The Abbeville messenger. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1884-1887, 1886-11-16

but it had no more politics in it than the
farmers Of the State had Il right to as
simulate with it. He himself was oppos-
cd to mixing politics with the movement
the farmers could get their right with
out it, but that the farmers intended to
right their wrongs, and that was all
they asked. [Applausc The political
features Of the movement were to call
attention to the needs of the farmers and
place the situation as it is before those
IN authority. He felt pretty sure then
their demands would be needed, and'in
case they got what they wanted they
would be satisfied, but should they not
receive the relief they ask at the proper
hands they would rise in their and take
what they wanted. [Applause] He
thought, however, that they would get
all they asked, and stated as one result
Of the movement numbers Of members
had been elected to the Legislature
pledged to their ideas Of reform.
The principal thing the farmers asked
was the reduction of the taxes which
burden him, and adoption ola less ex-
pensivc system i'll conducting the govern
ment of the State. They wanted abol-
ished all offices which had been estab-
lished for old fossils and broken down
gentry, and he predicted that something
in this line would be done when the
Legislature meets. Applause.[ He
protested that his remarks cast no re-
Election on present lncumbents. but were
intended to call attention to useless
Offices now existing under our govern
ment
He advocated the toal divorce Of the
Agricultural Department from politics,
and wants it placed into hands to which
it properly belongs. namely, practical,
experienced farmers. The demand Of
the farmers was that the Argicu.tral
Department belonging by rights to
them, should be turnde over to them
Applause He maintained that farmers
affairs, and that if the leading men in
the ranks would come to tho front and
consult they would not have to 60 to
lawyers to know how get their politics
and be told how to vote.
The establishment Of an Agricultural
College, said he, would 60 far towards
giving educated farmers to the State,
and would disseminate that scientific
and practical knowledge which the State
so much needed. He remarked that he
had letter from General Stephen D..
Lee, in which the Generalinformed him
that college similar to the Agricultural
College of Mississippi would crst, exclu
sive Of the grounds and experimental
farm. 100000. CAPTAIN Gilman be-
lieved that the $4,000 raised from the
privilege tax on fertilizers and the fund
arising from the land script III addition
to snail appropriation from the State,
would be ample to support the college
and have all the work done that is
now done by the Agricultural Depart
| ment.
In conclusion he urged conservatism
upon the farmers in their demands, and
expressed his confidence in legislation to
remedy the evils they complain Of. If
these wrongs were not righted they
would be on hand two yeare hence, and
see that they would not be bamboo.
zled, in the next choice of officials. Zap
plause.]
ORGANIZATION OF THE CONVENTION.
At the conclusion of Captain Tillman's s
| remarks the organization Of the conven-
ton was proce edcd with. In pursuance
of the action of the caucus, Senator Tai
bert was unanimously chosen as Chair
man DR.. w P Adisun of AbbeTille Mr.. j =.
T. Duncan of Newbarry were elected
Secretaries.
A resolution was then offered that the
convention proceed to enroll the dele
gates by Counties
ltwas moved that only those delegates
be enrolled who were present. bnt upon
motion by Captain Tillman to enroll
the delegates as they were elected from
the Counties, subject to changes by the
Committee on Credentials, the first mo-
tim was withdrawn. Some of the
Counties elected more delegates than
they were entitled to under the call for