The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1906-03-24
PrOsperity in the South,

Figures relating to the production
of a whole continent sometimes lose
their significance by their magnitude.
But the figures relating to agricultu-
raj production are always worthy of
the attention of the Southern farm
erS. The achievements of last year
are full Of significance and full OF en-
enlargement. In round numbers the
earnings of the farmers Of America
for the year 1905 are placed at 6, 400
millions. This is NOR than six times
the entire national debt.
OF this vast sum ~One-Sixth, or,
more accurately. LIPS millions, were
the product of the dairy and the hen
yard, and this exceeds in value the
product of iron and steel.
The exports Of agricultural pro-
ducts for 1905 were 875 millions. In
other words, seven-eightks of our
farm products are consumed at home
and One-eighth is sent abroad.
Today the farmer owns l,454 mil
lion dollars worth Of mules and horses,
and the farm lands are roughly eSti-
mated to be worth y $1,000 mil
lions.
These figures relate to the agricul-
tural interests throughout the coun-
try. The effect of continued labor in
the agricultural field is especially
manifest in the industrial rehabilita-
tion of the South. In twenty-five
years the South has been transformed.
In 1880 there were Il millions Of
dollars invested in cotton mills in
the Southern states. In 1905 there
were 225 millions Of dollars so inves-
ted.
In 1880 the Southern mills conSnm-
ed 225, 900 bales of cotton, In 1905
they consumed 2,163, 900 bales of
cotton.
In 1880 the value of the cotton
crop was estimated at BIB millions.
In 1905 it was estimated at $50 mill
lions.
In 1880 the South produced 391, 900
tons of pig iron. In 1905 the South
produced 3,lOO, 900 tons of pig iron.
In 1880 the lumber products Of the
South were valued at 80 millions, and
1905 $50 millions.
In 1880 the railroad mileage of the
South was 20, 600, and in 1905 it was
so, 600.
In 1880 the assessed value OF prop
erty in the South was 3,O51 millions. |
In 1905 it was G., 500 millions.
In 1880 there were as cotton oil
mills in the South. and $50 in the
year 1905.
These figures are recapituiated
for the purpose OF encourage
nent. The basis OF all this prosperi-
~ is the industry and the indefatiga-
Ole perseverance OF the Southern far
ner through years of distress. There
S no labOrer anywhere who has to rely
10 exclusively upon his W resources
md his personal activities and indus
and upon his intelligent applica-
ions Of the lessons OF experience to
;he labOrs OF the year.
All oyer the South the farmers are
,ow at work preparing for a new year.
encouraged by the success Of recent
lines, confident of greater results,
Ind preparing for greater results. AS
sees the great army in the field
up the soil. preparing to sow
The seed, there comes a feeling Of ad-
niratiup, OF hope and good cheer.
Home and Farm sends to it's friends
,verywhere messages OF confidence
Ind cOngratulation. During its exis-
;ence for over a quarter OF a century
+ has seen Southern agriculture
transformed. 1t has seen a region
Frustrated under war and commercial
disaster reestablished, rejuvenated,
redeemed. The contrast brings with
t a feeling OF satisfaction that Home
Ind Farm has at least contributed
to this great change
Home and Farm.