The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1907-10-04

Mr.. J. II. Wertz Writes a Letter
About the Farmers Union and
Other Things.
The Greenwood Index.

S<ASO
attended one or two Of their meetings,
and while I've always been in deep
sympathy with the organization, have
never been so favorably impressed
as on last Monday. This organization
in my opinion, is calculated to be
one CT the most beneficial to our
country than any other that exists in
the world today. I honestly believe
the above could be easily proven in
a very short period, provided every
member would only be loyal to their
pledges. I am not a member Of the
organization. and I'm not the man to
stand aside and say, they will not
stick together. [ was much impressed
with the talk made by Mr.. F. B.
Grier last Monday. I think every one
present heartily concurred in every
word he uttered, and had I been a
member would have made motion
for a unanimous vote of thanks for
the wise and practical counsel and
encouragement. Messrs. E. D. An
drews. Mike Kinard, and Others made
talks that were full of wisdom. also
our mutual friend.> Mr.. Ed. Reynolds
displayed some Of his oratory which
we thought was quite appropriate for
the occasion.
Mr.. Editor. I remember the time
when farms were Stunned. and far
mers sneered at. but I'd rather be a
successful farmer today than to be
president Of these United States, and
I am truly glad to see and know
that most people Of every other voca-
ton are beginning to realize that
their bread and butter comes from
the farmers hand, if it comes at all,
and if the farmers prosper, so do
the merchants. bankers, physicians,
railroads. editors, and every other
living elias upon old Mother Earth.
but if they fail, none others thrive.
Hence, the farmer is the backbone of
the world. Now Mr.. Editor, before
concluding. I'd like to ask, just for
information, what is wrong with our
Greenwood cotton market? I'm aware
of the fact that cotton has declined
materially in price every where, but
two Of my nephews from Newberry
spent the day with me last Sunday
and one Of them informed me that his
father sold cotton at Newberry the
day before for IL cents, when ou1
market scarcely reached II "a if
shat. Of course [ know We farmers
are about 25 years behind Newberry
farmers, but if I nave been correctly
Informed, I can not comprehend why
Greenwood cotton buyers should fall
short Of the price Newberry buyers
are paying. Now, I am not going
back on our Greenwood buyers, for l
like them all; nor, our beautiful city.
I love Greenwood; first, because l
married one Of her noble daughters,
second, because she bids fair to be
the best city in the state; and, be-
cause she is second to none, only
Newberry.
Well, III drift back to King Cot
ton for moment, and say, taat |
believe the farmers who are selling
cotton at present prices are making
the mistake Of heir lives. The far
mrs are all going to be deceived in
the present crop, and the mill man
and all other spectators are going
to me more so, because there is a
great deficiency in the estimate OF
the crop. I have on several occasions
borrowed 7 1-2 and s cents from Mr..
James T. Medlock on my cotton, paid
nv obligations, held for, and got bet
ter prices when cotton was selling
for less than it is now bringing, and
I'm sure Mr.. Medlock and all the
other bankers would gladly aid the
farmers in holding cotton now.
Making rough estimate as to the
cost of growing cotton, our profits
are small enough even if we realize
Is cents the pound.
First, it cost at least to prepare an
acre of land for cotton =. IS 81
Fertilizer from 81 to SIS, say. 6 90
Seed and Planting .. .. 80. l 90
Three hoeings and the TOOLS. 2 81
Three or four plowings ...... l 81
Picking, per bale .. =. .... 7 OC
Ginning, bagging and ties.... l Sc
Han1ino- to oin &; market ! 0C