The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-01-14
THE TOBACCO GROWERS con
NENTION.
Nebster's Weekly.

Webster's Weekly.
The convention of tobacco growers to
be hold in Raleigh next Wednesday, the
18th inst, promises to be a large and
notable gathering. From every quarter
we hear of a lively interest being man
ifested by the farmers III the object OF
the meeting. 1t is farmers movement.
| They realize that the time for action has
arrived and are determined to lay aside
petty prejudices ard political differences
and make an effort TO better their condi-
ton. They have no warfare to make up
on any legitimate interest or enterprise.
They do not begrudge the manufacturer
the profit he honestly makes in his bust
ness. He is entitled to the fruits of his
energy and skill. Whatever value The
adds to- the raw product by converting it
into form that Will make it sought
after in the markets of the world should
be his to enjoy. All that they ask is a
fair show.
Every intelligent and well-informed
person must concede that the tobacco
growers have not had fair chance since
1899. They have been the victims of the
most unconscionable trust ever organ
lied. It's greed is Unsuitable. THE more
it steals, the more it wants to steal The
farmers have submitted to its mercilesS
eXactions the past ten years, but they
have reached q point where they are
obliged to do something. Better prices
must be realized or tobacco culture will
have to be abandoned.
The alternative of abandoning the
growth of tobacco is a very serious mat
ter 1t is no light thing to tell a man
whose land is peculiarly adapted to the
growth OF tobacco, and whose training
has been all along that line. to stop rails
ing that crop. AS well tell the indie
pendent tobacco manufactures who is be-
ing crowded to the wall by the giant trust
to convert his plant into a cotton mill,
or diversity his business by adding a saw
mill or breecheS factory. Possibly the
manufacturer would succeed at some
thing else profitably, but it is better to
smash the thieving trusts and let all
classes devote their energies to that which
they are best suited by nature and train
ing. Therefore we say that the indepen-
dent tobacco manufacturer should make
common cause with the togacco grower in
this movement for self-preservation
If there is any plan by which the to-
'bacco growers can act together as one
man for their common interest and bet
ter their condition, we hope it will be
adopted Nothing can be adopted With
out unity Of effort and purpose. The far
mers must agree upon plan of action
and then prosecute it with all possible
energy and determination. The trou-
bic, said young farmer, discussing this
matter last week. SIS that the farmers
will not hold together But they've got
to or they'll hold to the ground" replied
leading tobacco grower. That IS the
situation in nut shell. Wise old Ben
Franklin told the patriots of rs that II
they didn't hang together they would
hang separately.
Rockingham farmer said to MS with
much earnestness Il few days ago that If
Mr.. Jordan's plan was adopted, the trust
would not get any Of his tobacco. even
if it raised the price to- dollar q pound.
That is the right spirit. Whatever plan
the farmers agree ON should have their
undivided support. 1t can be made
success in no other way.