Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-02-16
GEORGIA FARMERS
PLAN To CONTROL
OUTPUT OF COTTON
important Legislation VIII Be
Enacted at Macon COnyen-
ton of Union Which Begins
Sessions Thursday With a
Busy Program

Especial Dispatch to The Journal
MACON, Ga, Feb. 14.-One of the
most important programs in its history
faced the Georgia division OF the Farm
ers' Educational and Cooperative I'M
ion, when il began the initial session
today OF a three-day convention. The
evolutionary or revolutionary changes
that have taken place in the production
and marketing Of cotton in the last six
months have brought many complica-
tons before the farmers. and 1t is the
purpose OF this convention to straight
en- out these perplexities. and decide
upon the best plan OF plans for future
policy and success.
The fact that this is to be one OF the
most important meetings has drawn one
Of the largest crowds that ever attend
ed a state convention and IL is expect
ed that tue sessions that viii continue
through Saturday will be q continuous
performance OF business
II is understood that the report or
the officers show that the finances or
the union are now in better shape than
In many months. while there has been
a large gain in the net membership
Differences that have been reputed 10
exist In the past have all been adjusted
and the rank and file Of the organizs-
ton now face one OF the most success
ful eTas since il was formed
The first session OF the convention
today was devoted almost entirely u
the annual reports of the various Off
GERS and the appointment OF committees,
All OF these reports were enthusiastic
over the work Of the administration In
his annual address Pres. r. +. DUCK
worth recounted the success Of the IN
ion since the Fitzgerald convention and
plead for the continued harmony AMI
conc, ntrated efforts Of the members.
IMPORTANT LEGISLATION.
Among the important matters that
are TO be brought before the convention
is the plan for the controlling OF cotton
acreage in Georgia This has been one
of the most serious problems before the
farmers for many years. In the past II
has always been difficult TO secure the
cooperation OF the large farmer, who
leases his land to tenants upon certain
stfpuIations that 50 much cotton be
planted
plans are 10 be made at this convsn-
tion for the interesting OF the large
land owner in such a way as 10 secure
his aid. II is understood that plans viii
be discussed by which the reduction II
acreage viii be made by the acre AMI
not by "35 per cent reduction OF The
previous years crop" as before
FERTILIZER SAMPLES.
In is also understood that the union
will discuss recommending TO the state
legislature. that il there is any reoT-
sanlEation or readiustment OF the state
agricultural department.. the securing or
samples Of fertilizer be continued ~ the
field Of the farmers. There has been
much talk of fertilizer manufacturers
asking that the different brands 10
sampled either either az the factories or
on board cars for shipment. The union
will ask. so it is believed. that the pres
ent system OF taking these samples.
after the fertilizer has been shipped
and distributed in the fields. be con-
tinued.
Another important matter to be dis
cussed by the convention will be the
authorizing Of a standard OF making
and a cooperative marketing for GeOr-
gia cane syrup. This agricultural In
dustry mas been growing in Georgia, IN
til il is one OF the largest and richest
products OF the state.
The canning and marketing OF sweet
potatoes will also probably be taken up.
The wonderful success that has followed
the experiment with canning sweet po-
tatoes has shown the farmers Of the
state the many possibilities that await
them
The diversifieatiOn and rotation OF
crops. the sowing OF small grain AMI
many other methods for conserving and
lettering soils will be taken up
EDUCATIONAL WORK
The past eight months. under the ad-
miuistration OF Pres. R. +. Duckworth
and Secretary-Treasurer J. T MCDANIEL
and others. has witnessed one OF the
most successful agricultural educational
campaigns in this state. When Presi-
dent Duckworth was prevailed upon TO
accept the leadership at Fltzergald eight
months ago. he announced that he would
Immediately begin a series Of lectures
to better show the farmers the best
methods for scientific and diversified
farming IL is the unanimous belief or
every member OF the union that he has
succeeded far more than he had hoped.
Prominent leaders OF the union. NOT
only in Georgia. but in other states.
have been brought to this state anil
lave assisted President Duckworth m
this work He has also been ably as
sisted b. Secretary-Treasurer McDan-
iel
WILL ELECT OFFICERS.
The election OF officers will also come
I'D al this meeting. In a recent editorial
in the 1 nion News. the official organ
OF the Farmers union. Mr. DuckwOrth
asked that he be relieved OF any off,
cal duties as he wished to return TO the
rank and file and work there for me
organisation. His administration has
met with every success. and has served
as president with the greatest zeal All
the other officials have also given every
aid in lettering the union