The Brandon news. (Brandon, Miss.) 1892-1961, 1917-12-13
MUST OBEY FIRE
PREVENTION RULES
MISSISSIPPI INSURANCE COMMITS
sIc,NER URGES THWARTING !
FOES OF GOVERNMENT.
'FlFTY-FIvE FIRES REPORTED
Interesting Statement as to the Mum.
Der Of Gin Fires and the Amount
Of Losses In State During
Three Months.

Of Losses In State During
Three Months.
Jackson-T. M. Henry, state insur'
ance commissioner, gives out an inter
esting statement as to the number OF
gin fires and amount of losses in Mis-
sissippi during the last three months.
"To the People of Mississippi beg
to call your attention to the following
statement showing the alarming num-
Der or fires which have occurred in
and around gins, congresses and oil
mills in Mississippi from Sept. 7, 1917:
FIFTY five fires, probable loss $780,
836.73; reported from Nov. 1 to Nov.
%, all reports not in, 80 fires, prcba-
BILE loss, $55,666.07; total, "a fires,
probable loss, $102,502.S0.
These figures disclose an alarming
condition of affairs which exists in
our state and is one that should re-
ceive the attention of our citizens, es-
pecially those interested in the hand
ling of cotton and its products. From
information in the hands of United
States government agents it appears
that there is an organized effort on
the part cf the enemies of our govern
ment to destroy as much of this years
crop as possible. Not only are these
fires occurring in Mississippi, but con-
ditions are worse in Texas, Oklahoma
and other cotton states west OF tho
Mississippi river
Cotton and the products derived
therefrom are vit1lly essential to the
government in the successful prosecu-
ton of this war and 1t is the patriotic
duty Of every citizen, and especially
those who handle these products, to
use every effort looking to the proper
safeguarding of this commodity from
the time 1T leaves the field until 1t
reaches the mills. Owners of gins.
congresses, cotton mills, cotton yards
and cotton oil mills are earnestly urg-
ed to observe all fire prevention rules,
to see that all premises are properly
guarded and to allow no strangers to
loiter around any plants. A number
of such owners have already made pro-
vision for the proper protection OF
their property and all Others are urged
to take such action at once. When
ever you have any attempts at arson.
or if you have suspicious fire around
your property, report the same at once
to this department and proper inves-
tigation will be made"
Blow To Road Work.
The inability of the railroads to fur
nish cars for hauling gravel is going
to cost the state of Mississippi heav-
lily. Contracts for millions of dollars
worth of work have been let during
the past year and the roadbeds have
in many cases been prepared for the
top dressing This dressing was to be
of gravel, but the gravel Is not to be
had. and it is feared that the work al
ready done will be washed away before
the winter rains have stopped. X. A.
Kramer, chief engineer, said that more
than 100000 worth Of road construc-
ton was in contemplation and that a
large amount of money was available,
but was next to useless, as cars are
not to be had to transport the gravel
necessary for their completion
May Vaccnate All Hogs.
At the recent meeting of the live
stock sanitary board, Governor Bilbo
expressed the conviction that it would
be good idea to vaccinate every hog
in the state of Mississippi as a pro
lection against the ravages of cholera
that greatest drawback to pork pro,
duction known in any state. For this
reason, and in order to encourage hog
production the governor would estab-
lish plant for the manufacture OF
hog cholera serum, same to be dis
tributed to the farmers free Of charge,
but with the understanding they are
to use it.
VIII Inspect Schools.
Prof. w. F. Bond, state superintend-
ent of education, visited South Missis-
sippi. where with Prof. w. F. Feagin,
superintendent of education of Mont.
geometry county, Alabama, inspected
consolidated and agricultural hign
schools in Harrison, Stone and Pearl
River counties, those being among the
best organized in the state
Balance in Treasury.
The state treasurer reports that ar
the close of business the last day OF
November he had on hand and in the
several state repositories $279, 1855
This balance includes about 100000
that can not be used for general pur-
poses.
Time For United Action.
eve have crisis here; time for
united cooperative action and for car
rying on OF a widespread campaign OF
practical education, and this Is no
time for speechmaking and fulsome
platitudes," observed Governor Bilbo
in addressing words of welcome to the
Mississippi Red Cross convention.
After the brief and impressive open
ing speech from Governor Bilbo the
visiting workers, Messrs. Carroll and
orrxerr+ x,oro procnntnd whn gave in