The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1886-03-19
THE FARnERs coNvENrIoN.

We published last week the call for tao Far
mer's Convention, to be held in Columbia on
the Goth of April, signed by 92 persons, largo
majority of whom are known to us as practical
farmers and intelligent, discreet men.
The coll embraces a long bill Of grievances,
in general terms, fer the consideration of tho
convention, and demands that the wiscst and
most conservative men should be sent to it.
While we think that the call is too sweeping
in its bill Of indictment, we are truly glad that
it has been made, and sincerely hope that a
full representation Of the best men will be sent
to 1t from every county, From the intelligent
and conservative character Of the gentlemen
making the call, we are satisfied much good
will be accomplished for the agricultural inter-
est of the State, and its Transactions will be
marked with such dignity aud discretion that
they will comma nd the respect Of all classes,
and secure the sympathy and cooperation of all
vocations
A general reduction Of taxes would be felt
benefcially by all property owners in the State,
and is demanded by all but if it is only inten-
ded to restrict the reduction to real estate, or
farming lands s-as we have been told is the in
|
farming interest, the interest of the tenant must
be considered and q corresponding reduction in
their rent should be made. The interest Of the
tenant cannot, in justice, be separated from tho
land owners interest, and when the land own.
ers meet as farming or producing class, to de-
wise means for relieving themselves of oppres-
sions and injustice, from the governms Mt or any
n hcr 4, no fbat .
the most unjust character of "class legisla-
tion.'' il the interest of the farming or produc-
| ing tenant was ignored and the same high rent
| demanded Of them rs before.
We speak Of this as it came to our mind up =
on reading the call, merely to suggest that in
order to make the convention truly represen-
| tative body of the farmers or pro lucers of the
State, every County delegation should have an
intelligent representation of the tenant interest
in it. We arc satisfied that in every township
| in this county there are as intelligent tenants
| rs land owners, and we hope the tenant interest
| will be well represented in the convention of
farmers, for they ore truly as much farmers and
producers as the land owners, aad often moro
so.
The above was written for last weeks issue
| Of the Times, but crowded out. Since then the
| following well conceived and well prepared le t.
| ter has appeared in the Ne'cs and Courier und
presents our views so clearly upon all the points
therein made that we readily transfer it to our
columns, if for no other reason, to show that we
are not alone in seeing the dangers which
lurk in the political organization Of the farmers
or land owners, while no substantial help would
be likely to accrue to that larger equally re-
spectacle and most oppressed class of agrcul-
turists, the tenants.
We can plainly see how reduction of taxes
upon land would materially bene fit the land
"ners, but it is not plain TO us how such
reduction will give any relief to the tenant
unless proportonate reduction in his rent
follows.
Greenwood, March 13.-Greenwood believes
II is true that only one white farmer out OF
every four owns land, therefore there are three
renters or croppers to one land owner. Nv
these figures land owners constitute only 25
per cent of our farming population, which is
quite small minority Now the landlords,
through the farmers associations, propose to
force into politics their grievances, which if
done, will involve South Carolina in n tri-par.
tite bitter political contest, n something to be
TeSTettcu very muCH Renters and crQppers
will wage war against landlords and landlords
will fight the State House ring, and demagogues
will rant at every crossroad over the great ne
sessity of reform in the State and county bur-
dens, and. therefore, draw off o following.
Renters and croppers will claim reduction
in rents, landlords lower taxes, and dcma-
gosues the paying Offices.
RENTERS are now very restless from high rent
poor dwelliug-house and outbuilding accommo-
dations. One thousand pounds Of lint cotton
for the rent Of n one horse farm is nice for the
landowner, but death to the renter. In addi-
ton TO rent, tho merchant sits down ON him
for his 80 or 60 per cent, and if anything is
left him the guano agent cleans him up Tsit
the landlord or renter that is raising such a
snarl against the State-IIouse ring?
Greenwood knows that every county in South
Carolina has its demagogues waiting and anx-
ious for this Farmers movement TO take
shape and grow to such ropor,ion as to be in
jected into the coming campaign. These office
hunters may now be lurking in the Farmers
Associations using this means as O stepping
stone for their own self-aggrandizement. Taxa
ton is beyond moderation, and the whcle peo.
pie must correct it; but lot us do il as the demo-
cratic party Of South Carolina. Greenwood
will give the touch Of the elbow to the reduc-
tiop of both State and county officials as we'll rs
other reforms, but will sink or swim upon the
principle that "nnited ws standardized we
fall"