Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1909-08-11
ADDRESS TO UNION MEN.
President PerIitt Outlines His Policy
and Aims--Invites Cooperation.

In assuming the duties Of Presi-
dent of the farmers organization of
South Carolina, l feel profoundly the
great responsibility and opportuni-
ties that lie out before me. | now
become the public servant of an or
ganized BODY UC men looking to the
full development and betterment of
every enterprise and interest that is
in accord with the principles of
equality and justice. To this end, /
invoke the hearty cooperation Of
every man in South Carolina, but
more especially do l plead for the
assistance Of every man of that dis
tinsuished and representative body
Of planters who, in convention as
sembled, did, on July 30th, thrust
this responsibility upon me. fully
appreciate the honor, duties and diff
ficulties that must attend the efforts
of any one in educating and organiz-
ing the planters of South Carolina
so that they may know best how to
advance and protect their interests
| plead for sympathy and co-opera-
ton from men in other walks of
life, because agricultural prosperity
means progress and vitality to every
other line of business
The machinery to fertilize, culti-
vate and market our products is too
complex and expensive, and to in
sure success to our various euter-
prises, must be simplified and re-
duced to a minimum of expense.
Let our organization press home
material into the field, study the
principles set forth in the preamble
OF our constitution, relying upon
personal effort, regardless of ridi-
cule, haTsi, criticism or the lack of
confidence reposed in our ability and
intelligence by others, and the time
is at hand when our planters will
be that happy, contented people, will
be that exponent of power and pros
perity which have always and will
ever give life, energy and purpose
to the callings and professions of all
men.
We know that it is impossible to
enlist the support and allegiance of
all the planters, for this cannot be
accomplished with any class or pro-
fession Of. men; but by carefully
studying our needs and weak points
we will soon exercise a power that
will stop the leaks that have so long
drained us of our just earnings,
amounting to hundreds of thousands
Of dollars. This saved to the plant
ers will bring a degree of content
ment and prosperity that the South
has not enjoyed for over half a CEN
tury.
| desire to be in close touch with
every local organization in the State
Hence | welcome suggestions and in
quiries from every part of the State.
or course, there are many questions
| cannot answer-there are many OF
our plans that no sane business mai
would dare divulge. There are many
of our difficulties that we have yet to
plan for that we may overcome
them, and, by cooperation and con-
tinually and persistently acquiring
concrete knowledge Of our interests
we can forge to the front and occu-
py that rank in our religious, social
intellectual and financial spheres
that will command that respect and
esteem which was accorded our
fathers in ante-bellum days.
Let every county president as
we'll as others, aid me to get in touch
with willing, able and influential
workers in their respective counties.
The only way through which I hope
to shake off the shackles of igno-
rance, doubt, suspicion and fear Is
by concert Of action by every South
Carolinian who desires permanent
prosperity. A. j. A. Perritt