The Palatka news and advertiser., 1916-11-24
NATIONAL FARMERS
MEET IN PALATKA
Delegates From all Parts of
United States Enjoy
Themselves.

Palatka's streets and hotels have
been filled all this week with repre-
cred to attend the annual convention
of the Farmers Educational and Co.
operative Union of America.
Delegates are here from far-of Ore
gon and Washington, from Texas,
Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas, Iowa;
but it is only when'you call the near
states that delegations are here in
force The number of delegates in
attendance has been stated at be-
tween 500 and 600.
President Barrett of the national
organization and President Shepard
of Florida were here little in ad-
vance of the great body Of delegates,
who began struggling in groups on
Monday. Tuesday was the day Of
the great influx.
On Tuesday morning one contingent
Of Georgians numbered about 200
These marched two abreast from the
Union Station to the Grand Theater,
where the opening, or welcoming eX-
ercises were being held.
The big theater was packed to ca
pacity long before the opening, which
was delayed because it so happened
that all incoming trains to Palatka
were late that morning.
Gov. Trammell who was to be here
in time for the opening at 10 o'clock,
was unable to get here until 11:3O.
Senator Fletcher was also late.
Mayor Merriam made the address
of welcome for the city and his words
seemed to take hold of the visitors
and impress them as ringing true; his
honor hadn't talked long before the
visitors began to feel at home. He
told the visitors many important
things regarding Florida, Putnam
county and Palatka, particularly of
the latter, and told them not to hesi-
tate a moment when they wanted in
formation, but to ask any Palatkan.
Hon. S. M. Rhodes, president Of the
Tennessee State Farmers Union re-
sronded to the Mayors address of
welcome, and following that gentle
man came an address on Co-opera-
ton by Mr.. Bradford Kneff.
Gov. Trammell arrived at this
iuncture and was piloted to the stage,
where he was next introduced amid a
thunder of applause, and gave a hear.
tv address of welcome in behalf OF
Florida.
Senator D. U. Fletcher followed
Gov. Trammell and after few words
of welcome, launched into an address
in behalf of rural credits.
The senator was at his best, and
handled his subject in a mastery
manner. Stating in his introduction,
that the farmer and the cause OF ag-
riculture had not had adequate jus
tice done to them in the past, but
rather that they had been discrimi-
mated against in the interests of COM
mercial and business men and enter
rrises, he proceeded to very clearly
outline the working of the Farm Loan
Act, which. he stated, would bring
immense relief to the farming indus
try, and tend to its greatest develop
ment. He stated also that the pres
ent Indebtedness of the farmers of the
United States amounted to something
like Sc for every minute of the Chris
tian era, and that the amount paid
in interest alone on the IN
debtedness was about 600 million
dollars. This, he stated, the act aim
ed to reduce by at least one half,
while at the same time it made 1t
possible for farmers to liquidate their
debt by easy annual or seml-annual
instalments. Our readers are al
ready familiar with the methods by
which Farm Loan Association will
accomplish these desirable ends, so
further along that line need
be written. He concluded by saying
that hitherto the farmer had been
playing the other fellows game" but
the time had come when he could play
his own game, and win the profits for
himself. The senator's speech was
listened to most attentively by the
great audience. and he was heartily
applauded as he resumed his seat.
The meetings of the Union are
held behind closed doors at the court
house and took up much of the first
Wednesday evening ana
Thursday. !
Ocala has a delegation of its board !
of trade here composed Of some of the
city's leading business men, who are
making an effort to secure next years
for that city.
Today it is thought large num-
Der of the delegates will go to Orange
Springs to attend the Colonist's Fair
given under the auspices of the Flori-
da Farms & Homes, Inc.
Have you noticed the brilliant light |
in front of the G. Loper Bailey Co.
office? That light is 1,500 candle |