The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1891-04-30
FARMERS Tn COUNCIL.
A MEETING THAT MAY
MEAN MUCH TO THEM.
Convention of the Bright Tobacco
Growers of Virginia and North
Carolina.

It was the occasion of the meeting OF
the bright tobacco growers of Virginia
and North Carolina, for purposes
already explained in these columns.
There was large number OF delegates
besides many farmers from Vance and
adjoining counties. Altogether we have
not seen so many of the sturdy yeo-
manry-the honest, hard working far
mers-the backbone of the country
assembled together in long time be-
fore.
In the morning there was a private
meeting of the Alliance held in the
court house. Matters Of interest con-
corning the farmers as a class were
discussed, the result of their delibera-
tons, however, not being subject for
publicity.
Later there was general meeting
held at the same place and the
court room was crowded. 1t was a
fairly representative body composed as
matter of course largely of farmers.
AS we looked over the sea of upturned
faces there before US we could not help
being impressed with the power and
influence such men are exerting in the
affairs of the country to-day as never
done before. And it has all been
brought about by organization-a
banding together for mutual protection
and not for oppression and obstruction
as has been enormously supposed by
some.
An address of welcome was delivered
by Hon. T. T. Hicks, Mayor of Hender-
son, which was happily esponded to by
DIR. D. Reid Parker, of Randolph county.
Mr.. John D. Cooper ON behalf of the
Tobacco Board of Trade announced
that banquet would be given by that
body to the delegates and others at
Burwell Hall, and after the meeting
adjourned they were escorted by mem
bers of the trade and other citizens to
the :'banquet hall'' (Which was found
by no means ''deserted.") There an
elegant dinner got up under the auspices
Of the Ladies' Guild, was in waiting,
and precisely 299 sat down at the first
tables. The arrangements were perfect
and the dinner was all that could be
desired. There was variety and the
greatest care and skill had evidently
been observed in the cooking. The
systematic order preserved, the ease
and swiftness with which the guests
were helped, stately matrons, charming
young ladies and pretty maidens serving
the richly prepared viands with their
own fair hands, was remarked upon by
all. They were masters of the situa-
tion-as the women always are-and
added to the charm of their presence,
their gracious smiles and captivating
manner, the dinner was greatly en-
joyed. After Joe cream, sherbet, cake
ETC., had been served the guests de.
parted and the tables were a second
time prepared for others to come. When
everything was in readiness for the
doors to be thrown open an exact
picture of the first scene was presented
to view. Altogether 507 persons ate
dinner, not including the ladies and
others who were already inside. It was
a splendid affair in every way, and re.
Elected the highest credit upon those
who had it in hand.
The Tobacco Board of Trade have
reason to felicitate themselves upon
this particular feature and the wisdom
of their action in putting it in charge
of the ones they did.
In the afternoon the Alliance helC
another meeting and again Wednesday
morning they were in session. The
meeting of course was private ant
the result of their action is mo-
made public. We are confident
however, that wise counsel pre-
vailed and that at least a beginning ha.
been made to inaugurate successful op
position to the combined influences O
capital as employed to affect the in
terest and welfare of the bright tobacco
growers. And in this they should
have the sympathy and support of the
trade and people generally, for the
prosperity of the farmers is their gooi
as we'll.
AS touching the work of the conven.
ton more particularly, as far as il
made public just now, Mr.. J. H. Dunn
has kindly given us the following:
The delegates appointed by tn {
County Alliances under the call of Col.
Elias Carr, President Of the North Car.
DINA Farmers State Alliance, met in
the Court House in Henderson, at IL
NJ, 2Sth inst.
j. H. Ball, Esq, President of Vance
County Alliance, called the body to
order, and at his request J. II. Dunn.
Esq. read the call for the Convention,
after which DIR. D. Reid Parker, OF
Randolph county, was called to the
chair.
A Committee on Credentials was
appointed, which Committee reported
thirty two counties properly represented.
A Committee on Permanent orcan;-
cation was next appointed and reported
as follows: For President. DIR. D.
Reid Parker, n. c.; Vice-President.
j. f. Robertson, Charlotte county.
Va; Secretary, E. c. Bullock, Halifax