, r:,-,r,: r!--.
Bum made a good speech, and in clos
ing introduced the orator Of the oc-
casion, CAPITA. H. A Williams, Oxford.
The speaker arose amid the cheers of
the large crowd present, and said, that
although he could not address the peo-
pie as fellow-tobacco raisers or buyers,
he could address them as "fellow- tar
heels" Born on this soil he felt an
interest in all her people and welfare
The raising Of tobacco said he, in this
section is new development in ag-
riculture Some fifteen years ago
samples Of tobacco from Granville
county were sent to Germany, and
the analysis by her scientists proved it
among the best in the world. Only
two years ago samples of tobacco from
Nash county upon analysis was pro-
nounced the finest in the country.
Your opportunity has come. You are
still, said the speaker, in your infancy,
but you will learn from the experience
and probably, mistake es, of your older
sister.
You cannot glut the market The
production of fine tobacco in this
country is confined to a few counties
in North Carolina and Virginia. 1t
is important that you sustain your home
market, Bright tobacco is the poor
mans friend. Cotton is the poor mans
enemy. The sons of toll in this sec
ton are entering upon a brighter
period. The women of the country
are an important factor in the manip-
ulation Of bright tobacco.
Stand by the generous and public
spirited men, said he, who have orig
mated this new enterprise, and other
enterprises will spring up along with
1t. Before many years a cotton gin
will be curiosity. l feel an interest
in the people of Nash, and desire to
see them prosperous and happy.
Dethrone King Cotton, and plice the
Royal Wreath upon the brow of this
young and rising potentate, and the
day OF prosperity will dawn, indeed is
here.
This is but poor synopsis ofa good
speech which was well received, and
made a good impression.
After the speech the sales began.
Owing to the large amount on hand
the day was far spent when the sales
closed. Every one seemed to feel
satisfied with the day. Prices ranged
all the way from two dollars up. The
largest price paid was eighty-two dol
lars Per hundred.
The farmers CT Eastern North Caro-
Ina realize that some change must be
made IN their crops and mode of farm
ing. Many of them have already de-
termind to try tobacco. Why not?
Other sections hav- tried it and are
growing rich. little enterprise and
push and Pa tgill be ali that is
s',nno su,nelen' one tobse possibility of
success, s;n's g sa,s " Set Of sy in this sec
Mofk up 'ess. Where is
reap i - anu