Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-05
THE SUGAR : BEET.
MEETING OF INTEREsTED FARM.
ERs HELD IN PETERSBURG.
SEVERAL INTERESTING ADDRESSES.
A Crop Tint Would Pay-Resuits of
Experiments-A Pleasant Social
Anair-The water-Metcr Question
IL Improving.


cia,)-The convention Of farmers to dis
cuss the practicability OF the sugar-beet
culture, called to assemble In Petersburg
to-day, met this morning In the ladies'
parlor at the Young Mems Christian As
ISOLATION, and was called to order at ii
o'clock by the chairman, Mr.. James Bell
wood. In explaining the object of the
meeting. Mr.. Bellwood said that when he
came to Virginia a number Of years ago
from Canada, he was struck with the
absence OF a diversity of crops. Every
farmer raised corn until the very land
itself had become sick OF corn. The ave-
rage crop Of corn In Virginia, he said.
was fifteen bushels to the acre, which, at
80 cents per bushel. brought the farmer
a very small return for his labor. 1t had
been demonstrated, he continued, that
sugar beets could be raised I'm Virginia
more profitably than in European coun-
tries. In Germany. the sugar beet yields
24l pounds OF sugar to the ton; in Austria
Hungary, 2fS, and in France, Isl,
while in the State of Virginia novices,
only experimenting, have raised beets
thus demonstrating the practicability OF
the culture of the sugar beet. Mr.. Bell
wood thought the farmer would receive
from $50 to 800 per acre for all the beets
he could raise He emphasized the fact
that capitalists were ready and anxious
TO build sugar factory az soon as the
farmers would assure them the raw mate
rial, and had guaranteed 81 per ton for
beets containing Il per cent. saccharine.
MIR. CALVERT'S REMARKS.
Mr. Edgar Calvert. representing the
United States Department of Agriculture,
was then introduced and made an inte-
resting address. He said Congress several
years ago appropriated $500 for the pur-
pose of fostering the sugar-beet industry.
Secretary Wilson procured the best brands
OF seed from France, and distributed
twelve tons TO 1900 farmers In twenty
seven States. There are now, he said
about 5000 experiment stations, with fac
tories for the manufacture OF the sugar
in several Of the Western States. prin-
cipally in California. The beets raised at
most of these stations, upon being ana
lyzed, had shown an average of t. per
cent. of saccharine, while the Deets raised
in Virginia had shown the marvellous per
cent. Of is. He closed by saying that
twenty tons of the best seed obtainable
would, If necessary, be distributed 10 the
farmers Of Virginia free Of cost.
MR.. JACKsON'S VIEWS.
Editor jackson, Of the Southern Plant
er, was the next speaker. Mr.. Jackson
said he had raised beets and he believed
the farmers Of Virginia were neglecting
a great opportunity in not at once
making preparations for the culture Of
the sugar beet. He spoke at length and
made practical suggestions as to the
preparation Of the land, the sowing of the
seed, and the necessary mode of wedding.
He was OF the opinion that should the
farmers commence to raise sugar beets
Il would result in their being more pros
Porous as the land upon which beets are
raised returns twofold of wheat. corn. or
any other staple crop planted thereon.
He also emphasized the fact OF the impos-
sibility OF the establishment of a sugar
factory until the farmers agreed TO en-
gage in the culture Of the raw material.
COLONEL WHITEHEAD.
Colonel Thomas Whitehead, Commits
sioner of Agriculture, then took the stand
and delivered a lengthy speech, advocat-
ing the industry, and concluded by favor
ing the opening OF correspondence with
capitalists looking TO the establishment
of a sugar-beet factory in Petersburg.
At the conclusion OF Colonel White
heads remarks nearly all the farmers
present pledged themselves 70 make a
trial at raising sugar beets. The meeting
then adjourned.
The meeting, which was attended by
about fifty farmers was an enthusiastic
one and was pronounced by Messrs. Bell
wood and Jackson to be one of the most
successful they have yet held. Mayor
Collier delivered a brief address of well
come to the farmers
"City View" the Chesterfield resi-
dence of Mr.. w. ]. Traylor, was the
scene last night of an enjoyable mas
querade." given in honor of Messrs. Ro-
bert Traylor and Berthe Doroughty, of
Hampton. There were many guests pres
ent, and some Of the costumes worn were
picturesque and handsome. At u o'clock
masks were dotted and supper served.
WATER METERS.
At last nights meeting of the Common
Council, the question of water meters
and the water supply created lengthy
and animated discussion. The whole mat
ter was finally referred back to the Water
Committee for further consideration.
There seems little doubt, however, that
the meter system Will finally be agreed
upon.
Sister Cecilia, superioress Of st. Joseph's
Parochial School, who has been DANCE
rously i'll, continues to grow better. Her
condition is such, however, that she will
be unable to resume her duties for some
time, and Sister Mary Clare, of Balti-
more, who enjoys the distinction of being
one of the most accomplish music teach
ers in the sisterhood. has arrived here to
take Sister Cecilias place.