The Tupelo journal., 1908-02-28
FOR GREATER
..... MISSISSIPPI
Devoted to the Agricultural. Commercial
and Industrial Development Of the States
Incompatible Resvurces-OEciAl Organ of
Department Of Agriculture and Commerce.
BIZ b. 4. BLAKEsLEE. JAoxson.

There is need for a good deal Of work
in the State OF Mississippi to encourage
the development Of her natural re-
sources, to insure to our people the
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 a work is right now. There
are laborers ready to go into the field
and assist in bringing about a r~ealiza-
ton of this dream, if it may be SO call
ed, but a they get the cooperation
and encouragement necessary to make
it a success? Possibly not just at this
time, but in the neal future it may be
done, and hat easily.
Our good people are gradually awak-
ening to the necessity of concerted ac-
ton 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 a 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 a great deal, and it
is being acquired. The future looks
bright indeed.
The leaders in such a 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 inditfer-
ence of those to be most benefited is the
most discouraging feature. The COM
mon prejudice that must be overcome
and the suspicion to 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 SUBJ
lect OF unkind remarks and jests. But
the audiences L increasing in num-
bers and interest and the results are be-
ginning to satisfactory proper
tions. The boys corn club idea was
smiled at to begin with, but a single
years results has made staunch con-
verts to its Importance and prospective
benefits. Cultural methods were con-
sidered a heresy a few years back, but
today is adopted by the best farmers of
the land. Diversitication was looked
upon as a 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 a higher degree of perfection.
The Laurel Chronicle sounds a note
of warning to the Union brethren
throughout the State that it might be
well worthy to heed. 1t seems from a
perusal of the Chronicle article, that a
fertilizer concern in a 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 a 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 the 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 mar and the warning is given
for the best interests of the organiza-
ton. 1t would be well 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
discussions and interference in the flu
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,
and is in the interest of this growing
industry. Mississippi has always been
without this protection, and it is high
time that something was done to aid