davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-18
Aged Confederate Makes Good.

w. III. Mattox. of Lynch Station. Va
wealthy farmer. cighty-one years of
age and long since retired.
When the United Stacts entered the
world war last April and the govern
ment sent out broadcast the urgent
plea to every man. woman and child
10 do your Bit" the old gentleman
was fired with enthusiasm. and he told
ms aged wife that he too. would do his
DIT; that, by his unaidcd labor. he would
raise twenty barrels OF corns 600
bushcls) in 1917; so the octogcnarian
and Confederate veteran set out to do
ms bit. lierculcan task for one Of his
age Being a Conscientious Methodist
ne would not allow his sons to dis
suadc him from his patriotic task, nor
permit them nor their hired help to
assist him with tho most strenuous
part of the work; that-of breaking
and narrowing the land. lie did all
breaking. narrowing, "furrowing- out"
driiilng, cultivating. huskinG, hauling
and shovclinG the corn into the crib
when the result OF his work was meas
ured by his sons. with one Of his neigh
bors as a witness. the old gentleman.
though confident that he had accom-
plsned what he set out to do was
thrilled by the announcement that ho
mad raised one hushcl and three pccks
over twenty barrels-1olat bushels
ana 'hiS done on two and onc-third
acres OF land
Shortly aftcrward he sold the corn
at good price and put the entire
amount into Liberty bonds in the name
OF his wife. whose encouragement and
care he declares, enabled him to per-
form this work-"his bit"
While little has been said about tho
Feat OF this patriotic old man. except
IN mas immediate nciGhborhood. the in
donlinable spirit OF patriotism and love
OF TINS old rebel for his united country
when drove his old aching legs Conc
sun from being broken by a kick Of
horsc) through the plowcd field under
boiling sun, behind aGgravating. can
'ahkerous mules. and the slow. labo-
tious task Of huskins corn in the chill
irostE autumn days ought to be an in.
SpiIa,ioi to those whose patriotism
iacks white heat. and at the same time
pc inc means TO shame those of the
Stacker element
Nothing daunted by the gr1lling cf-
iort OF his task cntanElcd on his
cishty-one-y car-old body. he declares
nc proposes TO do better this year. and
10 give the entire proceeds 10 the Red
cross chapter OF his county.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-18
Terrace the Rolling L,nd.

About tho biggest tax Southern far
ncrS arc having TO pay is the soil
ToSion tax. With our heavy rainfall
nd rolling lands. every year millions
md millions Of tons OF our best soils
20 down our creeks and rivers. a total
oss FortiliznE and trying to builn
~ soils that are allowed to wash away
very much like pouring water
through sieve.
We believe every farmer from Nir-
,inia TO Texas who farms rolling land
hould give his very best thought Ia
his problem, and POW is the time to
10 it, when other obs arc not prcsY :
uC study again the articles on tcr-
;,cinG in our Drainage Special Of Octo.
,rr 30. write your state experiment
tatiou for any information IL may be
bic TO furnish you, and also call on
our county demonstration agent for
iclp. Good land and big yields arc the
icys 70 profitable farming. but VIC viii
never gct these so long as We let our
oils wash away. Don't let any muddy
water leave your farm.--Thc Progress
i've Farmer.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-18
THREE OFFICERS MENTIONED
FOR BRAVERY IN SEA FIGHT
Men hoard 4. s. =. Cnssin Inst
October when II Met Sub.
murine IIOnorcd.

