The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1915-08-18
SENATOR f. D.SM|TH
SPEAKS T0FARMERS
DELIVERS STRONG ADDRESS AT
FARMERS UNION PICNIC
AT LEXINGTON
Urges Citizens to
Stand by President
Tells of Cotton Trade and of Plan
He Has Under Consideration and
Discussion with President

In his speech, at the Farmers Un-
ion picnic, on last Saturday, the Ju-
nior United States senator from
South Carolina, delivered one of the
strongest addresses heard in the
county for many years. Senator
Smith, always entertaining and elo-
quent, in his utterances, was never
more so than on this occasion. In
language chaste, at times classic, he
most vividly portrayed the present
day conditions which confront this
agricultural classes of population.
In his usual vigorous manner he
outlines the fact that the vast mate
rial discoveries of intellect and gen.
ius today had placed us in. sphere
where knowledge counted for all
worth while in life; that the power
to know transcribed every other ac-
quirement; and that the progress of
the agricultural masses of today and
tomorrow is and would be dependent
upon this manner in which they ex-
ercised this capacity. He showed
that the ills suffered by the agricul-
turists of today were the direct re-
suits of the lack of the application of
knowledge which was within the
power of all to attain. In vivid and
telling language he cited illustration
after illustration to prove the points
he made and in a burst of genuine
eloquence declared that democracy in
the fullest meaning was nothing more
or less than the development to the
fullest fruition, through knowledge,
of the hopes, aspirations and posi-
bilities of the individual.
"The duty of every true democrat
today" said the senator in discussing
the European situation, "and I do not
speak in a. partisan or biased sense,
the obligation incumbent upon every
true American, is to stand by the ma
tional administration in its efforts
equitably and justly to solve the in
ternational problems serious in their
nature and of necessity far-reaching
in their effects, which confront US in
this crisis of our history" He de-
clared in emphatic terms that it
would be better for the American ma
ton to avoid war, if this could be
done with honor and integrity, than
it would be to needlessly sacrifice hun
dreds and hundreds of the lives of
this country. The injunction of
President Washington, to avoid en-
tangling alliances with foreign ma
tlons was as sound doctrine today
as in the earlier days Of the republic,
and the speaker showed how if the
United States were forced into this
European trouble, and thereby be-
come a party to. any treaties that
might result, this country in future
years would be responsible for their
proper enforcement whether or not
it should be direct party TO the is
sue in question.
He discussed the cotton trade sit
uation which he has had under con-
slderation and discussion with the
president of the United States and
the secretary of state.
Let u.s." continued the senator in
this connection, "frst settle the vex-
ed international problems which con-
front US as nation, far more Sc
rlous to you and me, can be dealt
with equity and justness." He
pleaded for thoughtful consideration
OF all OF these problems at the hands
OF every individual; that the Anaeri-
can people should not be hasty in
their Judgment or action; and de-
clared that he had faith in that ad-
mlnistration which had led us in
peace to this good day to take care
OF American interests, both nation
aliy and commercially, in the future.
AT the ensuing session of congress"
SAID Senator Smith, whether in spe-
clal or regular session, shall con-
tlnue the fight that l have always
made the one and only policital
platform that have ever enunciated
That masses of the people who pro-
duce the wealth of the nation. shall
produce"
In an emphatic manner he de-
clared 1T to be the duty of the next
congress to see to the fact that the
cotton. futures bill, which he cham
ploned and which he has fought, and
which is the only bill which has ever
passed the senate of the United
States, curtailing illegitimate specu-
iatlon IN cotton, should be carried out
IN the full text of its intent and
meaning. He discussed at length
the financial system and suggested
certain changes which he had to Of
Ter IN the way of making the circu-
lating medium of the country, more
available to the farming classes. He
recited his work in the senate in ref
erence to section 13 of the present
banking and currency law, and dis
cussed certain amendments which
were needed with reference to the
rate discount.
Senator Smith is a strong favorite
in Lexington county and his master
full address Saturday goes far to-