The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1910-01-27

year. Her soil is of endless variety,
and produces in profusion, with less
labor than the soil of any other portion
of the habitable globe of like extent.
These two, soil and climate, forming a
happy conjunction in the gulf states,
and those just north, produce the cot
ton crop, of which the south has the
monopoly by reason of her natural con-
ditions, and which clothes nearly nine
tenths of the human race. The value
of this crop is stupendous, being great
er than all the gold and silver produced
in the world, and nearly equal to half
of all the mineral production in the
United States. Should the prices of
this years yield be maintained for five
consecutive seasons, the mind can
scarcely comprehend the vast riches
which would pour in the lap of the
cotton-producing states.
But this is not all of the statement,
for the mills are pursuing the lines of
least resistance and are fast coming to
the fields, and sooner than we know
practically all of the raw product will
there be changed into the manufacture
ed form, and the seed which died in
the ground to bring forth the flower
and the fruit will find its highest form
and finest use, not beyond, but at the
portals Of its grave.
The south, Mr.. President, in addition
to this peculiar advantage bestowed
by nature, can equal, and even surpass,
with the same methods of farming, any
other crop which can be grown within
the limits of the continent. She has
minerals Of every kind in abundant
store; waterpower unexcelled, and holds
IN her keeping the nations reserve of
timber.
No Excuse for Poverty When People Come
South.
There is no man who goes to the
south, and is willing to do the work OF
a man, who can not find profitable en-
ployment and the avenue opened to in
dependence. There is no cry of distress
anywhere throughout this region. The
question of existence almost solves it.
self.
The farmer stands amid his broad
acres, and about him are his bursting
granaries, his sheep and cattle. He
breathes the air of independence, and
in his home, the temple of love and
duty, there grows the hardy and ell
emental virtues which, like the waters
of the living spring, make green the
shores, bestowing health and strength
wherever they go.
The south, Mr.. President, has mend
ed every break with a pearl, and when
her vast possibilities are better known
and when fast-fading misapprehen-
sions are altogether gone, the tide will
turn in an irresistible wave and a
future poet will arise to tell of another
star of empire, which, in its wander
ings, looked down upon DiXieland,
and became transfixed at the lovliest
vision its eyes had beheld since first its
course in the heavens began.
With increased wealth and diversi-
fed interests we have made sure and
rapid strides in popular education, our
people are alive to the necessity of good
roads, the development of our water
ways, and are comprehending as never
before their own strength and the great
riches which lay about them.
If one could travel this section now
who was familiar with conditions even
/ decade ago, he would be amazed at
he changes which even this brief span
If time has wrought.
The field, the factory, the forge,
would tell above the power of words
he marvellous recuperative power of
Ter people, and of the golden future
which spreads before the vision.
In material expansion, in the mighty
awakening which has come
o the south, there is not a note of dis
onance.
How shall we as people reach our
ullest capacity, and how shall we re-
.ain our lost position as the leading
actor in our nationaI life. If l had
he right of authority, could my words
'e accepted, they would fall with I'M
meaning upon the ears of
hose among whom l was born, and
xpect to live and die. They would be
o warn them against the dangers of
heap and destructive sentimentalism.
prayer for their welfare and ulti-
nate destiny could reach to heaven, it
1ould be for the rebaptism in the
waters of faith which made their faith
RS strong to rule this republic for
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