The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1901-01-25
Cotton Co INVENTION


not as large as anticipated, and those
in attendance were principally col
: Ored farmers.
Mayor Fishel presided. He made a
short address and hoped the conven-
ton would result i'm great good.
He introduced as the first speaker
Hon Henry w. Long. of Martel. Mr.
Long is one of the old landmarks of
the county and one of our most pros
porous and scientific farmers. His
advice was excellent and was deliv-
cred i'm an excellent manner. He
said that the conditions now were I'M
dergoing complete change; that the
great manufacturing and industrial
enterprises were being consolidated
under single heads, and this, natural
| ly, was throwing a great many men
out of employment, and persons who
| flOcked 10 cities would find il more
and more difficult to secure remuner-
ative employment. But these condi-
tons, he said, do not apply to the
farmer. He has it in his power to be
independent, and that the South is
| engaged In manufacturing the cotton
into the finished product, which
would make the price and the de-
mand for same larger. Besides this,
market for our cotton fabrics is be-
ing rapidly opened in China, Japan,
Cuba, and in our possessions in the
Philippines, and in Porto Rico, and
the Florida farmer would be wise to
put himself in position to take adj
vantage of these conditions. He adj
vised the farmers to apply scientific
methods in their farming operations,
and beautify their homes with plants
and flowers, and make them comfort
able and attractive.
His remarks elected very generous
applause.
Mr.. Long was followed 10y Prof. Jo-
sePh l.. Wiley. Of Fessenden Acad-
envy, Martin. The paper which he
read was, in all respects, an excellent
production, and if the advice he gave
to the negro farmer is only half way
followed it is in his power TO become
as prosperous and independent a. any
people on earth.
Hon. Walter G. Robinson, of
Gainesville, member of the firm of II.
+. Dutton & Co cotton buyers, was
the next speaker. Alr. Robinson is
the best posted man in Florida on sea
island cotton, and his advice was
along practical lines. He told them
what seed 10 use and what fertilizer
to apply He also incidentally gave
the negro some advice along political
lines, and his saying this is white
mans government and the negro
must recognize this fact and make up
his mind to abide by it or move to
/ Hayti or Liberia was loudly APP
plauded Oy them.
General Bullock was next on the
program and made what proved to be
the speech OF the day.
He said that before he could hope
10 gain the respect and esteem Of the
world, the negro had 10 pay especial
attention to four things and put them
into practice:
First. Sobriety.
Second. Morality.
Third. Industry.
Fourth. Economy.
General Bullock dwelt more or less
at length on each of these subjects,
and, as he always does in an i'm
! promptu speech, acquitted himself
! handsomely, and when he had fin
ished received a full share of APP
/ plause.
William Edwards, cOlored, was the
/ last on the program. He said he
noted that Mr.. Robinson had said
"this is white mans government"
He said the negro filed no objection
to this declaration. He only asked
/ that the white men who governed
should be gentlemen.
/ The colored band Furnished music,
and after the last speech the conven-
ton was adjourned, and all present
were invited to partake of barbecue
which had been prepared 10y the citi-
zens of Ocala.
! Il is believed that the convention
will result in great good and large
crop OF cotton will be planted in Ma
/ rion this season.
z Fast Bicycle Rider
/ VIII nffnn recpiXp nainfnl cuie Snrains