Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-02-12
a CONVENTION OF FARMERS.
Col. Buford Issues Caii for Com
ference In Washington.


The movement started in the State
Board Of Agriculture. at the instance
Of Colonel A. S. Buford, looking to hold
ing a convention of farmers, is meet
ing with so much favor. it has been de-
termined to have a conference OF agricul-
turists at the Ebbitt House, in Wash
ington, on March 5th.
The object OF this meeting Is 10 con-
slider whether or not ii is expedient 10
hold a national convention of farmers
some time during the spring.
circular-letter, signed by Colonel
Buford and Commissioner-of-A Agriculture
Whitehead, has been sent to representa-
tive bodies Of farmers in all parts
of the country urging them to send
delegates TO the Washington conference.
1t is understood that while the meeting
is for a political purpose. it will be in
no sense a partisan gathering. The OBJ
ject seems to be to discuss the question
Of how best the farmers can proceed 10
get some relief through legislation by
the incoming Congress. Those at the
head of the movement are of the opinion
that the time has come for the farmers
TO have their lobby at Washington and
demand measures in the interest of the
agricultural people
THE CIRCULAR IN FULL.
The clrcular-letter sent out, reads as
follows:
Dear Sir,-Our Virginia State Board
of Agriculture has under consideration
a proposal of recent origin for holding a
representative convention of the farm
ers of the several States, at some suit
able time and place during the ensuing
spring, for conference, discussion, and
concerted action on pending public
questions Of common and important in
terest 10 all our agricultural popula-
ton. positive and spontaneous in
terest i'm this State in behalf Of the
movement has been developed, and
some initial steps TO meet it are deemed
to be proper and necessary.
ITO that end we beg respectfully TO
request your concurrence in what We
have now to suggest-viz.: As an initia-
tory proceeding that a preliminary con-
ference be held at the Ebbitt House,
Washington. ID. c.. say March 8, 1897
at which a definite plan should be easily
devised and adopted for constituting.
organizing and conducting a body such
as is thus proposed TO be assembled, IN
such manner as would be then ana
there determined to be appropriate and
practicable: and in view of the brevity
of intervening time, we take the liberty
further to suggest in default Of some
thing else preferred that such con-
ferrees could appropriately consist OF
one or more delegates-not exceeding
five from any one State-either Of de-
signated members of organized State
boards, or State commissioners OF agri-
culture, or of such others, representa-
tive, farmers, as may be appointed or
accredited for such conference by state
boards or other competent State au-
thority.
1--WE do not venture TO detain you
now with further details or any presen-
tation of the slarge possibilities for good
to our farming communities. that may
reasonably be hoped and expected
as ultimate results from intelligent and
successful work on the line indicated.
1--WE trust the idea and purposes sug-
gested will receive your cordial appro-
baton and active sympathy. and we beg
in conclusion that you will allow this COM
munication to have your early consdera-
ton and reply. Yours very respectfully,
"a. S. BUFORD,
president Virginia State Board of Agri-
culture.
THOMAS WHITEHEAD,
commissioner of Agriculture and Secre-
tary of State Board"