The Kemper herald. (Scooba, Miss.) 1875-1908, 1907-08-29
By \. I BLAKEsLEE. Jackson. Mss,

An able paper of the state advo-
Gates the passage of law requiring
the corporation that own immense
tracts of land in Mississippi to de-
velop it or place upon the market
at reasonable price so that those de-
string homes can buy it and do the
developing themselves. While such a
law may seem drastic and unwise just
at this time, it is likely that the fu-
ture may demand something of the
kind. Foreign corporations have
bought millions of Mollars worth OF
our fine timber lands and are holding
for the increase in price that is COM
ing steadily. The greater portion of
it was purchased for practically moth
ing, and up until the past year or two
taxes were paid at rate of assess
ment even less than the purchase price
Such a law as suggested might be
classed as anti-corporation legislation,
but it would apply to individuals as
we'll as companies. The people OF
Mississippi are frequently placed in
8 false light as harboring strong
sentiment against corporations. This
is not true in any sense of the word.
All that our people ask is, that cor
porations be accorded the same treat
ment as the man with forty acres and
mule. Mississippians ask for no
more than they are willing to accord
to others, but do vehemently insist
that all be tn,ated in similar man.
ner and that concessions and exemp-
tions to monied concerns be stopped.
The Herald at Water Valley takes
up the proposition for county fair
for Yallabusha makes a strong ap-
peal for the organization Of such an
enterprise. In years gone by there
was good fair at Water Valley, but
in the great period of depression it
went the way of several others. The
people Of that section are in position
to make splendid display Of agri
cultural and stock-raising, and it is
sincerely hoped that the Herald s
agitation will be productive of re-
vival of the fair for that section.
The flood of advertisements offer
ing sure shot and get-rich-quick
schemes continues and suckers bite
with alarming regularity despite the
repeated warnings of the press.
There is no occasion for man tn
send cent of money away from Mis-
sissippi for investment, the opportuni-
ties here being equal to or superior
to those from any part of the world.
Put your money into the development
of Mississippi's splendid resources
and the reward you will reap will be
a double one.
Columbus is having trouble with the
telephone situation, kicking vigorous
ly at the increase in rates recently
ordered. This matter of efficient tele-
phone service at reasonville rates, is
one of the biggest questions Missis-
ippi has to handle just at this time
The telephone is no longer luxury,
but necessity. The home without
one is fast becoming an exception in
stead of a rule. The extension of the
service to the rural communities is
causing more trouble than all else.
For several months the writer has
been endeavoring to- get hold of the
Farmers Contrast" mentioned at
times, but has so far signally failed.
Hon. R. L. Bradley, railroad commits
sioner, also took it upon himself to
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 important matter. The coun
try people need telephones even more
than those in town, and they are de-
serving of a law that will supply this
AoSu diiu ae q law CquAeoDiO W Oily
but at a rate they can pay.
A large plant is being erected at
Laurel to manufacture out of the
waste material from mills and cut
over lands products Of value. The
concern has ample capital, is in the
hands of competent men, and should
be of value to the people of thaA Sec
ton. Mississippi has wasted untold
millions Of dollars during the past
few years in material not utilized
and the plant at Laurel is an innoya-
tion that deserves success.
The Cyclone Fair Association gave
colt show in Claiborne county on
the 10Th that was voted splendid
success. Good stock from the sur
rounding country was on exhibition
and large number of interested peo-
pie were in attendance. The fair spir-
it is growing fast in Mississippi and
next year it is expected that dozen