The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1886-03-17
THE FARMERS CONVENTION.
VIII it Benefit the Farmers ?--Wha
Some of the Farmers Of Newberry
County Think of the Proposed
Convention of Farmers.

L!lt II ERAlI AMI ~ EN > HIS SiNC'lN "! t'
to have talks with the farmers Of this
county. soliciting their views on the pro-
posed Farmers Convention which has
been called. We find some OF our farm
crS willing to express themselves, while
others prefer not TO have ttcir opinions
made public, as they have not given the
subject enough thought TO have any de-
cided opinion in regard to the movement.
We give below the result OF our labor
lust in the order in which we were able
to see the gentlemen whose opinions ap-
pear:
Mr.. B F. McGraw says that lie is in
sympathy with the movement OF the
farmers and the proposed Farmers Con-
vention. Il think it is partially 4 politi-
cal movement, and it is my opinion that
it is well for it TO be so mixed, for the
farmers have not given the subject OF
politics sufficient attention to act wisely
at the polls, and they should be educated
to give the subject OF politics more care
ful thought. Yes, think the conven-
ton was called more with view TO dis
cussing the interests of the farmers in
regard 10 legislation than in regard TO
the workings OF the farm and matters
pertaining directly to farming. This Is
well, for The farmers have not thought
enou Oh about the legislation OF the
country, they 90 the polls without think
ing of what they expect OF these foT
whom they vote. They vote for men
more from their personal feelings toward
them than from their fitness for the posi-
ton, or the measures they will advocate.
Yes, I think the county should call
convention and elect delegates to the
State convention. No, l DO not think
it is the intention to form Il new party,
but wish to work within the Democratic
party. No, I do not think the negro
should he allowed representation in this
convention. The time has not yet ar
rived for him to enter. AS to Mr.. B. X.
Tilman. l think he is & man OF deep
thought, and had given the subject con-
siderable study before he came out with
any of his articles. think his last letter
has been miSconstrued, and it would
probably be better to select another
leader, but at the same time l am willing
to accord that position to Mr.. Tillman."
Mr.. John A. Cromer says Il do not
exactly agree with Mr.. Tillman on the
convention. The great trouble with the
farmers is that you cannot get them to
stick together. l think the convention is
called more as political movement than
to consider the interests of the farmers.
A convention called to consider the in-
terests OF farming, outside OF politics,
would be a good thing. No, l do rot
think the farmers of Newberrv County
will call convention to send delegates
to the State convention. Some town.
ships may organize their local clubs, but
rs yet there is no talk Of it in my settle
ment."
Mr.. J. C. Goggans says Yes, have
seen the call for the convention. l do
not think the convention will be of any
benefit to the farmers. l believe the
is called to influence legisla-
ton in the interest of the farmers,
and as political movement, more
than to discuss matters pertaining to
farming. I do not favor class legis-
lation. Let us elect our best men
to Office regardless of their vocation.
No. do not think Newberry County
will call convention nor send delegates
to the State convention. AS to Mr.. Till
man. he may not want office, but he hts
placed himself in such position that he
may be called upon to take some posi-
ton. While do not fully endorse Mr..
Tillman, agree with him in some par
ticulars. Some of his articles we're very
good. No, l do not think the farmers
will stick together if they organize. |
would like to see a good county or even
township organization of farmers for the
purpose of discussing matters pertaining
to the farm, such as reading essays, Civ
inc experiences and giving a general in
terchange of ideas on the different
methods OF cultivation, and everything
pertaining to the farm, but let it be free
from politics. Such an organization
would benefit the farmers, but they will
not unite for this even. 1t is wrong to
array one class against another in the
affairs OF State"
Mr.. w. C. Sigh says: II do not think
the convention will amount to anything.
because the farmers will not unite. l
think the intention of the convention is
to discuss the interests of the farmers,
and that the intention is for the farm
ers' best interests. Yes, think the
convention will bear on the political
situation, as the cali asks for a new
deal. l do not think Newbcrry
County will call a convention to
send delegates. l think one should be
called, for, if the convention is to meet,
the farmers ought to be represented by
their best men. Mr.. Tiliman is rather
radical in some of his expressions. do
not believe in government controlled
by one class. The control of affairs
should be divided. A convention might
be of some good to the farmers by asking
for low taxation, and demand that some
OF the useless offices be abolished, and 90
away with some of the clerks to the Off
ces or let the officers pay their own clerk
hire. BY asking for reform and low taN-
alton some good might be accomplish
eds
The next farmer with whom we talked
did not care to have his name used, but
thought if the convention were properly
managed it might do some good. He
did not believe in making a political
movement out of it, but if it would take
into consideration such matters rs looked
to the bettcring OF the condition Of the
farmers, giving them improved methods.
it would be OF benefit to the farmers.
Mr.. Robert B. Lyons says: Yes,
my name was on the call is utd
for the farmers convention, but
l do not claim to be a farmer
now, but if were engaged in farm
ing would attend the convention for |
cannot see any harm in it. l do not see
that it is arraying the farmers against
the other classes. The convention may
stir up something of common benefit, all
trades acting in concert. Other voca-
1ions have their organizations and why
not the farmers? I do not think the
farmers can correct the wrongs OF which
they complain without politics being Il
feature. No, it is not desired TO form
any new party, but to work within the
democratic party. Yes, think that the
farmers should venture to join almost
any movement that claims to lCok to the
bettering of their condition. They may
tindit mistake, but l think not. l think
Mr.. Tillman is L good man and | would