The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-12-13

nAGkDuI0 VIII ~ WOStVu hS6u0W
forces that will increase In power
and uplifting influence to such an ex-
tent that q now era Of growth and
prosperity In the South and will be
mentioned in history as dating from
the application Of this popular meas
ure.
The most prosperous sections Of
any country are those with the larg-
est number of successful. small land
owners. It ID here the fires are
kindled that burn into the soul Of
people q spirit of patriotism that IL
unconquerable. and a faith In God
that IL everlasting. The prosperous
country homes are the nations strong
est forts. Our economic. social and
civil freedom is bottomed upon land
ownership.
The outlook today in the South pre-
SCENTS the most inviting neld known to
man. The sun never illumined q
moro beautiful country: the p1owman
never turned a kinder soil. and the
stranger never shook the hand Of a
more hospitable people. For salubrity
OF climate and an enchanting future,
the South excels them all.
"COttOn" Texan's Theme.
Hon. Fred. w. Davis, commissioner
Of agriculture of Texas. followed Mr..
Koiner. who was followed by William
Niche. Of Texas. who spoke on Cot
ton." and explained many things
about that staple that were entirely
new and interesting to his hearers.
Mr.. Niche advised better care of cot
ton in packing. pointing out the loss
in weight by careless baling. He also
referred to the change in classihca-
ton. which he said cost the grow
ers millions OF dollars last year and
called attention to the new laws gov
erning shipping.
The other prominent speakers At
the morning session were Hon. E. s.
Brigham. commissioner Of agricul-
ture OF Vermont. and Hon. Harvie Jor-
dan. president Of the Southern Cot
ton Growers Association. Hon. Seth
Maxwell. commissioner Of agriculture
OF Mississippi. and Hon. II. e. Wilson.
commissioner Of agriculture Of West
Virginia. All of the addresses were
heard with the closest attention and
were received with applause at the
conclusion.
Prayer for Peace.
DR.. Clarence J. Owens. managing d.
rector OF the congress. read the dis
patch announcing that Germany and
her allies had proposed peace and the
announcement was received with APP
plause that lasted several seconds The
message came as a surprise and w. d.
Upshur. delegate from Atlanta, pro-
posed that the congress invoke tho
Divine guidance at this hour. and
Senator Fletcher requested that he
lead the assemtlage in prayer. while
the audience stood.
The announcement. caused a nut-
ter of excitement and the delegates and
others present discussed the matter
with evident pleasure.
At the conclusion OF the addresses
gates and distinguished guests were
Of the armory building. In which they
vnre driven to the terminal station at
the end Of East Main Street, where
they boarded the special train for Cape
Henry, where the oyster roast Is be-
ing held. prior to the dedication Of
Fort storey.
An important action Of the woman's
Auxiliary. in session this afternoon.
was the endorsement Of Muscle shoals
as the best site for the proposed gov
eminent arn,or plant site. The action
was not taken without considerable
debate, but was finally made unani-
nous.
2 Thomas s. Southgate. OF Norfolk.
nrst vice-president of the congress.
presided at tonight's session. Among
the speakers were President George
w Stevens. OF the Chesapeake and
Ohio Railroad: President L. E. John
con, Of the Norfolk and Western Rail-
road and Fl. II. Rumble. of Norfolk.