Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1917-03-02
The Annual Farmers Convention.


read.
Mr.. VIM. John Thomas made a state
ment that the Milk Producers Association
had been recognized and new members
are desired. There will be five locals allied
with central.
The first question taken up was, Are
motor trucks and tractors practical for
Montgomery county farmersS
Mr.. Albert Wilson read a well-prepared
paper comparing the cost of hauling with
horses and trucks. A number of questions
were answered by him. He seemed to think
that while the truck will do hauling at less
expense, it is not practical for the ordinary
farmer.
Mr.. Jas. W. Barnsley said that where
truck can be used every day il pays well.
but he does not think farmer can afford
to keep horses and truck also.
Mr.. George Bliss said that his experience
has been with touring car that farmer
who has small quantity of produce can
take advantage of the high markets when
it would not pay to take the team off the
farm.
Mr.. Dickerson, Of Massachusetts,, said he
had no truck. but had most of his hauling
done with heavy truck. leaving the horses
for use on the farm. The use of the truck
is increasing.
DR.. Thomas said that, in his opinion.
trucks will be used for trips Of 20 miles.
but horses will be used for shorter trips.
Mr.. Bombereer thought the cooperative
truck service to be the solution Of the
hauling problem. as there is no use in a
farmer being producer. transporter. sales
man and collector.
Mr.. Richard H. Landslide said that it
cost him IS cents per ton per mile to haul
from the mill He has not yet determined
the cost of truck hauling. as it has not
been running long enough.
Mr.. Roland Moore said the actual cost
Of hauling on good road was less with a
truck than with horses Overload and over
speed are the greatest damage to the ma
chimes. and small truck will do more
work than large one.
Mr.. Allan Farquhar, chairman Of the
Railroad Committee, read his report on
the prospect for that improvement for the
community.
Mr.. B. H. Miller offered the following
resolution:
Whereas. The shipment of intoxicants
from the District Of Columbia and the sale
to our employees when going to Washington
with teams are cause Of constant trouble to
the farmers of Montgomery county.
Whereas, The Senate Of the United States
has passed prohibition bill for the Dis
trict Of Columbia, therefore be it
Resolved by this 44th annual conven-
ton of the farmers of Montgomery county.
held at Sandy Spring this 21st day of
February, 1917. That we respectfully but
urgently request the Hon. d. J. Lewis to
use all his influence to secure the passage
of said bill by the House of Representa-
tives before March 4th.
On motion for unanimous consent this
was passed without reference to the COM
mittee on resolutions
Mr.. VIM. E. Brown offered the following
preamble and resolutions:
Whereas. Since the last convention the
community has lost by death one of the
best and most useful citizens in the per-
son Of John Thomas. a former president of
this convention therefore be it
Resolved, By this forty fourth conven-
ton that we appreciate the services which
he rendered as president of the convention,
his enthusiasm in all matters pertaining
to the farmers interests and the welfare
of the community, and would recommend
his life as an example to all who shall fol-
low him.
Resolved. That we extend TO his family
the sympathies of the convention.
Resolved. That copy of these resolu-
tons be spread on the minutes of the con-
vention and sent to the newspapers for
publication.
WI tulhCh AOA hWO
on the railroad question and said it would
probably be built.
Mr.. John Henderson gave very inter-
esting and instructive talk on farm trac-
tors. He has found the fact that our soil
is full of rocks and farms of irregular shape
was not a bar in the use of a tractor
The difference between here and the West
is a matter of power 1t takes more power
for the same number Of plows here than
in the West He gave various incidents
showing value of a tractor on the farm.
and had found one valuable adjunct on
an average Montgomery county farm. 1t
can be used all over the fields for harrow
ing and all other farm operations because
the wheels do not have as much pressure
on the land as horses.
The convention was so much interested
that Mr.. Henderson was not allowed to
stop when his time was out and kept him
answering questions at a lively rate for
nearly an hour.
Mr.. Malcolm Farquhar said in Chester
county. Pa. the soil conditions are similar
to ours and that he was surprised to find
what grades could be negotiated with
tractor, but the size Of the fields makes
great difference in the economy OF its use
The tractor can not be used for cultivation
so horses must be kept and should be used
to make them pay their keep.
Mr. Geo. X. Bliss has found in study of
some 10 or IL tractors in this and adjoin-
ing States that the tractor has been sue
cessful with most farms. Operating cost
is higher and work done is less than in the
West. Hilly land is a disadvantage. but
hills can be plowed on contour lines. All
four wheels should be supplied with guide
cleats. as well as cleats for propulsion.
A spring hitch is much better than a
wooden pin for many reasons. and the weaI