The Port Gibson reveille., 1907-01-17

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lessened in their support Of the Asso
citation, and no longer evince the en-
thusiasm and loyalty that made III
first two years Of existence so full
of power for good.
1t is believed thai this apathy anC
Indifference is physical rather thar
Of the spirit, apparent rather thar
real, and that tie 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 diminishes the yigor 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 20 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 men,
'bers presenting a solid front to the
rest of the world. Every other body
of co-workers is in a state Of highly
organized efficiency. 1t will not do
for us to pursue old methods however
attractive or dignifed they may be-
however, traditionally 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 fre-arm-not of the gallant
but now futile sword; the day Of
steam and electricity-not Of the
stage-coach and pack-horse. And the
change that has been brought In me.
chanics is matched by the change thai
has taken place in economic methods
Although they hold the whip hand
in the situation, Of all who deal will
the cotton product, our Southern peo.
pie have profted least in proportion
to their deserts. And all from a fail.
ure to work together in the broader
plane Of business. Let them no Longer
neglect, or give only half hearted o.
spasmodic support to a movement
which has for its purpose the bring
ing to them their fair and honesi
share in the wealth their own hands
and lands create, an Association
which has already made good its righi
to their support. The larger the ter
ritory, the stronger the backing given
the more closely the organization ap
proximotes unanmity, the more usefu
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 cottor
up to the very figure at which the
manufacturer could purchase and still
have a fair margin Of profit. But til.
happy consummation can only Gs OBJ
tanned by Welding themselves into ons
great body, whereby they can work ii
unison.
The Southern Cotton Association
is, we believe, the solution of the sit
uation. Its policy provides for loca
Associations with independent pow.
ers as to local needs and conditions
It follows the analogy Of our politi.
cal subdivision, and provides fot
State, County, District, and Precinct
and the great Central
or National Association, composed OF
the representatives Of these smaller
ones performs the functions Of our
National Government. 1t acts for the
smaller organizations in their federal
relations, and for the great body OF
Lhe members in their foreign relations,
presenting an organized and united
front to the outside world, BY which
s meant those not interested in the
and marketing Of the great
white staple.
In the firm and just belief that their
'wn best interest, end the best inter-
st of the Cotton States demand it,
he Mississippi Division earnestly
irges upon everyone interested in Sc
'uring a fair and adequate prices for
he great Southern product, that they
ally to The support Of the Southern
cotton Association.
(Signed):
d. f. CHAMBERLAIN,
J. F. CASSELLS,
r. w. MILLSAPS.
HENRY A MINOR TP