The Grenada sentinel., 1908-02-29
BIZ Il. e. BLAKESLEE, JACKSON.

greatest measure of results for their
| labors, to instruct them in the method
| of obtaining such results, to install and
perpetuate a period of prosperity which
| the natural environment and advan-
tages warrant. The proper time to be-
| gin such work is right now. There
| are laDorers ready to go into the field
and assist in bringing about realiza-
tion of this dream, if it may be SO call
ed, but can they get the cooperation
and encouragement necessary to make
it success? Possibly not just at this
time, but in the near future it may be
done, and that easily.
Our good people are gradually awak-
| ening to the necessity of concerted ac-
tion on their part for the betterment of
conditions. AS evidence OF this state
ment the Cotton Association and Farm
ers' Union can be cited. Both are the
direct result of a determination upon
| the part of the masses to stand together
| for common cause in the interest OF
all. The excellent results that have
| been so far attained lend encourage
ment to renewed efforts for the future.
| Education land this does not mean
bOok-learning altogether) is the slogan
| that has been taken up and is being
urged upon all. The faculty of being
able to act intelligently upon matters
of moment is worth great deal, and it
is being acquired. The future looks
bright indeed.
The leaders in such work have
rough roads ahead of them, but the
man or woman who is not prepared to
overcome obstacles had better steer
clear of the proposition. The indiffer-
ence of those to be most benefited is the
most discouraging feature. The com
mon prejudice that must be overcome
and the suspicion ta be encountered
may be disheartening, but such has
ever been the experience of those who
would better the condition of their fell
low men. When a person takes hold
of a reform movement and strives to
make its accomplishment a reality, the
public wonders what there is in it to
him. The institute of lecturers that
have for the past few years been telling
of improved methods in farming and
stock raising have been made the sub
ject Of unkind remarks and jests. But
the audiences are increasing in num-
bers and interest and the results are be-
ginning to assume satisfactory proper
tions. The boys corn club idea was
smiled at to begin with. but single
years results has made staunch con-
verts to its importance and prospective
benefits. Cultural methods were con-
sidered a heresy few years back, but
today is adopted by the best farmers of
the land. DiversiicatiOn was looked
upon as dream of the "book-farmer"
within the decade, but has been largely
adopted by the progressive planters of
the present time.
The men who first preached these re-
forms may have received little or no
encouragement at the beginning, but
the seed sown upon good ground is now
bringing forth an hundred fold. The
prospects for the future are most en-
couraging, and there is every reason to
believe that Mississippi is to soon take
her place in the advance guard of the
most progressive States of the Union.
Our citizenship is such that, with the
proper encouragement, not one could
attain to higher degree of perfection.
The Laurel Chronicle sounds note
of warning to the Union brethren
throughout the State that it might be
we'll worthy to heed. 1t seems from
perusal of the Chronicle article, that
fertilizer concern in neighboring
State has made contracts with the
Unions throughout Mississippi to fur
nish them with fertilizers for the year
and take in exchange a note that falls
due in about twelve months. The con-
tract is signed by each of those buying
with the amount bought opposite their
name, then joint note is signed by all
for the payment of the obligation. The
trouble likely to be experienced lies in
the fact that possibly some of those who
buy tie fertilizer and sign the note will
not be able to pay IN the fall, or when
it becomes due, then it will fall upon
those who have property above exemp-
tions to foot the bills. Notes of this
character have been offered the Laurel
banks for sale by the company accept
ing them.
The Chronicle is edited by a loyal
Union man and the warning is given
for the best interests of the organiza-
tion. 1t would be we'll for members to
note what has been said and carefully
avoid anything that would likely cause
trouble in the future. The Union is too
large and has too much work ahead of it
to encounter anything that might cause
dissensions and interference in the fu-
ture.
A measure has been introduced to
protect fruit growers against the i'm
portation of diseased fruit trees into
the State. 1t is deserving of support,