Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-12-18

~0 "VOAAoVA = oLAAClS SIuU uxCg az &NCAWeyS
near Woodlawn, on the 18th OF Decembee, Presi-
dent P1erson in the chair. An article In Farm and
Home OF Fredericksburg, by C. 81. PieTson, was
handed the secretary and read, pointing out de-
1ects1n the management Of the Farmers Assem-
Oily and the remedy. Some discussion was had on
the subject, and the opinion prevailed that II
would be difficult to make the organization effec-
tive for any real good to the mass Of farmers; but
that thorough Interchange of views through the
medium OF the agricultural journals would be more
to the purpose
The report of the committee appointed at last
meeting to prepare resolutions I'm reference to the
state debt was read by c. Lukens and In the dis
cussion OF the same he gave his views at further
reviewing what had been set forth in the report,
ana urging the great necessity OF prompt action.
He showed, as IN his own case, how this incubus
was working injury to the whole people, It was
now twenty years since he bought property
In Virginia, and had expended much in improve
Hne It Ss mot bring Sn
uon, which, ne said was an extreme one. and ne
supposed would stir up opposition but found that
pay the debt was to pdyH. From the statements
with which the newspapers had been teeming of
late 1t was quite evident that state could settle
her Indebtedness without difficulty, II On honest
and determined effort was made to do so. A
large amount OF delinquent taxes had been re-
to those who had paid their taxes; and too much
money mad been appropriated for unwise and use
less PURPOSES.
There was general expression, and all who
spoke were substantially in accord, so the report
OF the committee was, with few minor changes
'Mr President and members of the Woodlawn
Farmers club: Before giving to this club the reso-
lut1ons we Were appointed to prepare upon the
we wish to offer a few thoughts concerning it.
First that the present condition of the state debt
Is doing the state more harm at the present time
than any other other subject that can be named
1t keeps the capitalist from developing the rich
mineral deposits that are to be found in such pro-
Hs a oser our STATE tau Il IN the way OF
as clog on every effort he may put forth. It
ninders the agnculturist from coming to invest
ne1 on every foot OF property he may purchase
and every improvement he may make either asa
necessity or for the purpose OF making his home
Its full value and then taxed sum that will
amount to almost fair rent for that which he
has already paid for; and still further it has a
paralyzing effect upon all classes OF people and
upon every industry that is carried on In the
state unless we should except the partisan politf
with that degree OF contempt that Is hard for any
one, having reasonable amount of pride for
either the state OF their birth adoption to BEAR
NOW we DO honestly ass 7rt as our belief that the
quickest way to retrieve our lost credit is to make
the most favorable terms with our creditors that
GronIG VIII admit o. and pay honestly and
about this very much to be desired condition OF
affairs. Therefore, It is resolved, That we ask
per1ty in demanding OF those chargable with the
matter prompt settlement OF the state debt, and
that there shall be no more doubt about accom-
pliShing what we demand at their hands
We ask that they shall appoint state eQualiza-
ton board to regulate real estate assessments be-
tween counties, and have our taxes promptly col
lected within the year for which they are levied.
We also insist that they shall come down to strictly
business principles; that they shall be more chary
In their appropriations and expenditures After
giving literally for state commissioner OF agricu-
ture, let appropriations In that line cease; at
least until the state is in better condition nan-
cially. Give nothing to colleges under the pretext
OF educating practical farmers, for under the
present system that is all humbug. II you want
practical farmers give them some OF our vacant
lands and compel them to make a living on 1t or
starve. Give nothing to agricultural fairs. either
state or county. II they cannot be made self
supporting they are certainly OF no value to the
workingmen OF bankrupt state; ana last but
not least we think our state officials might receive
smaller salaries and still consider themselves well
paid, particularly II we may use the tax-paying
car. Be honest and just before you are extraya-
giant with our hard-earned means"
The question Of sending delegate to the meet
Ing at Charlottesville on the 18th instant being
brought up it was decided instead that a CODY OF
the report OF the committee the subject OF the
state debt should be sent to that body.
There was no report from the critical commit
tee, as the weather had been bad and the ground
covered with snow.
The next meeting will be at Lewis Giliinghams
on the Sth of January. Critical committee, John
Bailenger, James Hunter, jr., and CORTLAND
Lukens.