Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1915-02-26
Farmers Annual Convention.
INTERESTING SUBJECTS OF The DAY
DISCUSSED,

Nontioh was helu dt odnuy opflnB on reD-
ruary 18th, and was attended by two or
three hundred citizens of Montgomery and
adjoining counties. Several committees OF
the last convention made short reports.
among them the committee on hay market
reported that there was little prospect of
securing new site for the hay scales, and
that it is now proposed to sell the whole
outfit of the District scales to the highest
bidder and not maintain them any longer
as public scales, but to allow the purchaser
to run them for his own private profit after
July LIST.
Thereupon it was decided to pres ent the
following:
Whereas, 1t has come to the notice of
the farmers that there is possibility of
abolishing the public ownership of the hay
scales of the District of Columbia, be it
Resolved, That we the farmers of Mont
gomery county in forty-second annual
convention assembled, realizing that the
scales are an absolute necessity. do hereby
request that the scales be left as they have
been in the past until a move can be made
which will be to better advantage of the
farmers and District authorities"
A letter from Prof. T. B. Symons was
read. stating that the Maryland Agricul-
raj College had $3.50 to contribute to the
salary of county demonstration agent.
provided the county people raise from $3.50
to $1,000 additional for this purpose. Also
suggesting the Inauguration of the girls
canning club, agreeing to contribute So
for each 81 put up by the county people
for this purpose.
On motion, it was resolved that the con-
vention approves of cooperating with the
college in the establishment of demonstra-
ton work in the county as related to our
varied farming interests. and also in the
matter of home economics in establishing
girls canning clubs throughout the county.
And we hereby urge the County Commits
sioners and the School Board TO make am
pie provision for the work.
There was considerable discussion on
this resolution and it seemed that the
object of the demonstration work is little
understood, campaign of education being
much needed. However, it was stated
that the salary of man in Frederick
county last year was paid by private sub
scription. and they are so well pleased
with the results that the taxpayers we're
content to have it paid by the County
Commissioners this year.
The questions for discussion were then
taken up and well-prepared paper by
Douglass M. Blandford on Cover Crops and
Green Manures In Lieu Of High-Priced
Fertilizers" was listened to with close at
which DIR. Augustus Staber. Donald Bowie.
C. Brashears and others took part, without
any positive decision as to how far cover
crops in our county can be made to take
the place of fertilizers.
The next question. What Effect viii
the European War Have on Farming In
terests in this Country" was answered by
Allan Farquhar. He took the view that
no embargo is needed on food products.
that farmers should get the highest posi-
BILE prices, and that he is public bene-
factor by selling at the high price, as the
demand is greatest when the price is high.
and it does more good to hold things till
they are really wanted.
On motion. it was resolved that we ap-
preciate the efforts of President Wilson to
preserve the neutrality of the United States
during the present terrible European war.
and we will endeavOr. by every word and
act. to uphold his hands in all such efforts.
Resolutions opposing the increase of the
army and navy and condemning the mill
tary instruction of all children in the
schools were lost.
The third question. which Will Give
the Most Net Income. for the Amount In
vested, Sheep or Dairy Cows p was treated
in paper by John E. Muncaster. without
any discussion following.
The subject of the parcel post as bene-
fitting the farmer was handled by f. p.
Thomas, with some personal experiences.
He has shipped country sausage to New
York. California and Florida and butter
and few apples to a great many nearby
customers. He showed number of pack
ages used for such shipments and said all
it needs is plenty of push for any farmer
to make success of such shipments.
do Our Improved State Roads Meet the
Needs of the FarmersY" the question held
thusiasm on either side as was expected.
Charles F. Kirk said he had been opposed
to the bonding Of the State for road pur-
poses. but had about come to the conclu-
sion that it is good thing; but il any
man were to carry on his business with
the reckless disregard for economy shown
by the Road Commission. he would be
tenant of lunatic asylum in a short while.
having been sent there by his family as
incapable of managing his own affairs.
Too much money is being spent for the
amount Of roads being completed. although
they are fine roads when first finished.
X. ii. Miller gave his experience in re-
dressing about mile Of the COlesvile pike.
which was done at cost of about $500,
while the 0lney pike cost about $4,000
and is no better for practical use.
Others said few words. though the sub
ject has many sides and is the cause of
much argument 1t is not thought that the
citizens Of the county are done with it.
though there was so little discussion at the
convention.
Mr.. Sherman. Superintendent of Markets
of the District. gave an interesting talk on
the subject Of cooperation in marketing
between the producer and the wholesaler,
He thinks the producer should keep more