The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1908-01-11
FARMERS UNION MEETING
The Delegates Warmly Welcomed
by Jackson's Mayor and
the Governor.
It was Splendid Body Of Men. Demands
Made Of Legislature
E.ccted President.

The state meeting Of the Farmers
union which convened Jackson jan
uary 2, was composed of about one
hundred and ninety delegates that
will compare favorably in intelligence
and ability with any convocation that
the states Capitol has entertaine6
for years. The meeting was given
the privileges of the city by Jackson's
mayor in the most fattering terms
which was appropriately responded to
by representative of the Union.
Governor Vardaman made a welcome
address in behalf of the state to the
meeting the first night in which he
paid some high and deserved tributes
to the farmers as class. He elabOrat-
ed on something's which he thought
would ameliOrate the isolation of the
rural settlers and perhaps, as he
said, do more towards rapid and
permanent development of the state
than any other one thing-highly i'm
proved and well kept public roads
Many different things were intel'i-
gently discussed by the meeting and
several recommendation were made
to the legislature as to the enactment
of certain laws, among them:
A 2 cent passenger rate on the raR
roads. A law that will effectively
close the bucket shops" The
enactment of child labor statute.
The addition OF a cotton grading de-
partment to the A. s. M. College.
A proposition was made to ask the
legislature to reduce the bond Of
$3.50. 900, required of the state treas
urer, to 100000 this was voted
down by large majority. the mem
bership holding that it was purely 3
political question and in no wise con-
cerned the Union. Perhaps one OF
the liveliest things of the session was,
the election Of state officers. For
president, president Bass was put in
nomination, Bradshaw, state lecturer
M. A. Brown of Yazoo county and
Hon, G.. A. Hightower, state senator
from Lafayette county. It at once
became apparent that the contest
would come to finish between Brad
shaw and Higntower. On the second
ballot Hightower was chosen bY~S
very decisive vote. Bradshaw was
later reelected state lecturer. The
wisdom OF rejecting state business
agent was generally doubted and but
for some modest suggestions, by the
ns tional president, Barrett, who was
present, doubtless none would hase
been chosen. Mr.. Welch was again
elected state business agent.
Conservatism aud the lack of any
extreme ideas marked all the proceed
ings. All the delegates gave distinct
evidence Of the fact that they desires
none other than the educational and
financial betterment of the farmers
and the general good of the state
A number Of other questions We're
suggested for the consideration of the
legislature hut it was deemed best
to make but few deman Is OF thai
body and that they should be such as
the legislature could not afford To
deny.
National president Barrett was
present the second and third days
of the meeting and presided most OK
the time. He is good preSidiCg
officer and his quick witticiSmS ard
pleasant sailieS at 0Lce made hiM
quite favorite The meeting adj
journed Saturday evening after
three days II ost harmonious and
most satisfactory session.