WASHINGTON. February 17.-Thres
officers Of the L. s. S. Cassin were com
mendcd by Secretary Daniels to-day for
their gallant conduct during an en-
sagcmcnt with n German submarine on
October Is. 1917. They were:
Commander Walter y. Vernon and
Licutenants John W. McClaran and
James y. Saunders.
The accrctary's letter to Commander
Vernon Was ordered read aloud to the
doStroycr's crew. 1t said.
The department E. . notes with
qualification the highly comnendable
conduct OF yourself. the other ofI!ccr.
and tho men OF the Cassin. The man
ncr in which the Cassin kept under
way with her steering gear disabled
and practically a. the mercy OF tho
submarine, and opened fire upon tho
submarine when she appeared upon the
surface AN hour later. is we'll worthy
OF the host traditions Of the service"
The licutcnants were praised for
going down into the smoking han
ding room adjacent to a magazine, TO
ascertain the extent OF tho damage
done TO tho Cassn after that vessel
had been struck By the cncmy's tor
pcdo."
Commander Nernou's home address In
given as WATERFOWL. Fla; Lieutenant
McCiaran. Wooster Ohio. and I.ieutcn-
an, Saunders. 1909 Eutaw Place, Bal
tirnorc, Md.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-18
Facts for Farmers, Stock
Breeders, Poultry Raisers,
Orchardisis, Truckers and Gar
deners.--Queries and ANSWERS
DRAINING SOIL OF FIELDS

D. III. Voorhees,. agronomist of tho
agricultural lime bureau. says:
Everywhere defects of proper drain
age from soils cause losses. 1t is n
good plan to make observations dur
ing winter and place stakes at places
or spots in fields where drainage is
very Imperfect because such defects
often may be rcmrdied without great
cost or trouble. II drainage IN the field
generally except for such spots is good
~ IS very likely that the soil is under
.al" by stan heavy clay &ubsoil.
through which water pcrviatcS only
slowly. When il has been determined
mat this is tho case. the use of dyha
mite to ShattCr the subsoil and mix
IL with tho top soil will effect rem
coy. The same res alt may nc obtained
IN other ways. II is not an uncommon
practice to dig a well in the middle
OIL such spot and deep enough To go
through the clay and MI ii with stones
so that the water may run out ..bc-
tween them.
III there appears to be sood drain
age and yet some hcavinE of crops
Is noticeable. application ot quick lone
or migrated lime viii do much TO bring
apout Il better condition because the
action OF limo on stin. heavy. clay
SOILS which arc likely - present this
condition, makes them more open. po-
IouS and friahlr. ON the other hand
IL inc soil is a light. sandy soil. which
may not hold water sufficiently long
ior cHicicnt use by crops, lime will
make 1t more rctcnt.vc Of moisture
Drainage is very important, and
while primary attention must be givrn
10 the field in need of complete drain
age by filling, yet each little spot in
ours loss of labor, fertilizer and
seed every year as long as it romans
undraincd
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-18
some Pointer, n. to Tobacco.

Hut Tow tobacco plant beds have bee,
seeded IN tn" tobacco bolts Of Wright.
and North Carolina tho harsh winter
weather causing delay. but there n.od
lie no uIcrsiucss. There ig ,irn a.
plants
|; is very certain ina, the ,o,,cco
growers VIII attempt just as largo
crcps or tho weed as they can possibly.
YAK" care of with the poor ou,look f,,.
-ahof, but II IS probable that none az
them VIII plant CT, tobacco 10 mo
exclusion Of tho food crops ina, ,Lc
rNifc"cics OF war demand sham no
'alGclN seeded ana grown. The ma
HNolln Tanner IN tho tobacco growing
EiohS Of virginia ana %orth Carolina
VIII 90 his bit IN The way al ,.ro,yir,,
All the food tUifa possible under ,ur"e
.tr"nuous effort than ever bcfor, in
ms existence and then devote inc bal
~ "i ms energy 10 the cultivation
ii the Nyota
The more than satisfactory priccs re-
r'lNeo Tor the tohaccu az tho 1917 ,rnn
VIII on c'urs" rahc every ono eager
" make as much of the weed .s pos.i-
nc IN tn! they arc right FOR Uni.
me tobacco buyers ar" divided in ,hcir
nlophtcios as 20 continued high nr;.cs
Tor nc Loaf wc believe tho farmers ,,Ii
lea!i@e Jus, as much for the crop 81
l"la year as iIey HAY" $50 Ear obtained
for tina, ot '"i7 Thcy ar, ,aEin,- no
r.sE in Nan'mg out an of tho wcc1
they can pos b'y handle iu Il ycar. ,ybnn
the armies o. tHc.r country ana Of ibc
allies wi'l 'c"l I'D ~ tile foods,i,ns
tAat 900! casou ecu promise.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-18
Weekly Bureau of In
formation for All Who
Till the Soil or Arc Inter-
eStcd in Making Homes
Hogs aud Yet More Hogs.

