The Tupelo journal., 1907-08-30
By H. E. BLAKEsLEE. JACKSON.

ed. This matter of efficient telephone
at reasonable rates is one OF
the biggest questions Mississippi has
handle at this time. The telephone
no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
The home without one is fast becoming
an exception instead Of q rule, the ex-
tension of the service to the rural COM
munities is causing more trouble than
all else. For several months the writer
has been e~ndeavoring to get hold of the
Farmers Contract" mentioned at
but has SO far signally failed.
Hon. r. L. Bradley, railroad commits
also took it upon himself t o get
hold OF this mythical document, but
has also failed. There is just cause for
the next legislature taking some action
looking to the regulation of this impor-
tant matter. The country people need
even worse than those in
town, and they are deserving of a law
will supply this need and at a rate
equitable to all, but at a rate they can
pay.
An able paper of the State advocates
the passage OF a law requiring the cor
porations that own immense tracts OF
land in Mississippi to develop it or
place it upon the market at a reason
able price SO that those desiring homes
buy it and do the developing them
selves. While such a law may seem
drastic and unwise just at this time, it
is likely that the future may demand
OF the kind. Foreign cor
porations have bought millions of dol
lars worth of our timber lands and are
holding for the increase in price that is
coming steadily. The greater portion
it was purchased for practically
nothing, and up until the past year or
two, taxes were paid at a rate of assess
ment even less than the purchase price.
Such a law as suggested might be
as anti-eorporation legisla-
ton, but it would apply to individuals
as well al companies. The people OF
Mississippi are frequently placed in a
false light as harboring a strong senti-
ment against corporations. This is not
in any sense of the word. All
that u people ask is, that corpora
tions be accorded the same treatment
as the man with forty acres and a mule.
Mississippians ask for no more than
they are willing to accord to others, but
do vehemently insist that all be treated
in a similar manner and that conces-
sions and exemptions to monied con-
Germs be stopped.
The people of Amite county are be-
to give attention to other mat
tiers besides raising cotton. The Rec
ord at Gloster speaks of the fact that
q number of energetic men are hauling
wood to town and selling it that comes
from land being cleared, thereby MAX
ing it a source of profit instead of
Also of the fact that melons
bringing a good price and with a
demand. One man will plant
pretty largely of broom corn next year,
encouraged by the extremely high
price of the article. 1t might be sug-
that the corn, be manufactured
into the brooms right here at home,
thereby keeping the whole amoune OF
money here. Peanuts and other crops
will be given attention, and the pre-
diction is made right here that a con-
of this policy will, in q few
years, make the territory around Clos
ter the most prosperous in the State.
The Herald at Water Valley takes
up the proposition for a county fair for
and Calhoun counties and
makes a strong appeal for the organi-
cation of such an enterprise. In years
gone by there was a good fair at
Water Valley, but in the great period
of depression it went the way of sew
eral others. The people of that section
are in a position to make a splendid
display of agriculture, horticulture and
stockraising, and it is to be sincerely
hoped that the Herald's agitation will
be productive of a revival of the fair
for that section. "a
Mississippi has a large number of
innovations to her credit
as many or more than any State in
the Union. One of these was the abol-
ishment of Imprisonment for debt. a
.nefarious law that prevailed in all the
States of the Union. Away back in
1S24-January 2S-this statute was re-
and the lead was followed by
other States. While there may be a
number of "shylocks" still at
the misfortunes of a man cannot
cause his incarceration in Jail. The
past history OF u State is one to be
proud Of, and it should be the ambition
OF every citizen to see that the future
is in keeping with the past.
The United States department of agri-
culture at Washington has recently is
sued a bulletin on Eradication of John
son Grass" that should be of especial
value to the farmers of sections where
grass has gained a hold. Copies
this bulletin will be furnished upon
to Farm Management U. S.
OF Agriculture. Thousands
Of dollars have been spent in devising
plan to get rid Of this grass and it
would be we'll for those interested to
write for a copy and get the benefit OF
extensive investigation.