The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-01-19
Spirit of the Press.
TO OUR FARMERS.

Durham Sun.
The Sun is not going to give the far
mers of this and the adjoining counties
any advice, because they know how to
farm much better than we do. but we de-
sire to throw out a few suggestions Tor
their encouragement, and with the hope
that it will draw them out OF the CHM
new corners, not only this year, but for
the wears to come as well.
The farmers of this section-this tobac-
co growing section-have the most flat
tering prospects in years to put them
selves in comfortable circumstances
make money and accumulate wealth, II
they exercise judgment. and take hold
of the matter intelligently. 1t is with
this idea in view that We desire to bid
them Gods speed and encourage them
to plant cotton this year. Prepare for 1t
this month by making compost heaps,
secure manure, get fertilizer-be active,
energetic and your industry will be re-
warded. The signs of the times are the
brightest the farmed has had in years,
and he should take advantage OF the
bright prospects. We ask and urge them
to consider the question, and put new life
in their farm work.
1t is not possible that cotton will re-
main at thirteen cents the year round
and it may yet go higher. but the facts,
in the light OF present figures and re-
ports, are sufficient to encourage every
farmer to put in a cotton crop. With the
low price of tobacco, he can divide his
acreage and make the former his money
crop, this is by putting in a few acres,
tending it we'll, and using plenty of ferti-
lizer or manure. By careful cultivation,
as designated, he can increase his produc-
ing capacity fifty Per cent and will thus
be enabled to get on his feet in money
matters and be independent indeed.
Some one will argue that too much cot
ton will be raised this year and prices
will go down Hardly. Not down very
low. The future cotton crop promises to
realize remunerative figures to the plant
err. The crop was short last year. We
are in another short crop, and We learn
that there is now no reserve, which was
the case in years past. Buying IS now
general all over the world where cotton
is handled. With this state of affairs
existing, there is the prospect for good
prices for several years to come. This IS
enough to stimulate every farmer to di-
versity of crops and reap his share OF the
profits in the sale of the fleecy staple,
by getting out of the ruts, and turning
his attention to this matter in a practical
way. IT is worth the trial. Not only
prepare your land we'll for this crop this
year, but feftilize in such a manner that
it will be beneficial to future crops.
And this is not all. You will have
RI a@ rio M Of AS
enlargement to the farmer We will state
that the Erwin mills syndicate, in the
past few years brought the Durham cot
ton market-buying from the wagons of
farmers in tnls and the adjoining coun-
ties--from 1000 bales up to 5000, and
this year will pay out to them more than
a quarter of million dollars This of it.
self should be a great stimulus to our far
mers to diversity, and endeavor to raise
a grade of cotton that will command the
best prices and put money in their peck
cts.
The time is ripe for action along this
acknowledgement Automatically the
planter can better his condition and make
this section more prosperous, and there
Is nothing more conductive to these re-
suits. as we now see it, than the move
we have indicated. We hope to see it
tried, for we want the farmer to be in
the swim We want to see him prosper
and flourish, and the signs of the times
point to this activity and move as the
way to accomplish the ends aimed at.
The farmer has it in his own hands to
go forward and reap the reward of toll
in this direction, or pursue the old beat
en- path of one crop with low price on
that Which shall it be?