The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-01-11
LIE FARMERS ARE
 IN DEAD EARNEST Representatives from Four Counties Attend Mass Meeting WILL REDUCE THE ACREAGE Delegates Are Elected to the Cotton Convention at New Orleans.
 Speeches Made By Prom
 inent Men.
WILL REDUCE THE ACREAGE

Opelika, January 10.-(Special)- )-That the farmers of this section are thor oughly aroused over the recent cotton situation was emphatically demonstrated today, when the meeting at the court house was called to order at Il o'clock, with the court room full of the repre- sentative farmers of this county, and showing such earnestness in their de- meanor that it reminded one somewhat of conference for a proposed lynching
 There is no question among those who as to whether they intend business in thus coming together for mutual confer ence and organization for the general good and for what they have really come to consider-self- preservation. Besides the farmers of Lee county there was a goodly sprinkling from Chambers, Talla- poosa and Russell counties
 Perfect Temporary Organization.
 In calling the meeting to order, George w Collier, one of the most prominent farmers of the county, and leader in the movement in this section for organ ization addressed the people upon the necessity of getting together or of go- ing down in the struggle for existence. He reviewed briefly the situation and then called upon M. P Renfro, presi- dent of the First National bank, to act as chairman c. R. McCrary, represent alive from this county in the last legs- lature, and Isaac J. Dorsey of this city escorted him to the chair. H. D. Mc- Graw, postmaster at Hattie, and one Of the leading farmers of the eastern part of the county, was named as secretary. The temporary organization was enthu- siastically made permanent. The follow ing were made committee on resolu- tions: Hon. H. M. Wilson. editor of the Daily News and prominent farmer of beat 1; Wiley Ross, manager of the AL 1iance store; B. w. Williams, candidate for Mayor; G. W. Collier. farmer; T. P. Hudmon, one of the old and prosperous citizens Prof. J. F. Duggar. director of the Alabama Experiment station.
 While the committee was at work on the resolutions addresses were made by W. c. Thomas, of Chambers County; Joe Harris also of Chambers: N. c. Jackson of Auburn this county; T. D. Sanford of Opelika Professor Duggar of Auburn; e. R. McCrary of Opelika; M. T. Travick of the oil mill; w. B. Gullatt of Auburn; E b Ueard of Beat b, Il. ID. McGray, and others. all along the line of re- duction of acreage, using less fertilizer, and holding the present cotton. The im- portance of the move was discussed and the necessity of standing together. The need of meetings in each of the several beats of the county was emphasized and a committee of three named for each beat except No ?. the largest. for which six were named. The following were named delegates to the meting at New Orleans 10 be held January 24 25 and 26: N. P. Renfroe. president of the First National bank; Capt. R. M. Greene, president of the Bank of Opelika; c. R. McCrary, Professor Duggar. and T. D. Sanford, attorney. The following resolutions were then adopted with enthusiasm, each be- ing considered and discussed separately and adopted by a rising vote:
 Resolutions Are Adopted.
 First, Resolved that this convention of the farmers and business men of Lee County, Alabama hereby agree to reduce the 1905 cotton acreage, to reduce the use of guano proportionately and to hold The cotton now on hand for higher prices.
 Second, Resolved that precinct meet ir,as are hereby called, to meet at each voting place on Saturday, February 4. 1903. ar 10 o'clock (unless some more con- ven!ent place be selected by the chair man of the beat committee.) That the recretary of each of such meetings shall