The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-02-28
FARMERS
UNION NEWS
Practical Thoughts for Practical
Farmers.
Conducted by E. w. Dabbs. Pres
ident s. G. Farmers Union.)
Some Random Thoughts.

To my friends who gave me such
splendid Endorsement for a place on
the State warehouse commission. |
want to publicly express my thanks
and appreciation. 1t would have
been gratifying to be able to help
launch the system which l trust will
mean so much to the Industrial de-
velopment Of the State; the hoonr of
having done so much toward its en-
actment into law and the cordial in
dorsement Of my home people and
my county's senator and representa-
tives, and the fine vote they secured
for me in the legislature, will always
be pleasant memories. Our people
should know that our senator and
representatives were Give wires" IN
securing the passage Of this measure,
and took prominent part in the
committee Of free conference to give
the finishing touches to what was a
very crude bill as 1t was introduced.
The tactical blunder of pushing
three men from three adjoining coun-
ties in the middle Of the State brought
about a combination of up-country
and low-country, that gave to Char
lesion and Anderson their men. In
the rush of the last few hours when
this was done 1t was not brought out
whether these commissioners are even
friendly toward the measure. 1t is
presumed. Of course. that they are.
but not being known generally, If at
all. it is the more incumbent upon
them to make a success Of the meas
ure, and they will need to give to this
problem the best efforts of their
lives.
Geographically, the selection Of the
commissioners Is an ideal one, and
wish to pledge them, each one, my
personal and official support. I
trust there will be a speedy settle
ment by the Supreme Court Of its
which from the in
vestigations ] made, have no doubt
will be favorable. unless there is some
overlooked defect in the wording of
the measure
This is the first great success of the
Farmers Union, for there can be no
question that but for the indorse-
ment of the State Union and the ac.
tive support of its President, the
measure would not have passed. But
we must not rest. Every county needs
a system for marketing other farm
produce. and unless we see to it that
facilities are provided, and the right
system established and maintained
all our education in scientific produc-
tion will be in vain. and even this
warehouse measure will fall far short
Of our expectations.
The article on the packing Of cot
ton again calls attention TO q trying
evil--thc slovenly packages in which
our cotton is marketed. That an ar
ticle of so much value should be
handled as we handle cotton is as Sc
rious reflection on our business, as
our utter lack of system i'm mark ct
ing.
What the Manufacturers Record
says about the way the South played
into the hands Of the cotton trade
by the reckless selling Of cotton last
fall bears out every statement I
made then. trust the readers Of
this paper who gave no heed to the
warnings and appeals Of the Union.
will look up Wednesdays paper and
read every word Of the article from
the Manufacturers Record and keep
the paper for future reference. when
they may be tempted to repeat the
folly Of 1911.
The Carolina Farmers editorial
comment is a notable contribution to
the discussion of market conditions.
1t Is curious commentory on the
wonderful workings of our agricul-
tural departments, that our commits
sioners have to beg our people not to
DO the very things they have taught
us to do. And If the corn campaign
Is as successful as ] hope il will be
ana no system Of marketing is put i'm
operation, may be we will see com.
missioners Of agriculture comforting
together, to see how best to persuade
our farmers to cut corn acreage,
Perhaps,!