The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-11-20
OF
AGRICULTURE MEET
Subjects Of Education Of Farmers
Sons and Immigration
Discussed.
IELIMlNATE COTTON DEALER
President Watson Advocates Di-
rect Sales of Staple and South
crn Steamship Lines "a

= + ~ 4 IL ~ ! f. 49,. ? .
COLUMBIA. s. c.. November 1s.-
The ninth annual convention of the
Southern Association Of Commissioners
Of Agriculture and Agricultural Work.
ers did not begin its sessions until
$3.50 o'clock this afternoon, owing to
delayed trains from the North and
West.
The meeting was called to order by
the president, Commissioners r. J. Wat
son, OF South Carolina. who introduced
Governor Anael. OF this State. Govern
or Ansel delivered a ringing address OF
welcome. in which he spoke OF the
vital Importance OF agriculture for the
South. His remarks were vigorously
applauded.
The response to the address of well
come was made by Commissioners John
,rhompson. OF Tennessee. who deliv-
cred a strong address, in which he
laid great stress upon the Importance
OF primary and intermediate agricnl-
tural education, with a view to the
keeping of the farmers sons on me
farm.
He said that IL cotton were eltmi-
mated from the South to-day her place
in the agricultural world would be
obliterated. He urged the education
OF the youth OF the land to the end
that tho South would utilize her SUI
periority of climate and land In rais-
ling sufficient provisions and supplies
for the South.
At the conclusion OF Mr.. Thompson's
address President Watson read a let
ter from Congressman Davis, OF Min
nesota, who has a bill pending In Cons
gress providing for Federal aid for
intermediate agricultural education
throughout the country.
The subject matter OF the letter. at
ter brief discussion. was referred
to the committee on resolutions. and
there seems to be no doubt. that a
strong Endorsement will be given the
Davis bill.
President yatsons Address.
After the reports of various committees
p, esident Watson delivered his annual ad-
d1ess. His remarks We're very plain. deaf
ingB With the absolute necessity for trans
atlantic navigation from the cotton belt to
the nearest ports OF consumers OF Southern
cotton. IIe dealt With the present financial
situation and effort to deprcss tho price Of
cotton. He denounced In unineasured terms
the methods employed to produce an artl-
1lcla! financial situation from tho effect OF
driving down the price of cotton, and urged
the elimination OF the cotton gambler hY
means OF putting the South's chief staple
9f hIFf l.
,Hc dealt rully with the subject Of I'm
migration to the South. recounting the eX-
rerlences leading to the remodeling OF the
Federal laws. maintaining that the changes
made had not bettered conditions from a
national istandpoint: but had resulted In n
larger influx OF undesirable and ds-
cluring that the policy originally outlined
in south Carolina Of selecting the immi-
grant at his own home for the purpose for
which his services are desired, was the only
policy promising, any material reltef. Hu
urged the amendment OF Federal laws SO
as TO retain the right OF a state 20 select
thn Immigrant at his own home und or Fed
erai supervt tsion. He also urged the value
and necessity for the South to pursue a
campaign In the Northwestern States. but
said that the process was slow. of necessity.
and In the meantime the South's hope was
no. In procuring farm lahorers from abroad
or anywhere else, but. IN obtaining share-
eropplng and small purchasing farmers
Ile further answered In very plain Ian.
guage the stock argument Of many OF tho
opponents OF IMMIGRATION to the South.
Indorse Waterway Plan.
Hs lnaorssa heartily u the Appalaahian
national drainage, and also the. scheme for
Improvement Of the inland waterways IN
ccEuection with Southern agriculture. m
Mr. j, n. pattep,, the secretary or tho
American Immigration Restriction League,
;is .inB attendance upon the &convention IS
Tho feature of to.lnoproW's nrosran VIII
be an address at noon by Assistant SecsCs-
staryS Hayes, 81 the United States Depart
s'sf,' To-aisas Il Mr.. Gilbert pearson, OF the
K1t 1tional Aud ubon Society. delivered mn II
Illustrated N Iec tUre hefora the ssoSiotio