Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1886-11-17
The Morkrille Guqllirer.
YORKVILLE, 5. G..
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER IL, 1886.

YORKVILLE, s. G..
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER II, 1886.
THE FARMERS CONVENTION.
According to appointment, the Farmers
State Convention of South Carolina met in
Agricultural Hall, Columbia, on Tuesday
of last week, and the delegates were called
to order by Captain B. R. Tillman, who
stated that he would assume that duty in
view of the fact that he was the chairman Of
the executive committee appointed at the
April Convention. He then delivered a
short address to the delegates, going over
the same ground of his speeches last sum-
mer, with which the public is familiar.
He said the principal thing the farmer
asked was the reduction of the taxes which
pensive system in conducting the affairs OF
the government of the State. They wanted
abolished all offices which had been estab-
lished for old fossils and broken down gent
ry, and he predicted that something in this
line would be done when the Legislature
meets. [Applause.] He protested that his
remarks cast no reflection on present in
cumbents, but were intended to call atten-
ton to useless offices now existing under
our government.
He advocated the total divorce of the
Agricultural Department from politics, and
wants it placed into hands to which it
properly belongs, namely, practical, expe-
rienced farmers. The demands of the far
mers were that the Agricultural depart
ment, belonging by rights to them, should
be turned over to them. Applause: He
maintained that farmers were Intelligent
IN fhofr affoirc anH
if the leading men in the ranks would come
to the front and consult they would not
have to 90 to lawyers to Know how to get
their politics and told how to vote.
The establishment of an Agricultural Col
lege, 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 q letter from
General Stephen D. Lee, in which the Gen.
eral informed him that college similar to
the Agricultural College of Mississippi would
cost, exclusive of the grounds and expert
mental farm, 100000. Captain Tillman be-
lieved that the $50, 1000 raised from the priv
ilege tax on fertilizers and the fund arising
from the land script, in addition to small
appropriation from the State, would be am
pie to support the college and have all the
cultural Department.
In conclusion he urged conservatism upon
the farmers in their demands, and express
ed his confidence in legislation to remedy
the evils they complain of. Ifthese wrongs
were not righted they would be on hand
two years hence, and see that they would
not be bamboozled in the next choice of
officials. [Applause.
At the conclusion of Captain Tillman's
remarks the organization of the Convention
was proceeded with. w. J. Talbert, of
Edgefield, was unanimously chosen as
Chairman. DIR. William P. Addison, of
Abbeville, and Mr.. J. T. Duncan, of New
berry, were elected secretaries.
A committee on credentials was appoint
ed-one from each county-and after con-
ference authorized the enrolment of dele
gates from eighteen counties, the total num-
bering about eighty-five or ninety. Itseems
that there were no delegates reporting from
York. After the enrolment of delegates
was completed, an adjournment was taken
until TAO P. NJ.
At the night session, d. X. Norris, of
Anderson, was elected permanent Presi-
dent. On taking the gavel he announced
that it was the order of the Committee on
Constitution to report. General E. II.
Stackhouse of Marion, as chairman of the
committee, read the following preamble
and constitution, and it was adopted as a
whole:
PREAMBLE.
We, the farmers of South Carolina, in
convention assembled, recognizing the wis
dom of the saying that in Union there is
strength, have determined to form an Or
ganization for our mutual protection and
benefit.
1t objects shall be the promotion of all
branches of agriculture and the inaugu-
ration of more rational and remunerative
system of farming. These ends are to be
secured by organizing agricultural clubs
throughout the State to meet and discuss
the situation, and then bring the influence
of the organized farmers to bear upon the
State government SO as to obtain protec-
tion against fraud and imposition, and to
secure the fostering care so imperatively
demanded by our languishing agricultural
interest.
While we shall as much as possible es-
chew politics, legislation which affects the
farmers injuriously or overlooks them en-
tirely will be oilr first care till remedy
be had. We claim the right to do this as
citizens and taxpayers and invoke the assis-
tance of all classes and professions in secur-
ing reform in our government and in plac-
ing our agricultural interests on more
secure and prosperous foundation.
TO this end we have adopted the fol-
lowing:
CONSTITUTION.
ARTICLE 1. This Association shall be
known as the Farmers Association of South
Carolina.
ART. II. The officers of this Association
shall be President, seven Vice-Presi-
dents--one from each Congressional District
a Secretary and Treasurer and an Executive
committee of nine-one from each Congress
sional District and two at large-all to be
chosen by the members of this association
at the annual meeting in November, and
to hold their Offices for one year, or until
successors are duly elected: provided, that
the Executive Committee hold their Of
flee one, two and three years, three being
elected annually.
The first committee shall determine by
lot the length of their respective terms.
ART III. The President shall have a
general supervision of the affairs of the
Association; shall preside at its meetings,
preserve order, and regulate its discussions
according to the ordinary parliamentary.
rules, and shall be er-Otici0 a member of
all committees. In his absence one OF the
Vice Presidents shall act.
The Secretary shall attend all meetings
of the Association, keep record Of its pro-
ceedings, as also those of the Executive
Committee, and attend to the correspond
ence.
The Treasurer shall receive and keep an
account of all funds, and pay out the same
by order of the President, countersigned by
the Secretary, making an annual report of
such receipts and expenditures to the Asso-
citation.
ART. ". The Executive Committee
chon ho1,a tho nanaral rnanarpmpnt and