The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1886-02-19

A PLEA FOR ORGANIzATIoN.--Editor Home and
Farm IL see in your last issue letter headed
Litigation from Texas, which has the right
ring 1t makes me feel like addressing every
farmer in my feeble way, as to what course to
pursue in the future. 1t is evident that all
other branches Of business except the farmer
has organized themselves for some purpose
suppose that purpose is to better enable them to
carry out whatever undertaking that will benefit
them Now, it being evident fact that upon
the success of the farmer, oil other business de-
pends, does not that fact give us the power if
properly united, to control capital commerce
and all branches Of trade? Yes, brother farmer,
we hold the reins, and if we will pull together,
and guide right, we will be the controlling
power.
The first move is to unite-band together and
reason together In Texas the ball has begun
TO move. But one year ago the first Alliance
was organized. Now sixty thousand brawny
farmers say are brothers, and 1 am informed
that Arkansas is alive to the work. Now, why
not Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee,
Louisiana and the Carolinas? If it benefits us
it will benefit you. The question is, how shall
we begin to better our condition? ? l believe
can mention two leading causes of our depend
ent condition.
First-Ovcr- production of cotton and neglect
to raise more of what we buy on the farm. 1t
is a fact that the cost of raising cotton exceeds
the price. What would Jay Gould do in a case
Ike this Suppose he run all the cottou farms,
he would at once say plant half the cotton; raise
more mules and hogs.
Second-It is the high price we pay for cred.
it. don't ignore the credit system in all cases.
without confidence the wheel of commerce
would stop-but all farmers who are compelled
to have credit. pay too much for it.
Well, how can we reduce the price of credit Z
l would say. by uniting together and make Sc
curitics undoubtcd. Why is money worth so
much more South than North? believe IL to be
because security is more uncertain South. Where
there is uncertainty Of collecting, merchants
charge high prices for credit. Just so with
banks and money lenders. believe if the farm
ers were properly organized, they could borrow
money as cheap us Jay Gould. Four per cent.
North, and twelve and eighteen per cent. South
sec the difference.
Now, would it not be best to borrow money
than to pay high credit prices for things you
have to buy? Merchants would much prefer
selling for cash, besides, you could get better
bargains by not being compelled to trade at any
one particular house.
by being organized. All differences or disputes
could be settled Independent of the lawyer, by
arbitration. The cotton speculator and high
price retail dealer would have to take back
seat. The merchant mill monopoly will vanish
as noon days dream Thank Heaven here
i'll Texas, they are now shaking in their boots
Many cotton mills are now being built. If the
farmer chooses to have his smut wheat ground
he can do so.
One more suggestion and am done. Let us
be as a band Of brothers, work together rca-
son together, buy what we need together, and
sell what we produce together, and let us not
mix politics or religion with the organization.
FARMER.
Kaufman county, Texas.