The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-12-30
Let Us Reason Together.

Most OF US have heard OF the "mllllons OF
which the farmer has been robbed.
Some of US nave seen and read great resolu-
lions on the overproduction Of cotton.
= We have had sub-treasury talk until we
dreamed that could almost see sub-treasury
agents going about the country in great
painted wagons dealing out greenbacks to
anybody that might be in need.
We have had q season of dreaming OF the
good time which never comes to IN except
those who work int economist, while apply
ing the best business methods. .
Despite our dreams of a "lexible currency
that would relieve us Of our wants and give
us the relief which our forefathers could only
get by hard work In the pursuit Of legiti-
mate business. "hard times" confronts us,
and many of US are without even the neces-
saries of life.
Fool resolutions about planting cotton now
seems to be the order Of the day.
But let each and every man in Abbevllle
county, take in the situation, and act accord
ing to his wi ideas of what is best for him
to do.
No two farms and no two farmers are in ex-
actly the same condition, and therefore it is
foolish for all to be governed by the same
cast-iron rule.
There can be no question that we must
grow something else than cotton.
By no possible means can an all-cotton far
mer fine work for more than about seven
months in the year. and we submit that no
other business under the sun could be saved
rom bankruptcy, that losses five months in
the year.
The cotton planter usually begins to pillow
some time In March.
After bedding up his land he plants his
crop and then waits for about a month.
Then he works his crop for about q month,
and waits another month for 1t open.
IN the fall he either picks cotton, or hires 1t
done, and by the middle of November he has
usually finished his years work.
And vet men who work in this way, expect
to grow rich, and are ready to believe that the
remainder OF mar kind have c%onspired against
them.
Some farms have good pasture lands on
them. These lands should be fenced and a
reasonable amount of stock should be put on
them, to convert the grass into flesh.
Some farmers are In condition to raise a
mule or horse. and the owner should improve
his opportunity.
Some farmers have good corn and or their
places. If upland, it should be planted the
last of February or the first of March-no
matter whether the ground Is cold or warm.
Some farmers have lands on which they
can produce other crops b a cotton, for the
support OF their animals, n these crops
should be grown.
The fact that there are farmers in every
neighborhood who are succeeding. is proof
conclusive that farming, If rightly followed,
does pay.
Let every farmer adapt himself TO circum-
stances, aud let him make the most out OF
the condition that confrontS him, without
reference to the resolutions which a lot of
impracticable men have adopted.
Every man must work out his own destiny,
and no man, except those who get the fat Of
fees, need expect to be benefited by combi-
nations.
The main thing to do. is to apply busin ess
methods to your own affairs, and resist all
entertainments of those who would dictate
to you what TO plant.
II you think IL would result in good to you
TO do so. you should doublet the amount OF
your cotton land. One farmers crop doesn't
amount to q drop in the ocean, or a grain OF
sand on the seashore.
Act for yourself, and act on your own judg-
ment. You and alone will have to take the
consequences of a mistake; and allow no
presumptions jackass, nor any hurdle of the
longeared tribe. 10 interfere with you in the
planting or pitching OF your crop.
Do the best you can for yourself, and let old
Nick catch the fellows that work according TO
the dictates and plans of their neighborS.