The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1897-04-16

iIosi IN all sections and in the southern portions of
the state; with irrigation it can be planted every
month IN the year. 1t is not perishabe crop and
therefore need not be placed upon an over-crowded
market 1t IS prepared fer shipment in packages that
VIII secure reasonable rates Of ttanspo1tatsn ard
when we consider the limited area in al! Of t reat
iahd 81 ours wherein it can be grown AND rter
th't millions are engaged in burning nia ard ax
we need not fear any over-produclion
Il VIII not permit myse 10 dwell upon le var 1,
character OF Florida'S resources for fear ila mi TT
ehcroach uIon your time. But viii mention my ex
animation Il few weeks ago of the pineapple indaary
saw the rult growing upon soil so Whine tl.at ono
might reasonably conclude that it was barren and
only good to hold the world together Yet upona SER
ton OF this land-say $40 acres-more tonnage is
grown Tor the transportation lines than the ent ire cot
ton crop OF any three counties i'll Florida This in
dustry yields more to the acre, than any two
acres OF cotton and the improved variety Of fruit wi
yield four times much In fact our crops in Florida
need only the earth as foundation to stand upon:
our genial climate does the rest.
'Florida's wealth does not all appear upon the face
oil her soil. Hidden treasures should be uncovered
and crave your indulgence while | take the liberty
OF suggesting that this convention should formulate
some plan and start such movement as viii, either
by state or national action, give to Florida an exhaus-
tive geological survey,
believe this is proper subject for the considera-
ton of this body For more than half century our
state was unaware of our phosphate wealth, and it
was ten years later before discovered Fulers earth
In fact we only realizing that our farmers
can grow with profit upon our sandy lands, grapes.
rice and sugar richer in saccharine than
that grown in the rich lands of the Mississippi VALLEY
Beet culture for the manufacture of sugar is growing
TO enormous proportions, and for this industry Florida
offers unequaled inducements.
II remember my first visit to DeFuniak Springs
1t was made on horse back before the railroad was
constructed. had travelled many miles without sec
ing persons house. At DeFuniak then known
as Open Pond. met and questioned him about
the capabilities of the country. When l asked him
how much corn the land would produce the acre he
looked at me in utter amazemen and repeating my
inquiry, he replied Corn scrutinizing me MS
if he thought | had been imbibing too much corn
juice. Corn; why, this land won't grow enough corn
to winter woodpecker." But to-day that country is
studded with the most promising vineyards AID the
finest and most profitable peach Orchards the soil Being
found well adapted the culture of both-the peach
tree furnishing a crop the second year The life Of q
tree is not yet known, the industry is only twelve
years old
"a proper survey would believe, disclose kaon.
ochre and other valuable deposits, and besides would
make known properties of the soil the knowledge of
which would guide agricultural and horticultural
experiments.
To the strangers who honor us with their presence
l beg to supplement the welcome that the worthy
Mayor of Ocaa will extend most cordially. heartily
and gracefully. We glad that you within our
Dortefs ana our gehlA cllitte ana the good people 81
Ocala will make you glad that yOu came long before
it shall be time to turn your faces homeward
'When You reach your tiresides once more. /
trust you will find your oved-ones well and rejoicing
over your safe return
"Allow me. Mr.. President and gentlemen of the
convention thank you for the honor you have con
ferred on by designating me to preside the
organization of your convention. | appreciate the
compliment that this expression of your confidence
conveys and thank you most heartily and most sin
cerely