Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-01-03
REPEAL OF THE LIEN LAW.

At the last regular meeting OF the
York County Farmers Union there
came up for consideration resolution
advocating the repeal Of the agrioul-
tural lien law; but as the matter was
one that seemed to involve conse-
quences too serious for immediate dis
position, it was decided to refer 1t back
to the local unions with the under
standing that they would give express
sion to their views at the meeting TO
be held next Monday.
Since the question has been brought
up, many of the, farmers have been
studying it quite earnestly, and al
though numbers Of them are heartily
in favor Of repeal, 1t Is not fair to say
that this sentiment is anything like
unanimous. On the contrary, there are
good, substantial men in every section
Of the country, who seem to think that
the proposition involves consequences
more serious than have ever confronted
the people Of this state since the very
same matter was fought to q finish
during the years Of 1882, 1883, 1854
1885 and 1886.
Quite an able exponent Of the latter
view Is Mr.. James B. Wood, Well-to-
do farmer who lives about five miles
north of Yorkvile, and who, by the
Way. Is an enthusiastic member OF the
Farmers Union. Mr.. Wood belongs to
that large class of hardy, self reliant
self-made small farmers which mas
developed in this county since the clvll
war. He commenced his struggle for
material independence single handed,
without means, without education ana
without credit other than was guaran-
teed by his character. He has always
paid his honest debts, paid for plan
tation by digging the money out OF the
ground, given his three sons as good
educational advantages az were 10 De
had in his neighborhood while they
were growing up, and now owns
comfortable little farm against Whlch
no man has ever had claim since the
payment Of the original purchase mon,
ey years ago. Mr.. Wood Is recognized
among his neighbors and those who
know him, as a thoughtful, conservative
citizen who takes q deep interest IN the
public welfare, and who Is generally
level headed on all the questions as 10
which he cares to express an opinion.
His credit is good at any store or bank
in this section, and nobody would think
of asking him for lien on his crop.
In a conversation with the reporter
a few days ago, Mr.. Wood discussed
the lien law most interestingly and al
though his views do not seem to be IN
very close harmony with the now pre-
dominant sentiment on the subject,
they are nevertheless interesting and
well worth reproduction.
IF l could express myself in writing,
like some Of you newspaper men,, ne
said. Il would make the atmosphere
sizzle with this movement that pas
been growing up in this state with ref
erence to the repeal Of the lien law. In
my opinion 1t is all fearful mistake
The reporter suggested that as he
saw it, the lien law was a good thing
in it's day; but 1t has outlived its use
fulness.
"Ah, that is where you are mistak-
en-" came the reply, as quick as
flash. "and," Mr.. Wood added, with
much earnestness, "the lien law has
Just begun to prove it's usefulness.
Have you ever before known such
prosperity as we have now in this