The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-01-31

We print today tho reports Of the
ownship canvassers who have been
vorking to secure pledges for the
rsduction OF tho cotton acreage un-
Der tho Rock Hill plan. These re-
ports we're filed with County Chair
man Neill o'ponneil Saturday and
represent the results accomplished
In one week by n few of the township
c~rvassers Reports from other can
vAsssu, should be fled within the
next tow days. An inspection Of the
Tepore that have been filed show that
tho movement to materially reduce
the cotton acreage In Sumter county
- receiving substantial support from
many farmers and the pledges al
ready occurred guarantees considera-
bls reduction In acreage. On the other
hand. II will be noted that many
names that one would expect TO and
on the list are wanting. and this is
discouraging. Some Of these have
declined to pledge. a reduction be-
cause they have planted for several
years ten acres OF less Of cotton to
the piow. and claim that they cannot
conduct their farming operations
with a smaller acreage In cotton.
Others who have not signed the pledge
express full sympathy with the plan
20 curtail the acreage. and said they
heartily approve OF the contem-
plated reduction of cotton acre
age. but were not prepared 10
piedese any definite reduction at this
time. sd.l others endorsed the slar.
but would not sign the pledge. Those
WAC refused TO sign the pledge were
I'm the minority. however. and as the
canvass = pushed II Is confidently be-
ueved that very large majority of
the substantial and intelligent oarmers
viii fall In line and will give this
movement for their financial benefit
their hearty support and co-opera
tion.
It is important. however. that the
canvass be carried TO an early COM
pletion ind those whom the canvass
ers v,At should not postpone action,
for the canvassers cannot make re-
peated visits TO secure a signature.
The matter OF reducing acreage has
been discussed for several months.
and all Who have given the cotton
situation any thought are agreed that
the only salvation of the cotton farm
or and business interests OF the South
IL a smaller crop this year than last.
and that the only guarantee of a
smaller crop Ia a reduction of tho
acreage. Therefore every man who
plants cotton should know at this
time what he intends doing In respect
To curtailing his cotton acreage. An
other hfteen milli,n bale crop means
four cont cotton and bankruptcy for
the south. while a ten or eleven mil
Hoo bale crop means higher prices
and prosperity. What do the farm
ers want7 The question Is answered
when they sign or refuse to sign the
pledge To reduce the acreage.
There are resident In this city a
pur'ber Of men who plant themselves
or control a large cotton acreage. and
while some of them have signed the
pledge, others have not done SO.
These men are standing In the way Of
she. success OF the movement and
they should fall In line without delay.
Mr O'Donnell requests that those
who have not signed the pledge and
those whom the canvassers have not
been able To see for any reason. send
In their pledges direct TO him. He IS
anxious To complete the canvass OF
Sumter county and make a satisfac-
tory report to the state superintend-
ent.