The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1917-04-24
TO FARMERS, BANKERS AND
BUSINESS MEN IN THE SOUTH
Safety.


For nearly three years have done
my best to warn you to prepare Tor
the present emergency. For years
We have tried to encourage diversiv1-
cation in the South as basis for
greater safety, beth agricultural and
economic. Since the war began III
Europe we have urged safe farming.
When prices were low you did We'll
and made great progress. When
cotton went to eighteen cents and
over you made large profits because
of your progress in safe farming, but
some were tempted to go back to cot
ton. In common with manv other
men,. have tried to warn you OF
that danger. Cotton has not been
high but has only increased in some
what less proportion than food ana
feed.
Now this crisis is here. This great
nation must arouse herself for d
mighty struggle for liberty. People
without food and armies without IA
tions are conquered before they can
begin to fight. Our greatest safety
now lies in food production and IN
saving the waste products.
If the South is to be strong she
must have food If this country is
to be strong she must be we'll fed
and have an abundance to sustain
those friendly people who are even
now fighting our battles for liberty
and democracy.
Transportation may be disturbed.
Your own defense requires you to
produce and conserve your food sup
ply. Don't fail now! 1t is Nation
al. problem of defense as important
as men and guns. ships and cannon.
Business men, if seed is short can-
vass the situation like patriots ana
get the seed for farmers. Arrange the
credits. Furnish farmers seed corn,
soy beans, coWpeas, velvet beans,
peanuts, sorghum, ETC., at cost. See
that all things necessary to help
farmers are DONE Of course, We
must produce cotton, but with a mod
crate acreage and a good season
there will be enough. Do not sacr1-
fee acres of food to increase your
acreage. in cotton. Look ahead! Get
the warehouses, the feed mills, shell
lers, cleaning stations, creaneries,
packing plants, etc, ready. You must
do your share and cooperate with
farmers. They must do their share
and tend the crops faithfully.
Farmers, in your unions, clubs and
other organizations, resolve to use
the best methods now. When the
nation faces crisis We must have
the best farming in its history. La
Dor is short, hence the best tools and |
all labor-saving devices must be used
to make it possible for every farm
laborer to cover as much ground as
possible and do the most efficient
work. Farm women and girls have
work to do in the garden,
the orchard, in raising poultry. and
in canning, preserving anu
conserving our food supply.
Your county agent and home dem /
onstration agent become more im-
portant officers now than ever before.
Your State extension division at the
agricultural college will have still
more important duties. Look to these
for counsel and advice in this new
burden of extra work The county
agent will, without doubt, have new
duties and responsibilities in their
near future.
Farmers and business men, save the
breeding stock. Don't sell COWS,
heifers. mares, sows. gifts, ewes or
hens. Keep them for breeding. II
the breeding stock is sold where will
you get the means tc supply the meat
Of this country? -
Let, us forget, all past difficulties