Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1916-11-24
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1t is gratifying to know that the
tobacco growers Of Southern Mary
land are getting a move on them to
stihs the proposition of a Commission
Merchant combine in Baltimore
City, to gouge them by an increase
charge for selling their only living
product.
A meeting of the Tobacco Grow
ers' Association, Managers, was held
in Upper Marlboro on Wednesday,
to discuss and adopt a plan of action
TO resist the propositioa, but at this
writing, we are unable to state for
want Of correct information, what
was done. We assume, however,
something practical, as our Tobacco
Growers are alarmed; aroused to the
situation and mean to meet it force
fully and effectually. Our idea is,
for the Association to act decidedly
and independently of the Commits
sion Tobacco Statesmen. These Com
mission men did not consult The To
bacco Growers when among them
selves in an nnholy and practically
secret conclaye they decided to
charge the Tobacco Growers for the
selling Of the tobacco more than here
tofore, so, in the line of courtesy,
there is nothing due the former =
The Commission Topac % Saesmeu
assumed to have the right in seclu-
sion to combiae and agree among
themselves that because tobacco is
selling for better prices, due to no
effort on their part, they should
charge more for selliog tue same
As we comprehend the prop Jstion,
il was wrong in principle and effect,
and whether such conduct was good
or bad 90 their part the future will
soon tell. Without warning, consul
tation or consideration, they in a
circular letter notified the Tobacco
Growers that after November LIST.
last, they must lay 1925 per hogs
head for selling their tobacco instead
OF 81 so, the charge established for
at least a half century and at times
whe1 the Tobacco Growers could
rot live upon the poor price paid. II
So it is up to the Tobacco Growers
now to assert their manhood, and in
effect say to the Tobacco Salesmar;
it is your power and your privilege
to charge what you please while it is
in our power and is our privilege to
accept OIL not your dictuIn, and we
viii not. Conditions have changed.
We are no longer dependent upon
you for supplies; we scan paddle our
own cance.' You the Tobacco
Salesman, can do as you please, so
can we.
The Tobacco Growers are advised |
to hire a salesman directly from a.
mong themselves, with sufficient |
help, and use the room constructed |
for their especial use and benefit in
the new State Tobacco Warehouse, I
ami through these people handle and |
sell their own tobacco. Of course,
the Tobacco Growers need not be
frightened as to finances. We say to
them, not to have any fear on that
score. There are local Banks enough !
now in Southern Maryland to finance
them to the fullest extent and We
feel justified in saying, that they will
do so. The local Banks 10 this sec
ton of the State, will, we assume TO
say, be glad to help the farmers to
make living in any scheme of prac-
teal economy. The Bank thst is TN
willing to do SO should be driven out
Of business, for to help the farmers
ought to be the chief plank in their
platform of operation.
The Independent stands ready and
willing, while with no desire to Grip |
pie or drive out of business any To-
bacco Selling Commission House,
feeling its first duty is to Its neigh
bors and friends-the Farmers = TO
cooperate with them IN any feasible
plan locking to the betterment of
their financial condition
Let the Commission Tobacco
Statesmen 90 their way, and goo1
luck and success t. them; let the
Tobacco Growers realize "that self
preservation is the first law Of
Nature and that under present con-
ditons it is better for them to sell
their own staple product than to have
the same sold through merei iary
agencies beyond their control.
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