The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-04-25

from The Daily Item, April 21.
The Sumter County Committee Of
Public Safety, pursuant to adjourn
ment on April 7th. met today in reg
ular semi-monthly session at the
Chamber Of Commerce. The meeting
was well attended, all the townships.
save two, were represented by from.
TWO to five members of the township
committees.
The meeting was given over to
nearing reports from the townahi,
committees and outlining plans for
the continued vigorous prosecution O.
the work of organization and spread.
ing the gospel of food preparedness.
The reports were distinctly encourag
ing. all save two of the township com
mittces making reports-two town
ships, Concord and Providence made
no reports. The report from Middleton
township was to the effect that a COM
plete canvass Of the township had
been completed, that every farmer
mad been visited by a member of tho
committee, and that the acreage Of
corn and other food crops had been
materially increased. Interest in the
campaign is very great in all parts Of
the township and among both white
and negro farmers. With norma!
seasons Middleton will produce ample
provisions for the population and =
substantial surplus besides. State
burg township reported a complete
and detailed crop survey, showing tn.
acreage planted in each crop and tho
number OF hogs and cattle. The inter-
est Is great and the people are arous-
ed and working to do their part t,
make the county self-support;nc.
Stateburg will produce more than
sufficient food crops for the resident
population. Privateer reported sew
eral largely attended meetings and
an active interest in the effort to
grow an abundance Of food crops
With normal weather conditions thu
township will produce surplus oc
corn and other food crops this season
Mayesville township reports several
meetings and considerable interest. All
of the small farmers, white and ne
gro, are cooperating in the work.
corn. rice and vegetables are being
planted more largely than ever before
and the outlookk is excellent for the
production of sufficient food for tna
population. The committee wouli
not make the positive statement that
the present acreage planted in foo
crops would yield an adequate supply.
for there are a number of the larges'
who arc reported to b
planting a very large acreage in cot
ton and very little corn. a crop sur
vey Of the township has not beel
made rs yet, but will be made. Shilo;,
reports general interest and detcr
mnation to make every farm sell
supporting, having Il surplus for sG;c
The outlook IS that Shiloh will mako
mere than will be needed for hone
consumption. A survey of the town
ship will ho completed as soon as pos
sible. Batting Creek reported lacl;
Of general interest, but that q grear
many. especially the smaller farmer:
following the plans outlined to make
Sumter county solf-supporting tbs
year. On the present acreage, the
committee did not believe that Raft
ing Creek would this season grow
sufficient corn and other food crors
to feed the people living in the town
ship for twelve months. 1t is hOpcH
that these conditions may he chang
ed and the acreage in corn increased
Sumter township reported progress in
the complete detailed food crop SUI
vey of the township that is being
made. The committee also reported
having raised by public subscription
from the business men fund of more
than $500 to pay the necessary en-
penses of the committee.
Chairman Phelps Informed the COM
Elittce that seed had been purchased
and that q portion of the supply Co.
dered had been received and We"
ready for distribution A committee OF
three, with j. Frank Williams os
chairman was appointed to take
charge of the distribution of the seed
among tho several township commit
tees. This seed is 20 he supplied ct
cost to those needing seed. Those
who aro unable to pay for seed and
unable to obtain seed from any other
source will be supplied free of cost
tnu :