The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1911-02-25
LEVERS "POTASH" AMENDMENT
Praise for Congrcssman's Efforts To-
wards Locating American Deposits.


wards Locating American Deposits.
Washington. Feb. 22.-That the
amendment put on the Agricultural
appropriation bill when it was under
consideration by Representative Lev
er for the exploration and investiga-
tlon to determine a possible source of
supply of potash, nitrates and other
natural fertilizers within the United
States. is regarded as the beginning
Of an undertaking of vast Importance
to the farmers of the nation, is shown
by the favorable way in which this
matter has been received by the agri-
cultural scientists of the country. He
has received a strong letter from
Secretary Wilson on the subject. Mr..
Lever himself believes it to be one of
the most important undertakings ever
put on foot by the department of
agriculture. In arguing for his
amendment, he set out clearly and
concisely the facts that the entire sec
tion of country which ne in part rep
resents Is at the absolute mercy Of
great German syndicate for its sup
ply Of potash-one OF the necessary
ingredients of a complete fertilizer.
1t was shown that this country con-
sumes eight million dollars worth
year and 1t Is OF interest to know that
of this amount at least ninety per cent
Is consumed in the South and accord
Ing to a statement OF Prof. Harper of
Clemson College about one million
four hundred and forty THOUSAND dol
lars are expended for potash In South
Carolina. while Commissioner Wat
son makes the expense to South
Carolina for this ertilizer ingredient
slightly more than this. The freight
from the German mines to this coun-
try amounts to about five
dollars a ton and this itself, II Is
urged by the men interested in the
outcome Of the investigation author
lied In this amendment. Is a consd-
cradle item that may be saved IL pot
ash deposits are discovered in this
country.
Secretary Wilson's letter Is as fol-
lows
Il have read with much pleasure
the amendment, which you had add
ed To the appropriation bill Of this
department. while under consideration
In the House on last Friday, provd-
Ing $12,500 for exploration and in
vestigation within the United States to
determine a possible source Of supply
OF potash. nitartes, and other natural
fertilizers. Your remarks in sup
port OF your amendment. while brief.
were both illuminating and convinc-
ing. and / wish to compliment you
not only upon the foresight you have
displayed regarding the. rapidly ap-
proachi1g need for fertilizing sub
stances over the vast agricultural
areas of our country, but also upon
your loyalty to the American people.
as evidenced by your desire to exhaust
every means before relinquishing your
efforts TO supply this need from with
In the United States instead of through
the patronage OF foreign source of
supply. In securing the adoption Of
this amendment you have accomplish
ed something that will be Of natural
benefit and will therefore undoubted-
ly rebound to your great personal
credit.
IL also wish to take this opportunity
to extend my personal thanks to you
for the interest you have uaiformly
displayed in all matters pertaining to
agriculture not only I'm the great
state which you 81 ably represent,
but In all other sections OF the coun-
try as well. Your views on agricul-
tural subjects. as often expressed both
on the floor of the House and In the
agricultural committee have certainly
established n substantial claim that
you are indeed a true friend of the
American farmer"
The ground hog was not so far
e.