The most urgent appeal Of the Unit
cd States government TO the farmers
of the country in this time OF war
liz to increase the supply OF pork. This
appeal can be needed by Virginia farm
crs. 1t is estimated that if every
farmer in the country who raises any
hogs will add one more brood sow 10
his stock right now so as to raise
from that ono SOW two littcrs OF pigs
this year the increase in pork for the
year Will he sufficient TO meet all OF
tho demands OF the country. even in
4 timo OF war. The government guar
antces 4 selling price for tho pork
raised this year that viii pay a hand
some profit 10 tho farmer, and this Is
but another reason why every hog
raiser in Virginia should add the one
SOW 10 his pens and thus increase his
output OF pork.
All OF this is OF course, based on
tho presumption that the farmer has
and Will grow the corn and other food
stuff 10 raise the extra number oc
Digs How many Virginia farmers Will
make effort TO answer tho call OF the
government: 1t is just as important
that this cali should bc answered
promptly as it is for the young ircn
TO respond 10 the call to the colors-
in fact. it really is answering the call
to the faG.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-18

puTinE the spring and summer rains.
when the ground is soft. il often hap
hcnS mat "a choice fruit tree will he
"io"h over. IL must be got back while
the ground is still soft and ruvnd in
place until tho roots make new
growth. y wire OF chain must not be
used next to the bark and "A rope will
not stand the weather. Take a piece
OF ola leather trace about two fee,
iohE ana r!vct hamc clip TO each end.
fasS this around the trunk at the
proper height and fastcn wire to
me clips. Then drive stake firmly
III inc ground and attach n block and
tackle or heavy wire strctchcr and null
tree back TO position with one horse.
lhcn hasten one or two guy wires to
The clips on trace and run to stakes
so set "a 10 hold tree in position
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-18
! men JUS, referred to. averaged ,2.o.,

In 1917.
Increases asked for by all tho em-
ployccs OF the railroads who have pc.
titioncd this commission aggrcrata
about s750.0o0.oOO year IL they
should be allowed by tho dircctor-Een-
erai. upon tho recommendation of tho
raiiroad wage commission. tho mr.
roll or the American railroad systcn,
would DO approximately SECS. oUc. Don
as against $780, 900. 900 AS at prcsen.
Even so. the employees spokesmon
contend that they arc not asking for
an increase that would cover the total
increase in the cost OF living duripr
the past year. They are asking. thcv
claim, for only &C per cent OF tho Iivint.
cost as based upon government sta
tistics as ITO food. fuel and clothing
prices now prevailing.
1t is. OF course. improper to ant;ci.
patio the action of the railroad wage
commission. but IL is in order to saw
that this body has been impressed with
the justice of many OF the requests
for higher railroad pay. And Il NAV
be assumed that they will recommend
to tho drcctor-Ecncral a very thorough
REIMBURSEMENT OF the wage basis This
much is certain even now, the moro
so for tho reason that nc demands
have been presented TO the govern
mcnt. no ultimatums have been Issued
and no suggestion from the employees
of strike TO enforce their appeal for
higher wages
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-18
Negro Farm, Hnnds no r;,;

