Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1906-09-27
VOL. xxx.

the Laurel papers, making il the official
organ of the Farmers Union for that
section of the State. Mr.. Harrington
prupounds question something like
this: Have the farmers a right to or
ganize, and why?'
The writer has always taken the af-
frmatiEe side Of this question, and not
only accords the right, but emphasizes
the necessity of organization for the
agricultural classes. In organization
all classes assume normal condition.
Our government is founded upon or
ganization, and the two great political
parties struggling for control today are
organizations without an equal in the
history Of the world. Fraterual organ
izations with millions of members ex-
iss in the United States and grow
stronger year by year. Capital, with
its hundreds Of branches. is thoroughly
organized and stands together as unit
when its interests are threatened. The
insurance companies, as shown by re-
cent Developments, were bound by COM
mon interests and provided immense
funds to influence legislation and per-
form other service when required In
our own State those commonly inter-
ested have organizations that are not
allowed to wane in interest. The
bankers, newspaper men, druggists,
lawyers, doctors, dentists, pharmacists,
oil mill men, lumbermen and others
have their organizations that are kept
up for specific purpose, that of con-
certed action in the accomplishment Of
ends TO be desired.
Then the farmer not only has the
right to organize for the furthering of
his interest, but it is imperative that he
do so for his protection when it is seen
that all other interests are thoroughly
In accord and with strong organizations
TO secure what they desire. Fifteen
years ago the writer virtually penned
these same words to the county paper
in support of an organization then
being effected in his home county. At
that time the contention was made that
the rapid organization Of other inter-
ests made it imperative for the farmer
to organize for his protection as the
day would eventually come when he
would be the only man without protec-
tion and would fall prey to the organ
lied interests. This has come to pass,
time proving the correctness OF the
prediction. The farmers are today at
the mercy of combined and organized
interests, and while they are the found
alton or producers Of all wealth, have
less organization than any other.
However a change is taking place that
augurs well for them in the near future.
They are beginning to realize that
they, too, must band together for pro-
lection of their mutual interests, and
thousands of them are entering hearth
lY into the movement. The Farmers
Union is gaining members by the thou
sands and other organizations with q
similar purpose are also doing an ex-
cellent work. That there are number
of such organizations does not mean
that the effect will be less marked, but
each has its more specific purpose, and
the end being striven for is practically
the same. Some day in the near future
We may expect to see an amalgamation
of all in one immense union, still dele
eating to each division the work for
which it was primarily organized. Such
has been the course pursued by the la
Dor organizations that are the pendu-
lums today that tend to check the vhirl
of immense organizations OF wealth
that are powerful beyond conception.
With the agricultural people organized
in sections to represent the various In
terests and the whole amalgamated into
one immense union for the general
good, there can be no doubt of the ben
ehcial effect to follow. The organiza-
tion of one interest serves as . check
TO Others that are not similarly inter-
ested, and will result in conferences
where much Is at stake instead of ar
bitrary action which might be taken
otherwise.
The agricultural classes undoubtedly
have the right to organize for the pro-
lection Of their interests, and mora
than that, the necessity of organization
is made more imperative every day by
the organization of other interests.
Mississippi is doing well along this line,
aud the growing strength OF her farm
ers in their efforts is source of satis-
faction to all who have the best inter
ests Of the State at heart. The founda-
ton for q great work is being well laid
and the cooperation of the people to
be benefited is sdesired by those actively
in the work.
Meridian Is working hard to have
one Of the three rifle ranges to be fur
nished by the National government To-
Gated in that city, and the Meridian
way Of going after things usually lands
the prize.
An ANALYSIS of the artesian water re-
Gently secured at Eden, in Yazoo coun-
ty, proves it to be excellent for all pur-
poses. The we'll is 500 feet in depth.
Many improvements are noted in the
place, street lamps and other convent
ences being provided by the citizens.
Itta Bena has just landed veneer
plant that will cost 100000 for the
building and machinery alone, to say
nothing of the money that will be neces-
sary to run the business. The plant
will manufacture veneer from the mag
nifieent timber that is 50 abundant In
the vicinity of Ifta Bena and will EN-
ploy large number OF men, This Is
quite victory for this enterprising lit
tie delta city, number of points being
in competition for the location OF the
plant.