The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1886-05-07
Fees of Messrs. Smythe, Verdier and
Lee, from April, 1881, to November,
S7,SlS 90

On motion Mr.. Talbcrt of Edgc6ed, the ex-
planation was accepted by the convention ms
satisfactory, and the thanks Of the body were
returned to Colonel Butler and Mr.. Ransom for
the information.
The committee was then discharged from the
further consideration Of the subject.
The following resolutions introduced by Mr..
Prince, and reported favorably by the commit
tee, were then taken up:
Whereas, there exists general depression of
the farming interests throughout the Southern
States and whereas, this depression is not con-
fined to the agricultural interests, but pervades
every interest and is felt more scnsibly by the
agricultural interests only because they are in u
position to offer the least resistance to the pres
sure and whereas, this condition is not so
much the result of bad legislation or unwise ad-
ministrrtion. but is directly traceable TO our
unwiso system of raising all cotton and buying
everything we use in foreign markets. and
whereas, the remedy is largely with the farmers
themselves, by abandoning this hurtful system
and diversifying farm interests, and instead of
one, TO have half score of money crops, and
instead of buying everything in distant markets,
to buy as little rs possible, and that little in
home markets; and whereas, our section
abounds in iron and coal fields, having forestry
surpassed by none in the Union, many water
powers sufficient to run the machinery of the
world; and whereas, the development and
utilization of these varied and vast resources
would add hundreds of thousands to our popu-
lation and millions to our taxable property,
thereby rendering the payment Of our bonds q
mere form instead of a burden; and whereas,
on account of the tmidity and sensitivencss of
capitalists in entering upon fields Of investment,
the development and utilization Of these re-
sources cannot be ordained without the en- cour-
agement and fostering care Of the State there
fore, be it resolved,
First That we urge upon the farmers of the
State to lessen the annual acreage in cotton
and turn their attention largely to the cultiva-
tion (aloDg with cotton) of tobacco, fruits,
melons, all the grains and all the grasses that
enter into the forage of the country, and be-
come producers of what they consume, instead
of buyers, and to give their attention to the
raising of stock.
Second. That we heartily urge upon our
farmers closer connection and sympathy with
our State Agricultural Department, and make
the monthly journal of the department means
Of correspondence with each other, by commu-
nicating through it advice, suggestions and ex-
perimental facts, and thus. cooperate with the
Commissioner of Agriculture in making that de-
partment all that it should be.
Third. That we urge upon our State govern
ment the prime importance of encouraging by
wise, liberal and judicious legislation, the
home manufacture of raw and crude materials
the speedy development Of our manufacturing
interests, thereby creating nome markets for
all our crude materials which nature has be-
slowed upon US with such lavish hands centu-
pling our population and taxable property, and
making us great and prosperous and indepen.
dent people.
After some discussion the report of the CON-
mittee was adopted by o rising vote.
The committee which had been appointed to
wait on the Governor and invite him to address
the convention announced that he was awaiting
the pleasure Of the convention.
Addressing the convention, Governor Thomp-
son said
No call could have come to him more unox-
pectedly and yet more gratefully than that to
address the assemblage Of the farmers
of the State. II was unexpected, be-
cause he had no reason to boliove that, with
the ye.v limited acquaintance which he had
with practical farming, he would be expected
to speak TO or advise with them, and
his judgment advised him that he could best
to their kind invitation by not was, ing
tha valuable timo which belonged to the prac-
tical duties Of the convention. lie was sure
that the gentlemen whom he saw before him
had como here not to promote the interests Of
farm ers alone, but Of the whole people, and in
such an effort he could pledge the hearty and
earnest support Of all the people Of the State.
It.was but comparatively Of recent date
that agriculture had emerged from the rude