The Kemper herald., 1908-02-13

ltsiuenl Oidrhe OIL the COLtOn As
sociation and President Hightower Of
The Farmers Union have been before
committees of the legislative bodies
recently in the interest of legislation
for the benefit of the agricultural peo-
pie of Mississippi, urging action that
help the farmers of the State. These
officials are very active and ener-
getic in their work, and the result
cannot help be of the best kind. The
good people should back them up in
every move they make, for it goes
without saying, that it is for the bet
terment of conditions among the far
mers and the allied interests.
The proposition to bring about a
uniform system of gin compression
that is being urged by both of these
gentlemen as well as the wrapping of
our cotton in cotton bagging, is an
important matter. There are so many
points ito be given in support of this
change that it would be hard to emu
merste them, but suffice it to say
that it would be worth millions OF
dollars to the people Of the South each
year. Both reforms will bring about
long and hotly contested fights with
the interests that have controlled the
crop for so many years. 1t is fool
ish to think that these people who
have multiplied millions invested will
give up without desperate struggle.
The compress interests will of course
star in every nerve to prevent the gen.
eral adoption of gin compression, and
in this they will find powerful allies
in The railroads that are interested
also in the congresses. The adoption
of cotton bagging would seriously ar
feet the jute people and they would
of course put up the ablest fight possl-
BILE to prevent its use in general. There
is community of interest feeling be-
tween all of the trusts and it Is like
ly that they would combine to fight
the proposed reforms.
And for this reason, if for no other,
the people of Mississippi should stand
shoulder to shoulder, backing up the
efforts Of their offiiers to bring about
changes that would materially ad-
vance their interests. That the con-
test will be long and strenuous there
can be no doubt, but it must be won
and in the battle every man, woman
and child has part. Give this matter
careful consideration and act as your
conscience dictates.
The suggestion that the state install
the gin compression plants on the con-
Wet farms is good one. In the eff
fort to bring about general adopt
ion Of this system Of handling cotton.
the state could and should aid the
movement by putting up its five thou
sand bales in that manner. This would
stimulate the change and encourage
individuals to fall into line in way
that might not be accomplished 9th
wise. Walter Clarke and g. r. High
tower, both practical farmers, are en-
thusiastic in favor of the plan and
will appear before the Board of Pris-
on Trustees to urge its adoption. The
Union and Cotton Association have
both memorialized the board to put
the plan into operation, and no doubt
n I j -,
manner. 1t means endorsement by the
state of plan that would be worth
many thousands of dollars to the far
mers every year. The state comes in
competition with the farmer IN the
production of cotton and can be
great help to them in aiding this
great movement.
Cheering news comes from every