writing in the James River Clarion
INC organ OF the Farmers Union Of
Virginia III. G.. carp OF North caro-
ina discusses the negro farm lahoror
question and offers Il solution of IN,
problem. Mr.. carp first explains how
me negro farm hand goes North i'm
me spring and summer to work and
comes back IN winter. While no -
Up North making fairl, good war.e
ne "!A send money 70 his family he
-"tt down South, and while ih., !. SO
tHsy VIII no: h!t q licl; OF work Tbns
iEe farmer Is cut off from their Ia bnr
Wien ne head Q: the family comes
oa2H ,-oi:! the North in November or
L'fcs75f ae Will contract with A
:a-H.e- t1- lie coming year. ana rel
@.s house zen: and ire wood for Inc
W'-.s-. Going such work as he can't
- 1o.;- UNTIL spring, when Of: he
Eces :" ne HoTth again. leaving the
:z-rHs- = Tie !grch.
NJ Earns remedy for all or This is
- maze 7@a. citizens OF the negroes.
'1~.s soil ,hcm some land. get ,hen
70 settle down. and We WI: have moro
labor Sell th"m twenty i've acres @,
land They viii then become citizens
and work their own land and helm We
woFE ours. They VIII treat you with
'he courtesy due you. Why" Rccausc
they VIII be afraid Of losing ,hclr
That strikes US As good surros.
ton In part OF Cumberland Comfy
lust that thing has been done. ana /,
'has proven n blessing 70 INC farmers
in the. 'rcr,s:,.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-18
vbc Sure Dcucndenrc,

VIC arc hearing nowadays OF bureaus
and organizatio ions that arc planning
10 send moro iahorcrs to tho farms OF
tho country this year. II is to he hoped
they viii he successful. and we be-
licvc they will do some good. hu,
r. kncrs need not depend on this 10
any very great extent. There VIII
continue to he a scarcity OF farm Ia
Dor all Of this year. and the farmers
OF Virginia might as well plan to do
as much Of their own work AS posi-
bic. The work that the old man and
TIA. boys are going 10 do is the work
that viii count this year.
1t W!ll he wise to make That WORK
effective and not too laboriouS by
planning tlc farm operations carefully
and by having all farm implement:
and all the labor saving machinery IN
first class condition and kept so al
the season round. Every stroke must
count this year for big crops.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-18

use three to five pounds to tho tree.
according TO tho age of the tree. For
potatoes. mixtures containing 3 pcr
cent nitrogen and per cent nitrogen
can be used. For cabbage, tomatoes.
and plants having a large amount of
leaf. the higher mixtures containing
to Ia per cent of nitrogen can DO
used to an advantage.
The season will determine the crop
to a large extent. If wet, the nitrate
of soda Will effect the crop with a
larger leaf growth than If the season
should be dry. II used on low land or
wet land. less nitrate of soda should
he used than on upland that is dry.
i'll proportion to the amount of ohos-
phoric acid. II the land contains vegc-
table matter. or If Il sod is turned
under use about two thirds OF the
percentage of nitrogen that would be
used In the ordinary fertilizer
If IL is desirable TO use a mixture
containing per cent OF nitrogen and
\ per cent phosphorus acid instead of
any Of the mixtures given III the table
IL is suggested that instead OF adding
4 nilcr that the mixture containing 3
per cent of nitrogen and 10 l-2 per cent
of phosphoric acid be used. that two
thirds of the amount usually applied
he used. For example: if il is desired
TO use zoo pounds OF a mixture OF
> per cent nitrogen and per cent
ph"sphoric acid. use 1873 pounds OF tho
MIXTURE containing per cent nitrogen
and II IL pcr cent phosphoric acid.
which Will supply the same amount Of
plant food
The mixture OF nitrate Of soda and
acid phosphate will not supply potash
Tor the plant. The nitrate OF soda
Will act on the potash locked UP in the
soil to set it free, TO some extent.
ihe sulphatc of lime. or land plaster,
In the acid phosphate will also unocli
the potash in clay soils so it can he
OF use 20 the plant. If potash IS need
cd and wood ashes are available, it
is 4 mistake TO add the ashes to the
mixture OF nitrate of soda and acid
phosphate, but they may be sown scpa-
rately on the land as source OF
potash. Tobacco stems may be used
TO supply potash. and If the mixture
~ to be sown by hand, the stems may
De added TO the mixture if fine enough.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-18
The Value Of Lime In Soil.

