Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-12-22


better able TO serve the people. as bust
ness generally is at a standstill during
the month OF July. A man who has no
business at home. and the politician who
is seeking only to advance his political
ambition. will never make such a repre-
sentative as Is required 10 look after the
best and highest interest OF the state.
IL is. therefore. far better to have the
sessions changed as quickly as possible
in order that many existing evils may be
corrected. and especially to the end. that
when future sessions do convene the mem
bers may be able TO devote their fun time
and attention TO the legislative work be-
fore them. I'VE should next have bien-
NAL sessions. as -hereIis no good reason
why the legislature should meet oftener
than every two years.
Unfortunately but little general legisla-
ton was done I'm the interest OF the farm
ers OF the state. although several bills OF
importance were introduced. The bill IN
prevent the adulteration of Georgia cane
syrup. and branding such adulterated syr-
up as, pure. was passed and will become
\ law This measure will be of great bent
eht to the growers OF cane in the southern
section OF the State. The bill which pro-
vided for the appointment OF commission
OF practical farmers TO look into the feast
bility OF locating agricultural schools in
the congressional districts Of the state.
introduced by myself in, the senate, and
which unanimously passed that body and
was-unanimously recommended for pas
sage BY house committee on education, and
tabled by the members Of the house. and
cannot be taken up for consideration
again until next July. The measure was
a popular one with farmers generally who
had investigated the subject. and IL is re-
GREETED that so important matter could
not have gone promptly TO the considera-
ton OF the farmers OF the state. There is
nothing more needful in the state than
agricultural and Industrial education for
the boys and girls who live in the rural
districts The farmers boys generally get
only a limited education in the public
schools, and are not trained at all for the
business they expect to pursue. Georgia
is doing a great work in splendidly
equipped colleges for all other lines OF
business and professions, but when II
comes to helping the boys on the farm,
they are turned down without considera-
ton.
The farmers OF this state should discuss
these matters with their representatives
and impress upon them the necessity for
action. because this state is doing less
along the lines OF agricultural education
than any state in the south, or in the
union.
The impression that is abroad In this
state. that a farmers boy needs no educa'
ton to specially equip himself for his lie
work. is a most erroneous idea, and until
a decided change is made, boys from the
country will continue to emigrate TO the
towns and cities. TO exc out an existence
as clerks in the dry goods stores and other
lines OF business.
Educate. a boy for his lifework and ne
will make a success Of it. Develop his
brains and ne will utilize the resources at
his command.
Last summer the attorney gerteralsof the
state rendered a decision to the effect thai
under existing fertilizer laws If manu-
factu-er or dealer sold fertilizers of any
kind to a farmer in bulk that IL would- DC
a misdemeanor and punishable by nne OF
Imprisonment. received large num-
her Of letters from farmers asking re-
neal OF this law. which was clearly a spe-
cfes OF class legislation i'm the interest OF
the fertilizer manufacturers. A bill repeal
ins. the law was introduced in the senate
and passed unanimously. but was killed
before the house committee on agriculture
Another. bill more fun and complete. vii
Re drawn and introduced at the next ses-
sion, and il is to be earnestly hoped thai
the measure will become a law.
1t is manifestly unfair to prohibit a
farmer from buying bulk fertilizers If he
wants 70 mix his guanos at home ana save
from Ss.00 10 $500 per ton by so doing
II was contended that only large farmers
would be benfited. but small farmers could
club together and secure the same ad-
vantages. The fertilizer people object 10 the
change on the ground that If the farmers
generally bought their fertilizer material
in bulk that il would ruin their business
as manufact urers. Such change, how
ever. would save the farmers OF this state
hundreds of thousands of dollars annual
Is, and certainly any farmer, whether he
be a small or extensive farmer. should
have the right to purchase fertilizer ma.
.terial in bulk. IL he wishes to.
A farmer cannot now exchange his cot
ton seed for meal, without first having
to stand the extra expense OF sacks and
saclxing the meal This is oftentimes 9
needless and unnecessary expense. The
law will doubtless be changed next July.
State appropriations have not been ma
terfalIyf increased, but revenues have beer
enlarged and taking II an together the
work OF the session just adjourned Should
be eminently satisfactory to the people
OF the state.
The only increase in appropriations OF
any consequence was made in behalf Of
the charitable institutions of the state
which was found absolutely necessary.
HARvIE JORDAN.