The leader., 1904-09-03

i
Treasurer Miller gave out an inter
bsting statement q few days since re-
garding the possible condition Of the
State treasury for the next two years,
and figures out a deficit with the best
Of management, and probably pretty
large one. With the presumption
that the $500,000 in bonds are sold
and the governor borrows 100000, as
authorized by the legislature, then a
shortage Of from $150.000 to 100000
stares the people of the State in the
face. While the State is practically
free from debt and in good condition
generally, this is o matter that must
be met on business basis. Had the
bonds been issued at 3 per cent for
building the State house, as provided
for, there would have been no trouble
now, but as it is before us, it be-
comes necessary to do something to
relieve the situation. The increase in
school and other appropriations re-
Quires more money than the increase
In property values produce. With the
splendid condition of the State imam.
cially, small bond issue without ten
year redemption clause would read.
lily sell at per cent. This would be
much more economical than to bor-
row on short time at high rate of in.
terest or to discount the State paper.
Here 10 something which really
smacks Of q Greater Mississippi"
and is evidence that what is desired
will soon be a fact. The Corinth En-
CINE and Boiler Works is in receipt
Of letter from gentleman in the
Philippine Islands asking for the
agency for the companys saw mills
in that part of the world. The appli.
cant is of the opinion that a large
number Of saw mills will soon be in
operation on the islands, and he ap.
pears anxious to represent some first
class manufacturer. He asks that in
case of the acceptance of the propo-
Sition that all shipments go forward
via San Francisco. It is reasonable
to suppose that the proposition of the
foreign gentleman will be accepted,
and that Mississippi made saw mills
will, before many months, be in oper-
alton in the Philippine Islands. After
so many years 1t comes to pass that
Mississippi does not send to. Pennsyl-
gania for her machinery, but, instead,
comes in competition with Northern
manufacturers and sends her goods to
the opposite side Of the earth in CON-
petition with the markets of the
world. That is the realization of the
dream, For Greater Mississippi"
Some man who has had experience
along the line does some convincing
figuring to show that good roads are
economical, even II they do cost a
big pile Of money. To haul bale
Of cotton ten miles to town over a
poor road costs the owner 50 or over,
besides the wear and tear of stock,
wagon and harness, to say nothing
Of the trying Of patience and other like
inconvenience. With a good road
three bales of cotton can be carried
with more ease and satisfaction than
one over bad one. Then. this is
money saved. The average farmer
who lives ten miles from his market
town goes to town on an average of
twenty-six times per year. Then, On
the trips to town, saving of at least
&26 would be made, to say nothing OF
ether uses to which he puts the road.
The market gardeners and others who
use the road more frequently would
effect far greater saving. An i'm
proveNent that would make it posi-
Bile for team to pull three times the
load with greater ease is certainly
worth securing. although the cost be
considerable. This is subject that
is just now beginning to attract at
tention in Mississippi, and the predic-
ton Is made that the present agita-
ton will not wane. until the State has
roads in keeping with other improve
ments being made.
Cotton is opening at all points OF
the State. and in the southern portion
Is being marketed right along. Ere
long the guesser ON this years crop
will be out of a job and the staple
viii seek its proper level. A 10000
600 bale crop ought to bring 10 or IL
cents per pound, for that amount is
now required to supply ordinary con-
sumption. The season opens above
10 cents and will likely fiuctuate con-
siderably during the fall and winter,
but the best posted cotton men say
That 1t viii not go below the 10-cent
mark. While this is largely conject-
ure, the cotton farmer can pretty
safely count on 10 cents for his crop,
and that means a lot for Mississippi.
Newton held meeting last week
and decided to organize an associa.
ton for the purpose of promoting
horticulture and the erection of can
ming factory for the crop next year
Much enthusiasm was shown and the
project will, in all likelihood, prove a
success. Newton is fast putting on
city airs and is growing very rapidly.
II is in good section of the country
and has live citizenship.
Get out of the old ruts and fall into
whatever win pay you better ard
make the State richer and purer
Randle Lewis, colored, of Monroe
county, is successful producer of
tobacco, and every year has more or
less for sale. which brings a fair price
and proves profitable crop. In South
Mississippi the Spanish tobacco grows
successfully, and there may be an OPP
portunity for Mississippi to produce
her own tobacco in the future.
Have you done your duty toward