Montgomery County sentinel., 1891-01-30
Farmers Convention.

AooS ob OuuAJ OPAih6s hS SOhtOhttOh w
called to order at 10 A. NJ. by the ex-presi
dent, H. c. Hallowell, who made shor
address, reviewing the history and work o
the convention. B. d. Palmer, president
took the chair and listened to the reports ol
the committees which were appointed al
the last meeting.
The committee on creameries reported
through Prof. Henry E. Alvord, director o
the Maryland Agricultural Experimental
Station, who explained that the policy al
present was to hold meetings in various
parts of the State where this subject can be
thoroughly discussed, and he hoped that
these meetings would encourage this i'm.
portant feature of farm industries. He said
that the problem of butter making had pass.
ed beyond certain locality and beyond
the necessity of the use Of ice. Mechanical
inventions had overcome these drawbacks s.
Prof. Alvord explained the relative value
of gas-house lime and oyster shell lime for
use upon the land, and Mr.. II. j. Patterson,
chemist at the experimental station, also
explained the superiority of oyster shell and
rock lime over the gas.house lime.
MIR. Charles Emack, q prominent farmer,
told of his practical knowledge of the quail
ties of the gashouse lime, and spoke very
favorably of its use, which is to advantage
when used upon certain soil, although its
use is not recommended.
The committee on railroad crossings 70.
ported that more care should be taken at
the crossing at Rockville, and a fagman be
demanded there, as great negligence is ap-
parent on the part of the road.
MIR. r. NJ Stabler represented the com
mittee on potatoes, and reported that, dur
ing the past year, the use of lime had in
creased scab in potatoes. The report Of the
committee on township and taxation was
also read.
The reports of the Farmers, Enterprise
and Montgomery Clubs were read, and
showed decided improvement in the pro-
ductive qualities of the land. These clubs
are each composed of sixteen members, who
meet monthly, discuss various farm matters
and compare ideas of farm work.
The convention then took recess of an
hour, and proceeded to devour the samples
of the culinary skill Of the ladies.
After the convention had again been
called to order, resolution was offered to
appoint committee of five to invite the de-
sirable class of immigrants to settle through
out the county. The committee was ap.
pointed, and will confer with the immigra-
ton commission to bring about such pro.
ceedings.
The conventions attention was called to
the action of the Washington market men, ,
who contend that farmers have no right TO
sell cut meats, sausage, etc, within the mar
kets' Jurisdiction. Great indignation was
at the step taken by the market
men. Mr.. Jas. Hallowell said 1t was time
that farmers were demanding their rights.
Neither political party could elect presi-
dent without the farmers vote, and the
farmer must be recognized.
Four questions were then discussed, the
first one being, "What practical means can
be taken to separate party politics from
county affairs, that citizens may receive bet
ter results from the money expended ?" DR..
Mahlon Kirk spoke at length upon the sub
ject, explaining the necessity of laying aside
party affilation and electing men who would
consider their interests. Comparison was
made between our State roads and the roads
of bordering States, proving ours to be great
ly inferior. The adoption of the township
system, secrecy Of the ballot, so that the vote
is removed from the evil influence of the
political worker, and organization for self
protection were all suggested as a remedy
for the evil.
The second question, "Will it pay the
average farmer, financially, to participate in
the average county fairy" called forth con-
amount of debate. Mr.. Edward Z.
Thomas, who opened the discussion, main
tanned that it would not. "The average
farmer" he said, SHOULD read at least one
daily paper, his county paper, special jour
nails on agriculture and science regularly,
and at least one good novel every year. He
should keep thoroughly posted on what
is going on in the world, and after do
ing this and attending to his farm he will
find that his time is too valuable to spend
a day or so at the average county fair, where
speeches by poor orators, games Of chance
and scrub races are the principal attractions.
The average fair is u good place TO adver.
tise farming machinery, and it seems that
the manufacturers of it wish To make farm.
ers pay for advertising rs well as for the
machines themselves. L think we should
aim to make our county fair above the aver
age, and make ourselves more than average
farmers. We should take a principal place
in rural life-a position that naturally be.
longs to u.s."
Mr.. Henry G. Hallowell made a spirited
defense Of county fairs. There 10 nothing
that pays the farmer better than to go TO the
average county fair" he said. at takes him
out OF himself, it shows him something of
the world, and it takes some Of the conceit
out of him, which is the bane OF his exist.
ence. 1t is step backward TO say that
farmers are not benefited by any means
which brings them together"
Major Henry E. Avord, President of the
Maryland Agricultural College, said that
the whole matter resolved itself into the
question, Does education pay? "The only
chance the farmers have for q practical OBJ
ject lesson" he said, sis the county fair, and
your county fair is just what you will make
it. l have been to every one that has been
held in the State, and shall speak plainly.
| haven't seen one I'd consent To have son
of mine in for six hours. Lessons Of immor-
ality are on every hand. For Gods sake
make them clean or let the farmers damn
them. 1t is not necessary to have objection
able features in them. This is mistaken
idea have visited them in every State
from Mississippi to the Atlantic ocean, and
the ones that have the largest attendance
A. a. A.