The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-29
RESPONSE SHOWS KEEN INTEREST OF
 MEN IN SUBJECT
Surplus Crops Will Be Pur- chased and Canned and Everything Is on Thor
 0ugh Business Basis
By JEFF BAu.Ey


 bama Coal Operators association, one would think on first thought, but it does not refer to human beings, that is, in , the way most human beings generally 1 end, and especially some of those who go into the bowels of the earth to earn a ] Livelihood
 | One would perhaps wish to reform H. Clanton Miller. who pleads guilty to hay ing created that slogan, and have those 1 50 corporations composing the Alabama Coal Operators association select a more appropriate motto, for instance and to the contrary. Keep on digging"
 MEANS WHAT HE SAYS i But It would be useless for MT. Miller means exactly what he says, and to visit the many mining camps coming under his supervision as field agent for the Coal i Operators association it would be the simplest thing in the world to see his viewpoint, and to realize his worth and strength among the miners, who are do- ing just exactly what he is urging them with every fibre of his being to do-"keep on planting'-and it is gardens that he is talking about, with emphasis on the beans, potatoes, tomatoes, peas, onions and cab bage
 With absolutely one objective point the idea of having miners plant gardens foodstuffs-sprang into existence through the farsightedness ot some one connected with the Coal Operators association about lSoS-and as the idea developed a problem soon confronted the operators
 What will these people plant how and when whar xyiI 1O xzrith l,a surplus crops; how can we get this in- formation to them and will they take the prescription as we prescribe or will they look upon it as a pill, and prefer the evil-lack of food-to the dose?
 BEGAN IN 1916
 In December, 1916, H. Clanton Miller was employed to act as physician in charge of all such sick patients. in fact sur geon general of the miners table, and so well has he accomplished that task, ae- cording to the operators, backed by the solid Endorsement of the miners, white and black, that it is appropriate to tell the people of Alabama of his splendid work, and of the almost night and day service that he is rendering the thodsands of miners wiio needed just such advice as he is giving them. He is esteemed by all of them; they believe in him, and they will break up a prayer meeting, protracted meeting, call off the picnic or anything else that would ordinarily take prefer ence just to hear him talk about home gardening."
 COAL OPERATORS PLANS
 The coal o)erators' plan is written in the minute books of every club under the heading. Peoples Garden club The organization is local, officers elected. fol- lowing a plan outlined by Mir. Miller, which is simple. but direct. Prior to the organization of these clubs ne takes the preachers, white and colored and makes a. house to house canvass of the camp. His remarks extend tfiS>, the garden, where he tells them or their mistakes, and lauds their successful efforts. When he leaves they are literally speaking on their way to the meeting the next night, of which they told and urged to attend.
 The company owning the camp then fences their gardens, furnishes them fer tilizer from the company stables, gives them seed or sells them on credit, and in many instances breaxs up the ground for the first planting. So the miner is on his way to his table with something good to eat, and at practically no cost.
 The average miner .s a "Missourian,' ? and he is to be commended for it, and MT. Miller knows this, so he asks noth- ing until he shows them. Trey get right down to business, for there are prizes to compete for that are worth while Results follow. and as positive proof of that statement there are today 5000 members of the Peoples Garden club in the IA counties, Jefferson, Walker, Blount, Tuscaloosa, Shelby Bibb, St. Clair, Winston. Marion. Etowah, Fayette; Talladega, Marshall and Chiffon, covered by the coal operators.
 to1k tn o1y he the gardeners in person. about fertll- (Continued on Page Nine)