The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-02-22
SECRETARY AND GENERAL MAN
AGER STEVENSON MAKES
STATEMENT TO PRESI-
DENT FUNK.
Exposition Was Largest and Best ever
Held In Point OF Exhibits, but At
tendance was Disappointingly
Small; Boys and Girls I'm Attend
ance upon Exposition school.

ume suomt partial report concern
ing the Fifth National Corn exposi-
tion, which was closed in Columbia
Friday. February II. after having
been held open to the public three
weeks, one week longr than was
originally intended. From an educa-
tiona standpoint there is no doubt
but that this exposition was the most
successful OF any OF the Corn exposi-
uons. IL was recognized by all who
attended as being in advance OF any
hing which has yet been held in this
country. Twenty-four State experi-
ment stations and agricultural col
leges made splendid exhibits, also
many individual farmers and farm
ers' organizations. The exhibit OF the
federal department OF agriculture was
the best exhibit ever sent out by that
department
In this summary shall enumerate
oriehy several OF the most important
local influences which contributed to
the success OF this exposition. First.
you will recall the delegation of 90
men from Columbia, South Carolina,
who visited the Columbus. Ohio, ex-
position In 1911, presenting the claims
OF the South for the next exposition.
came to Columbia on their invitation
over n year ago and after carefully
considering the situation. estimated
the cost OF the exposition at $40, 900.
On this basis a guarantee Of $40, 900
was asked for. The Chamber OF
Commerce not being able to make the
guarantee. with necessary advances
Tor current expenses. A. f. Gonzales.
as president of The State company.
guaranteed the s40,0 and advanced
funds as required for current ex-
penses. upon the following contract:
June 80. 1911.
george II. Stevenson. Secretary
Treasurer, National Corn Growers
Association, Columbia.
Dear Mr.. Stevenson: You propose
to hold the National Corn exposition
at Columbia in 1913 upon a guarantee
OF $4,000, to be used exclusively for
the expenses of the exposition Of that
year-revenue from admissions and
sale Of privileges. Atc ~ he anplied
20 rcimbufsing the Sub ,cribcrs The
CO" wbia Chomhcy OF Commerce asks
Tor '' days timc iu which 20 raise the
b. FrfI
require an immediate answer.
AS /. is impossible to perfect an
organization in time to give you the
assurance required. The state COM
pany will guarantee the expenses OF
the exposition, not to exceed $4,000.
OF which approximately one-half is to
oe- paid In advance OF the opening OF
the exposition. in monthly install !
ments as indicated in your memoran-
dun OF this date
Very truly yours.
(Slgned) "a +. Gonzales,
President The state Company" !
I'm order TO facilitate the handling !
Of :he funds and 20 protect the Ma |
tional Corn association. n local cor
poration known as the National Corn |
Exposition company was organized. |,
Nr. Gonzales being the guarantor OF |
the exposition was elected president !
and treasurer, II. Beverley Herbert. !
vice pr sldent, and myself secretary !
and general manager. MI financial !
transac Ions concerning tdc exposition
have been conducted in the name Of !
this organization, resting upon the |
guarantee Of The state newspaper and T,
tho deficit Will have 10 be borne by !
this public-spirited newspaper.
Further. wish TO mention the !
splendid cooperation which We have |
received from Clemson college. not !
only IN the sending OF a high class !
educational exhibit 10 the exposition. /,
but In stimulating an interest in the I
exposition among the people of. the :
State through It's extension and dem !
onstratlon agents. under the direction
OF w. l.. English. Splendid support
has also been received from Win
throp college and the state university
We are also indebted to the Farm
ers' union and other state farmers
organization The railroads have
contributed their fun share 10 the
success of the exposition In no sec
tion OF the country have we received
as liberal and cordial support from
the newspapers, both county and
State. They have accepted the expo
sitiou os uu educational enterprise,
md Inv. dnno all nnssihlc 20 inlcr-