The Brandon news. (Brandon, Miss.) 1892-1961, 1908-02-20

ence what may be their business.
Representatives from a large num-
Der of counties in the state recently
met in Jackson for the annual meet
ing of the Mississippi Division of the
Southern Cotton Association. It was
the old guard, still determined upon
the purposes for which this great
organization was formed sever
al years ago, with zeal not diminished
and enthusiasm still rampant. And
why mott When the call was made
for convention Of those interested
in our greatest of all money crops,
cotton, at New Orleans several years
since, the staple was worth less than
seven cents. Today it is bringing in
the neighborhood of twelve cents and
the increase in price has been gradual
and firm. 1t is confidently believed
by those in position to know, that
the price will rule firm at from twelve
to fifteen cents in the future.
Now the Cotton Association has not
done all Of this. It's officers are not
so egotisical as to claim all Of the
credit, but none can deny that it has
played prominent part in the good
work. The Farmers Union has proven
a powerful ally and other interests
have given substantial aid The good
accomplished is gratifying indeed, but
the work must not be abandoned. To
sit down idly now would be suicidal
to the best interests of our country.
The fence has been erected and must
be kept up. Plans for the perpetual
ton OF TIE organization were formu-
lated and will be endorsed by the gen
eral meeting held in Dallas this week.
Every Mississippian has part to
perform and should do so cheerfully.
Hon. Walter Clarke was again elect
ed President Of the Mississippi Di-
vision. He has held this position for
several years and the demand for his
reelection was unanimous. Although
doing so at personal sacrifice, his
love for the work induced an accept
ance and the association will again be
guided by his trained hand. Miss
Louise Crane was reelected secreta-
ry and the executive committee will
be composed Of S. A. Witherspoon,
Meridian j. w. McGrath, Brookhaven
and DIR. Will FL. Woods, Natchez. An
active fiscal agent goes into the field
Immediately in the person of P. K.
Whitney Of Raymond. The organiza
ton is complete and will make an &C
tive canvas Of the state for the pur-
pose Of strengthening the lines and
broadening the scope Of usefulness.
AT the suggestion of a number of
prominent business men a sustaining
organization is being formed as has
been outlined in this department. One
thousand men who will pledge five
dollars per annum to the support of
the association are asked for and pc
titions to that effect are being circu-
lated and literally signed throughout
the state. This fund will be used as
guarantee that the association will
not be without funds. The regular
dues and collections will he gathered
as usual. With this supplementary
organization and the regular sources
Of revenue, there should be no trou-
BILE in the future to finance the move
ment.
The state meeting was thoroughly
harmonious in every respect and the
delegates left with renewed enthusi-
asm and determination to work hard
er than ever for the objects desired.
It was especially gratifying to note
that some Of the unions sent delegates
and that the feeling between these
great organizations is of the best.
Their purposes are identically the
same and there is every reason why
they should work shoulder to should
er in perfect harmony.
These two splendid organizations
working together for the best interests
Of the masses Of the people can and
will accomplish great good. The work
already done can be taken as an index,
and the prospects for the future are
bright indeed. A number Of the re-
forms demanded will be taken up la
ter, especially the better handling of
the cotton crop.
The poultry business in Mississippi
is assuming greater proportions day
by day. The fanciers Of thoroughbred
chickens are increasing very fast and
the industry will in a few years be
one of the most important in the
state. There is money in chickens for
the man who knows how to get it
out, and that number is being augu-
mented as time goes by. The chick
ems display at the State Fair last fall
was an evidence Of this fact and the