Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1907-08-17

The time to begin any good work is
right now The elections have been held
which settles large number of the
State and county officials, and the sec
ond primary will soon be a thing of
the past and all will know who is who
for the next four years. Then let's be-
gin today to make these four years the
best that Mississippi has ever expert
enced. There is no man, woman or child
but who has part to perform in this
work. That part should be performed
zealously and well, and the writer be-.
lieyes that it will be cheerfully done in
that manner
Last fal and this spring several coun-
ties were organized into what was known
as competitive corn-growing contests, in
some the range of crops being larger,
and in one the girls were given part
A late beginning prevented the organza,
ton of more than half-dozen counties,
although it was hoped that more would
come in on the wind-up. Now it is con-
ceded and well recognized, that this is
one of the best movements inaugurdSd
in our State for years, ard it is to be
hoped that not less than fifty counties
will come into the plan for next year.
1t is exactly the work that will show
results in the future. AS has been said
in this department time and again. the
future greatness of Mississippi depends
almost altogether upon the development
of her Incompatible agricultural re-
sources. The object of these organza.
tions is te interest the boys and young
men in agricultural pursuits, giving to
them a love for the work that will enable
them to make 1t a success, stimulate
them to study it as does the man in
other professions, employ the best meth
DDS for financial results and bring the
profession up to that of any in our
country.
For the girls it is proposed to offer
substantial premiums for excellence in
cooking sewing, embroidery and other
things of interest to the feminine sex.
1t is intended to instill into them love
for domestic pursuits that will prove val
liable and beneficial throughout life. The
girls are to be accorded attention rs
they deserve and their interest and sym
pathy enlisted in the work.
Now word to the county superin-
tendents who have already been nom
mated and those who will be selected
during the next few days: You are the
means OF spreading this gospel through
out your respective counties. Through
you to the teachers of your counties and
through them to the pupils of the public
schools it is expected to create an inter
est that will make this project a splen.
did success. You are respectfully re-
questcd to take this matter up at once
in the teachers meetings and otherwise,
preparing for organizing in the early
spring. By getting healthy interest
among the teachers early in the fall and
enlisting through them lively interest
in the pupils, the call for organization
will be attended we'll and the work made
to move off in excellent shape.
Information for the organization and
management of these contests will soon
he issued in circular form from the De-
partment of Agriculture and Commerce
for general distribution. The State Fair
is offering large list of valuable pre-
miums this fall and will make it better
next. Supt j. N. Powers is very much
enthused over the work and offers his
services freely to aid the movement. The
writer is anxious TO aid every county
desiring to organize and will be only
too glad to spend few days in helping
to get the movement on foot.
County superintendent, will you take
this matter up at once and begin Great
ing the interest necessary to place your
county in the competitive list. Hoping
that you will do this, and pledging my
full cooperation, l am, respectfully,
II. L. BLAKESLEE,
Commissioner