The Kemper herald. (Scooba, Miss.) 1875-1908, 1907-09-12

pie of Mississippi at present. 1t has
been thus for some time, and instead
Of growing better, is getting worse
year by year. 1t has been the sub
lest of much discussion and expert
ment for some time, the success at
teuding these varying. If we would
have a "Greater Mississippi" in
truth, 1t is necessary that our agricul-
tural resources be developed and the
lands be made to produce of the
worlds needs. Communications on
this subject are invited, realizing that
it IL an important matter worthy OF
careful consideration. Hon. Clarence
II. Poe, of Raleigh, N. c., editor OF
the Progressive Farmer, and one OF
the best agricultural publications IN
the South, recently made trip
through this section for the purpose
Of studying the labor problem. lie
wrote an interesting and instructive
letter on the subject from Greenvllle,
that was given wide publicity, and at
tracted great deal of attention. lie
also wrote the editor of this depart
ment as follows
"a recent trip through the South
has convinced me that the sections
where small white farmers predoml-
nate are making twice as rapid prog
ress as are the sections where the ne
groes are in the majority. | am writ
ing to ask your opinion of this view.
l know county, for example, where
in ten years the northeast section,
with small white farmers, has in
creased land values from SO to $25
per acre; the southeast corner land,
with negroes butchering it, has de-
creased from SIS to $40. What IS
your observationY Are the negroes
keeping up the fertility of the lands
they farm7 Are the counties where
whites predominant making moro
progress in wealth and industry than
the black belt countiesq Do you not
find that in many sections white peo-
pie have taken hold on poorer land
and beaten. negroes on richerY Please
run over the subject in your mind and
give me your opinion with just as
many specific instances and exam
Piles as you can think Of, and assure
you that the favor will be greatly ap-
preeciated."
There is but one way in which Mr..
Poe's letter can be answered. HIS
deductions are correct~in the general
sense Of the word. The experience OF
dozens Of communities in Mississippi
could be produced to prove it. While
all lands have advanced some, the
greatest increase will be found Ill
communities titled by white people
Ridgland, Crystal Springs and 9TH
ers, as an instance. Negro labor is
becoming more unreliable and some
plan must be conceived to supply 4
substitute. The most feasible one yet
offered, has been to cut the big plan
tations into small farms and induce
good white people from other sections
to own and work them. There may
be others. Let it be known if you
have a rolution to offer for this vexed
problem.
W. M. Bamberg, Of the United
States department of agriculture, re-
ports pleasing state of affairs ir
Madison county. W. B. Kinney has
fhreshed this year total of $4,000
bushels of oats in q section where
practically none were threshed las,
eason. It is also stated that acre
age for next year will be SSlbled
The yield averages thirty-five bushel;
per acre, which in itself is an item OF
interest. Mr.. Bamburg further. states
that the straw, which is usually an
item of loss, was baled and sold on
,ontract for So per ton. For what 1t
is was not stated, but the fact that II
has value is gratifying, indeed. This
denoes healthy state OF affairs IN
the section surrounding Canton. It
means, in the first place, that stuff,
has been raised that would ordinarily
have taken $21 900 out of the country
next season. This much money has
been saved. Then, too, it means that
the spirit of diversifcation has gained
foothold that will increase as time
goes by. The section that raises oats
hay, hogs, muls and other farm neces
sizes, is sure to take its place in the
Gst Of those most prosperous and witt
happy and satifed people.
Although there is an impression t.