The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-05-15
MONTGOMERY FARMERS
 DISCUSS LABOR PROBLEM
Important Matters Submitted to Agricultural As sociaton at Monthly Meeting Talked of
 Railroad Freight Rates.

wage earner has the same affliction as his brother. he, too. grows tired and instead of his half holiday he demands the entire day. even. though the rainy days have intervened when he could not work
 These three methods are in operation on our farms in this section of Alabama. From personal observation we all know that they are unprofitable and exceed | ingly unsatisfactory. We can point to large and fertile plantations which have been abandoned to negro tenants; we see l these fertile fields impoverished and vast | ing away. and once splendid homes fall 1 ing to decay.
 Reviewing the situation. from a prac- ticaI business standpoint some pertinent questions suggest themselves for our thought and deliberation. Is the present | management of our farms conducive to | prosperity? Does the negro tenant im- prove his condition? Are the value of our lands enhancing? Does the future reveal promise of safety from the existing cvHs! Is 1t not within the providence of the land owner to secure the co-opera : tion of his tenants. show him the evils as they exist. and appeal to him to assist in the correction of prevailing methods and | bring prosperity to our farms? We in- vite discussion along these lines"
 
 On motion of c. L. Gay a special com l mittee was authorized to investigate further the labor problem and request ed President Houghton to prepare A paper on the subject
 Railroad Freight Rates. An interesting report on railroad freight rates as they affected the farm | ing interest, was read by President | Houghton.
 The report as follows was adopted:
 ITO the Montgomery Agricultural As- sociation:
 Your committee appointed under the resolution adopted at the last meeting to investigate railroad freight rates in so far as they affect the farming in- terests. respectfully ask permission to say that a proper adjustment of freight tariffs Is of great importance to the growth and prosperity of farming and stock raising.
 Agriculture and it's kindred | branches pay the greater proportion of the charges on all produce and live stock brought into the State and on an estimated seventy-fve million dollars worth of cotton and its products most ly sent out of the State.
 The merchant is not so vitally fn- terested as is the farmer, for he adds freight and all other charges before he fixes his selling price and the purchas- CT pays cost and carriage with such profits in addition as competition will allow.
 The adjustment of rates is wholly a business problem and the brightest and most capable business men in touch and sympathy with the agricultural and industrial interests should fairly and impartially devote care and pro- found thought in its regulation.
 Tt Is gratifying that all classes of our people recognize the importance and value of the railroads to the States development and prosperity. :. There has never been a time when shippers and consumers more readily conceded that the roads should be full ly protected and allowed under the law to earn fair and just return on the value of their property. In pursuance of liberal policy it has been embodied in the law of the State that rates on freight must not be reduced so as to deprive the carrier of a profitable re- turn on his investment. This, to some extent, is a better safeguard on rail-