The Tupelo journal., 1908-09-18
By q. e. BLAKEsLEE, JACKSON.


1t was the writer's pleasure and priv
ilege to attend the great meeting Of the
National Farmers Union at Fit. Worth,
Texas. on the LIST, Cd and Sd of this
month. Representatives from approx
mately thirty states were present and
intense interest was manifested from
the opening meeting on the LIST until
the gavel finally fell on the Sd at mid
night. Those who came to look after
the interests of their various states
were imbued with the spirit of fealty to
the Union as well as their personal
welfare. The sessions were rather long
and hard on those not used to indoor
work, but business was to be done and
it was dispatched with rapidity. While
there may have been at times a decided
difference of opinion as to ways and
means, every delegate was willing for
the verdict of the majority to prevail
and absolute harmony characterized
the proceedings throughout.
The old officers were elected for an
other year with the exception of one
member of the executive committee,
who could not serve longer. The re-
ports submitted were strong evidence
that the affairs of the organization had
been wisely administered and that
every official had done his duty with
out exception. The report made by the
committee on resolutions as to report
OF officers was complimentary and the
source OF satisfaction to those who had
served during the past year. Presi-
dent Barrett, although not seeking re-
election, agreed to serve for another
year, but kindly notified the convention
that he positively could not accept an
other election and asked that during
the year the members cast about for a
man to take his place.
1t wa shown that Unionism is spread
ing rapidly to other states not at pres
ent having organizations, and that the
number was not only largely increased
during the past year, but that the pros
pect for a larger increase in the future
was good. A number are knocking for
admission with state organizations that
are at present only affiliated by local
organizations. The great states of the
West are particularly active and prom
Use a great field for Unionism.
Erroneous reports were sent out con-
corning an utilization of the Union with
the American Federation OF Labor
along political lines. Mr.. Gompers of
the American Federation was present
and addressed the Union in open ses-
sion, and a resolution was passed in
dorsing his work and rendering CO.
operation where interests were identi-
cal, but politics was not mentioned or
referred to in any way. The press was
asked to correct the first report and it
was done to some extent at least.
A delegation from Walla Walla,
Washington, made a game fight for the
next meeting of the Union and a COM
plimentary resolution was passed by
the members, but it is the opinion of
those acquainted with the workings of
the body that it will be held in some
point central to the Union membership.
If this is done Jackson, Miss, is the
point. 1t would cost many thousands
of dollars less to hold the meeting here
than in the far West, although it would
ne doubt be a pleasant trip to take and
the good people out there are enthusi-
astic and would show the delegates a
good time in every way.
1t was a great meeting and a success
from every standpoint. There is a
bright prospect ahead for the Union,
and its members should take courage
and form a determination to make the
coming year a banner one in point of
membership and accomplishment for
the interest. OF the agricultural people
of our country.
The good people of Marion county
are very much interested in diversified
farming and are offering splendid in
ducements for truckers to come there