Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1910-08-02
FARMERS RESENT
15-CENT COTTON
$ CLAIM Of BROWN
Representative J. P. Elder,
Farmers Union Legislator,
Says Claim Is Calculated to
Iniure Union
REGARDS TT REFLECTION
ON THE FARMERS

The campaign claim of Governor
Browns friends that he, or his admins
tration is responsible for 15-cent cotton,
is calculated to stir up a hornets nest
among the farmers of Georgia, particu-
larly those who are members Of the
Farmers union. Already the assertions
of this character are being criticised by
union farmers and 9th ers who have seen
them.
"As we'll credit Governor Bullock's adj
ministration with the 27-cent cotton Of
reconstruction days, or Governor Atkin-
sons magnificent administration with
the Accent cotton of that period as argue
that Governor Brown, or his administra-
ton had anything to do with the present
price of cotton" said Representative ].
P. Elder, member Of the legislature from
Oconee county.
Such statements reflect upon the in
telligence of the farmers of Georgia,
and worse, they are calculated to do
irreparable damage to the Farmers union,
which everybody knows, has worked n
season and out of season to bring about
present conditions"
MR.. ELDER A FARMER
Mr.. Elder is an experienced, extensive
and successful farmer, and member OF
the Farmers union in good standing,
whose views and opinions are respected
by all who know him.
The particular statement 10 which the
farmers are taking exception is found in
a recent circular sent out by Brown
headquarters, in the Kimball House. to
the press of the state, purporting to
give a fair report OF conditions bearing
on the gubernatorial campaign. The
circular pretends to quote q farmer whose
name is withheld. Whether any farmer
ever said anything of the kind is a mat
ter of speculation. The statement might
have been written by person who never
saw a farm.
This unknown farmer is made to say
that tive" speaking for all the farmers,
don't propose to take any chances Of
interrupting this present period of Is IL
cent cotton, $1.25 corn, ETC." He adds
that I'VE" speaking again for I'LL the
farmers have been waiting too long for
Just such a condition, and don't propose
to take any chances by changing state
administrations. '
CAUSES A SURPRISE.
"I was greatly surprised to learn that
Governor Browns friends credit him
with the high price of cotton" Mr.. FL
der continued. "I have been under the
impression all the time that, perhaps,
tho Farmers union had something to
do with the present conditions.
However, / am not ready TO concede
that Governor Browns campaign COM
mittee has correctly represented the mat
ter. do not believe that the governor
himselif seriously believes that he, or
his administration is responsible for
lucent cotton. Moreover, l do not be-
lieve that ny other intelligent citizen of
Georgia, be he a farmer or what not,
takes any stock in such statement. 1t
is absurd on it's face, and it's purpose
is painfully transparent.
1.-The Farmers union has waged a con-
sistently vigorous campaign for years
to bring about such conditions as the
farmers enjoy today. 1 believe that
great part of the credit for the condi-
ton is due to the officers and members
of the Farmers union.
1.-The Brown committee might have as
well claimed credit for the nigh price
of cotton in Alabam, Mississippi, Okla
homa, Texas, etc, as in Georgia. The
farmers OF those states, thanks to the
Farmers union, got just as much for
their cotton as did the farmers of Geor-
gia.
"If what the Brown campaign com.
mittee says concerning the cause for
the high price of cotton is true. then it
follows that the Farmers union had lit
tie to do toward the condition.
MAY DAMAGE UNION.
Assertions OF this kind. in the week
ly press of the state. are calculated to
break down the union. If Governor
Continued on page Three.