The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1912-11-06

sound for the simple reason that in
the last analysis the soil is the source
of all wealth.
The International Institute OF Ag-
riculture in Rome, under the direc-
ton of David Lubin, has made
thorough inquiry into all these plans
and if any American farmer desires
detailed information Mr.. Lubin Will
be glad to furnish it.
l want to stress right now to every
farmer in this country who is talking
excitedly about plans" and who
thinks that all that is necessary to
succeed with rural credits or any
thing else is to find "plans"-that
there are plans galore. What is need
ed right now is Men bold enough anu
with sufficient initiative in every COM
munity to carry these plans into eX.
ecution, and to do it in the face OF
discouragement, difficulties and sac
rifice Of time and health, il that Is
necessary.
1t is lust as we'll, therefore, to stop
worrying so much about plans" ana
think more about how we are going
to find the men to execute the plans,
not Just for one week but right on TO
the end Of the chapter.
1t is necessary to remember, nov.
ever, that Germany is a country OF
thickly settled, small communities
and that the plans which have proved
advisable there may have to be alter
ed to take into account separation OF
agricultural units in America. This
process resolves itself, however, into
a matter of detail and the main por-
ton of the task is, as | have stated,
the locating and training OF the men
to carry into effect any system OF
rural credits that may be devised,
whether under governmental or prl-
vate supervision.
How, to the second feature; that OF
%landlordism in America. | belleVe
that a perfect system of rural credits
| can do much to overcome or at leasl
lessen this evil. If you doubt that 1t
exists | only ask that you investigate
in your own neighborhood as 10 the
number of men who own their farms,
and as to the number Of acres, wlld
or cultivated, owned by an absentee
landlord.
After all is said, it remains II a
America is a land the prosperity II
nrogress of which are founded on ag-
,.~icuIrure. If we allow to form IN THIS
country a class Of controlling land
,wners, and a corresponding class OF
tenants subject to these landlords, we
create a system that is the direct OPP
posite Of Democratic government II
that will eventually lead to a condi-
ion of land monopoly beside whlch
the problems OF the so-called hlgh
cost of living and other muchly-agl-
ated issues will dwindle to lnslgnl1l-
canoe. l was astonished when' IN COL
versation recently with Professor r.
C. Branson, of Athens, Ga, ne gave
meflgures relating to Georgia alone o.
absentee ownership which are almost
incredible. Had not the figures Deeh
based on conditions Of which l am
personally aware, l would have doubt
ed them.
Unless it is checked, ownership OF
the land by a few in each community
is going to strangle individual inlt.a-
tive and collective prosperity III
America. If every farmer, every
American, who reads these lines n
who is genuinely concerned for MS
individual welfare and that OF the
country will deliberately study these
conditions I have outlined, he will be
convinced as to the need and the duty
of securing leaders who will MATERIAL
ize rural credits or any other sound
proven agency that will prove a RENE
dy for the drift toward andlordlsm
Finally, don't fret so eternally ABOUT
the Plans The men to execute then