The Kemper herald. (Scooba, Miss.) 1875-1908, 1907-01-17

lessened in their support of the Asso-
citation, and no longer evince the en-
dhusiasm and loyalty that made its
first two years Of existence so full
of power for good.
1t is believed that this apathy and
Indifference is physical rather than
of the spirit, apparent rather than
real, and that the Southern people
realize and properly appreciate the.
real value of the Association and its
work, while failing to give it that
actual and active support which they
believe it to deserve. But whatever
its source or cause, this failure Of the
public to do its part seriously hampers
and dinainishes the vigor and power
of The Association, not alone in its
finances, but in its prestige and act
ual efficiency. Without the backing
of the active support of the body Of
the people of the Cotton States, no
amount of passive appreciation and
gratitude will avail TO make the As
socition a working power against the
hosts of adverse interests.
1t is full time that the people of the
South seriously realize, and act ac-
cordingly, that successfully to meet
the stern conditions of this advanced
age, modern methods must be adopted
and adhered to. Today sees every
great field Of industry, save the agri-
cultural one, organized, and its MEM
'bers presenting a solid from. to the
rest of the world Every other body
of co-workers is in a state of highly
organized efficiency. It will not do
for us to pursue old methods however
attractive or dignifed they may be,
however, tradisionally Southern they
may be, if We are successfully to cope
with twentieth century business meth
DDS, and obtain our honest share OF
the profits of industry and intelli-
gence. 1t is the age of the brutal but
effective re-arm-not Of the gallant
but now futile sword; the day of
steam and electricity-not of the
stage-eoach and pack-horse. And the
change that has b en- brought In me-
chanics is matched by the change that
has taken place in economic methods.
Although they hpd the whip hand
in the situation, of all who deal with
the cotton product, our Southern peo-
pie have profted least in proportion
to their deserts. And all from fail
ure to work together in the broader
PLANE Of business. Let them no longer
neglect, or give only half hearted of
spasmodic support TO movement
which has for its purpose the bring
ing to them their fair and honest
share in the wealth their own hands
and lands create, an Association
which has already made good its right
to their support. The larger the ter
ritory, the stronger the backing given,
the more closely the organization ap-
proximotes unanmity, the more useful
and efficient it will be. Ninety pei
cent. of the growers of cotton, by con-
certed action after wise consideration,
could dictate the price of raw cotton
up to the very figure at which the
manufacturer could purchase and still
have fair margin Of profit. But this
happy consummation can only We OBJ
tanned by welding themselves into ons
great body, whereby they can work in
unison.
The Southern Cotton Association
is, we believe, the solution of the sit
uation. Its policy provides for local
Associations with independent pow
ers as to local needs and conditions
1t follows the analogy of our politi.
cal subdivision, and provides fol
State, County, District, and Precinct
organizations; and the great Central
or National Association, composed of
! the representatives of these smaller
ones performs the functions of our
! National Government. It acts for the
smaller organizations in their federal
relations, and for the great body of
the members in their foreign relations,
presenting an organized and united
front to the outside world, by which
is meant those not interested in the
producing and marketing Of the great
white staple.
In the firm and just belief that their
own best interest, and the best inter
est of the Cotton States demand it,
the Mississippi Division earnestly
urges upon everyone interested in Sc
curing fair and adequate prices for
the great Southern product, that they
rally to the support of the Southern
! Cotton Association.
(Signed):
D. F. CHAMBERLAIN,
J. f. CASSELLS,
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