The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1909-08-12
GIVES HIS PLAN
PRESIDENT PERRITT, OF THE
FARMERS UNION ISSUES AN

Address to the Farmers Of the State
Asking Their Cooperation and
Hearty Support.
Mr.. A. ]. A. Perritt, the new pres
ident of the State Farmers Union,
has issued the following open ad-
dres to the members Of the order:
In assuming the duties of presi-
dent of the Farmers organization of
South Carolina, I feel profoundly the
great responsibility and opportuni-
| ties that lie out before me. I now
become the public servant Of an or
ganized body of men looking to the
, full development and betterment of
every enterprise and interest that
is in accord with the principles of
equity and justice.
To this end, invoke the hearty
cooperation of every man in South
Carolina, but more especially do !
plead for the assistance of every
man of that distinguished and repre-
sentative body of planters who, in
convention assembled, did, on July
30th, thrust this responsibility upon
me.
I fully appreciate the honor, du-
ties and difficulties that must at
tend the efforts of any one in edu-
eating and organizing the planters
of South Carolina, SO that they may
know best how to advance and pro-
tect their interests. I plead for
sympathy and cooperation from men
in other walks of life, because ag-
ricultural prosperity means pro-
gress 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 enter
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, harsh 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-
session Of men; but by carefully
studying our needs and weak points
we will soon evercise power that
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 CEN
tury. .2t
I desire to be in close touch with
every local organization in the State.
1 Hence I welcome suggestions and
inquiries from every part of the
State. Of course, there are many
questions I cannot answer-there
are many of our plans that no sane
business man would dare divulge.
There are many Of our difficulties
that we have yet to plan for that
we may overcome them, and, by CO.
| operation and continually and per-
sistently acquiring concrete knowl-
edge of our interests, we can forge
to the front and occupy that rank
in our religious, social, intellectual
and financial sphere that will COM
mand 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 infiuen-
tial workers in their respective coun-
ties. The only way through which
1 hope to shake off the shackles OF
ignorance, doubt, suspicion and fear
is by concert of action by every
South Carolinan who desires perma-
nent prosperity.
A. ]. A. PERRITT.