The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-09-29

Mr.. NJ. Turner Phillips. r. f. ID. 2.
Gafrney. s. c.,
Dear Mr.. Phillips: / received your
letter several days ago and have given
the question which you propose care
ful and thoughtful consideration.
appreciate your desire for the educa-
tonal advancement OF your children.
but there are some matters which we
must seriously consider before taking
the step you propose. In the outset 1
must advise you to remain on the
farm IL possible. ..
One OF the big problems OF our
state at the present time ID to make
farm life so profitable and so attrac-
tive that II will hold the people In the
country and stop the movement into
our crowded cities. You say you are
a small farmer and have not accumu-
lated much OF this worlds goods.
Years ago I as young man was fac
Ing practically the same problem that
you are facing today. My choice at
that time was the farm. 1 believe that
with the proper effort more money
more happiness-more contentment, Is
to be found among the men Of South
Carolina who till the soil.
The city has many advantages TO Of
Ter and also many disadvantages. You
must consider. among other things,
the extra items of expense. In your
farm home you have no electric light
bills. no coal bills. no high monthly
rentals. no extra expenditure for
clothing. and many OF tho other ex-
travagances that go to make up the
life OF our people In tho cities; on the
other hand you have your firewood,
you have your food crops. your hogs
cattle and livestock. and. above all.
you have that atmosphere of freedom
and independence that cannot be
found In the city.
South Carolina Is making a con-
slant and wonderful stride I'm matters
OF education and In improvements In
methods OF farming. II has been my
hope and my ambition TO see the day
when as good educational advantages
are offered to- the child of the rural
and mill communities as are given TO
tho children OF our cities. BY this /
mean good. sound. practical horse
sense education without any frills. In
your own county educational progress
has been remarkable.
III you are not now living near q
good country school. would advise
you to cast about. this fall. and find a
piece OF land which you will be able to
cultivate successfully. that Is located
within q convenient distance of one
OF these schools. When you have
found this piece OF land my advice IL
purchase same IL possible. on easy
terms. paying a little each year. Then
map out your plans to farm on busi-
ness basis; don't work your farm In a
haphazard. happy -go-lucky way. /
would advise you to consult Clemson
College farm demonstrators and ask
their advice In farming methods. es-
pecially winter cover crops so as to
save expense In fertilizer.
Write TO the Clemson authorities
and have them send you all OF their
bulletins. Study these bulletins; study
vour soil and try to plant and cultivate
the crops that are hest suited To the
conditions. one OF the main troubles
with our people Is that they have been
slaves TO what Is popularity called the
"ono crop" idea. We all know that
forever and a day cotton must he our
major crop; but our soil Is capable Of
producing the very best of every kind