The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-08-25
COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC sslEIaTY

i -
! Chairman A. c. Phelps presiding.
Minutes of meeting July 31st ap-
proved.
Chairman Phelps read communica-
tion from State Council regarding
registration of women and introduce
ed Mrs. Nina Solomons, chairman for
Sumter County, and Mrs. F.. w. Dabbs
and Mrs. Fl. M. Stuckey a committee
from the wOman's organization. Mrs
Solomons explained the object of reg
istration. Also communication from
State Council relative to intimate re-
lations between County Councils and
Quartermaster's Department at cam
tonments, also relative to campaign
and campaign education showing why
this country is at war and the danger
of German domination of the world.
Chairman Phelps who is chairman
Of the committee of conservation Of
the State Council. stated he had ap-
pointed twenty-five men to meet
August Goth to organize and make
four minute speeches at moving pic
ture theatres about the war
On motion of Mr.. e. w. Dabbs, a
series of two or more meetings
among the white and colored farm
ers including women, boys and girls
to be held in each township to urge
preparation for planting of winter
cover crops following cotton and to
plant wheat, oats, rye and winter
gardens. Messrs e. w. Dabbs, chair
man; II. G. Osteen, j. M. Kolb, w. w.
Cunningham and w. l.. Sanders with
the ten township committee chairmen
appointed committee to arrange for
these meetings and for speakers. Dis
cussion of politics of any nature to
be absolutely prohibited 1t being
understood and suggested by Mr.. j. c,
Dunbar that colored people be or
ganized also.
On motion of Mr. Neal O'Donnell
and Mr.. r. d. Epps the following
committee. with the ten township
chairmen, was appointed to as far as
possible to furnish substitutes to
look after business Of white and col
ored men drafted to fight for their
country and to seek out and allie
viate any distress among dependents
of these soldiers. Mr.. Epps .empha-
sized the need of this committee
seeking to take care of the poor col
ored farmers drafted who have mort
cages over their live stock and crops
and to avoid the foreclosure and un-
due advantage being taken of these
men who are fighting for their
country. Full publication to be made
that dependents in, distress and of
drafted men with unfinished business
or encumbered property rights urged
to see the members of this commit
tee. Central committee appointed
with township chairmen for this pur-
pose. Neal O'Donnell chairman: l..
c. Strauss. L. d. Jennings, s. A. Har-
vim, c. j. Jackson, j. L. Irby. Thu
question Of drafted men being over
charged for drawing exemption pa-
pers referred to by Mr. Il. d. Epps.
Agreed that committee on alienation
OF distress of dependents and pro-.
lection Of drafted men see that those
claiming exemption have papers
drawn without cost. The sentiment
of the entire committee being that
not only white mon drafted and
their dependents be protected and
taken care of but that colored SOL
diers defending their country and
their dependents be likewise protect
ed and cared for.
A resolution of thanks for splendid
work Of the County Council from the
directors of the Chamber Of COM
merce was read and highly appre-
ciated. On suggestion of Mr.. H. d.
Tindal. the Chamber Of Commerce
requested to find out and publish
where wheat, rye, oats and turnip
seed can be secured and at what
cost.
Chairman Dabbs called a meeting
OF committee to arrange for township
meetings, 10 n. m. September 1st, at
Chamber Of Commerce. Next meet
ing of County Council of Defense 12
O'Clock same date.
Mr.. Neal O'Donnell urged support
OF Red Cross in county and city. Mr.
w. l.. Sanders stated that he is or
ganizing colored chapters in State
burg township.
Chairman Phelps said Mr.. w. w
Long, director of farm extension of
Clemson C,iauo x,ill coo,>