The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-03-11
Farmers and Merchants Enjoy
 Ing Great Prosperity
INTERESTED IN POLITICS
Stock Raising Becoming Important Feature of Sumter countys Prog ress-Social Atmosphere of
 Livingston Is Delightful.
BY FRANK V. EVANS.

Livingston, March 10.-While Sumter county people seem much concerned in the hotly contested congressional cam paign, and willingly discuss the matter among themselves. and with all visitors; they are likewise deeply interested in matters industrial especially farm oper- ations For be 1t known that Sumter is one of the strongest agricultural counties of the state, and the real strength of these farmers lies in the general plan of diversification. Cotton is of course the principal money crop; but corn Is raised in abundance, truck raising and shipping plays a most important part, while the grasses receive much attention, and the claim is freely made here that Sumter is in the lead now as a fine stock-raising county.
 More than a dozen large land owners have transformed their cotton fields into stock farms or grass fields and many herds of the finest breeds of cattle are grazing thereon, and producing most ex- celent financial results. Shorthorns, An gus and Herseford cattle are the breeds selected, and all of these do remarkably we'll in Sumter These feed upon the na- tive grasses which grow to perfection un- der proper care and cultivation.
 Alfalfa Raising Is Successful.
 Alfalfa is also proving a successful merly of Birmingham, but now of this place. purchased some time ago, what seemed to be a very poor and well-worn cotton plantation twelve miles from Liv- ingston. He at once made this a grass and stock farm, placing thereon herd of fine cattle The place is well watered and he planted a large part in alfalfa, which he says has proven successful be- yond his expectation.
 The truck business in this county has been increasing each year, and just now the gardeners are industriously at work putting in a greater acreage than ever before These vegetables are shipped an- nually in season to the great markets of the west and the industry is declared to be quite remunerative, as crops never fail, and there is always a large demand for the products.
 Lumber Business Flourishlng.
 The lumber business of Sumter is an- other source of income Large sawmills are in operation in different parts of the county, where pine and the hard woods abound.
 Livingston Is, of course, one of the older towns of the state, but there Is life and activity here as elsewhere in Alabama. There is considerable building and much general improvement During the past winter a quilt factory has been established near the depot, which gives employment to a large number of peo- pie, the cotton movement this season has enlivened the town, and 1t is a happy fact that the warehouses here still con- tain many bales of the staple.
 Miss Julia Tutwiller's Normal college is the chief educational institution here, and just now has large enrolment, with ninety boarding pupils. This school has a splendid record, and is doing a wonderful work. The buildings are well arranged, the grounds are large and the faculty first-class. Livingston also enjoys fine public school system.
 Celebrated Mineral We'll.
 The celebrated mineral well in the courthouse square is perhaps one of the most attractive features of this place, and has done much toward advertising the delightful town. This well is said to be HOO feet deep, and the water therefrom contains medicinal properties of most ex- cellent value. Much of it is shipped to distant points by the city authorities at good profit.
 Livingston people have beautiful homes; the houses generally are colonial in style, the yards spacious and beautiful. The so- cial atmosphere Is all that could be de- sired, there being an air of culture and refinement about the community which Is at once observable.
 Sharing the Prosperity.
 The merchants and other business men here are sharing with the farmers the general prosperity of the season, and good cheer prevails in all quarters.
 Two newspapers. the Sun by Editor Allen, and "The Home by Editor Lawrence, are doing good journalistic work. and their columns indicate prosperity. The Age Herald is the first daily to reach here, arriving here at an early morning hour. and there are but few reading people in Livingston whose names are not on It's list.