Lime affects both the physical and
biological conditions Of the SOL, an!
at the same time has tendency 10
iibcratc unavailable potash and phos-
phoric acid. the principal object In
supplying 1t to the soil to correct the
soil acidity. II should never be con-
cidcrcd as a direct fertilizer. but al
ways ms n soil trrcctivc. rho effect
OF lime shows up better on such crops
as clover. alfalfa and timothy than
on corn or wheat. and very often tho
allure OF clover or othrr lcgimiiOut
plants indicates the need OF lime.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-18
big Wheat Crop I'm Sight.

Tho reports from all over Virginia
concerning the wheat crop arc alto
Ecther encouraging. The SHOWS that
came in the hardest winter this State
has known for many years. while any
thing but a source OF JOY at tho time,
were great help TO the wheat crop.
Since the SHOWS, under the influence
OF oid SOL, nave gone the way OF all
SHOWS. the standing wheat shows the
benefits II derived. and all the reports
asrcc that Virginia never had a better
prospect for a perfect crop and a larger
yield than it has in this good year
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-18
Aids 10 the Soil.

Mitch space is given in this depart
ment of The Times Dispatch this week
20 INC SUBJECT Of the use Of u:tratcs
"f soda and acid phosphate. W. ~,
upon tho best OF authority, the nronor
manner Of mixing and using these aiIs
20 the soil, showing how the best re-
suits may he obtained. This article
Ions though il bc. is worthy the clrc.
lui study OF the farmers ana we urge
very farmer reader to give it his best
attention. N
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-18
MIXING NITRATE OF SODA
WITH ACID PHOSPHATES

Commissioner OF Agriculture George
W. Noincr gives important informal
tion 10 the farmers in tho practical
use OF the nitrate OF soda that the
national government is now furnishing
to tho farmers At a cost of $3.50 per
ton {. q. b. AT port OF entry. This
Information Will enable the farmer
10 mix his nitrate OF soda accurately
TO any percentage that he may desire
for tho different crops. Commissioner
koincr has received many letters from
farmers requesting this information.
The commissioner says:
Farmers who have purchased nj
tratc OF soda from the government
for use ON their crops will want 10
use tho material mixed with acid phos-
phatc in order 20 get the best results.
Nitrate of soda il applied alone will
produce a very large growth of leaves
and tho plant will not produce the
grain and fruit that is desired. The
phoSphatcS cause tho formation of the
grain and the fruit, and in combna-
tion with nitrate OF soda both the lear
and fruit and grain are produced from
tho action Of tho fertilizer. The fol-
lowing formulas arc given for mixing
nitrate Of soda and acid phosphate.
based on the nitrate of soda contain
ing - to IL per cent of nitrogen,
which is equivalent TO Is or 10 per
cent OF ammonia, and the acid phos-
phatc containing 10 per cent OF avail
able phOSph ORIG acid:
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-18
HOW TO MIX IN ORDER TO
GET DESIRED RESULTS

To set a result of l per cent nitro
gen. equivalent TO ! Ia per cent am
nonia, with 10 per cent phosphoric
acid. use seven bags OF acid phosphate
10 one-half bag OF nitrate OF soda.
For per cent OF nitrogen, cquiva-
lent TO . IL per cent ammonia, giving
fourteen per cent OF phos phoric acid.
use four bags OF acid phosphate to one
one bag of nitrate Of soda.
For per cent nitrogen. cQuiva-
lent to 1914 per cent of ammonia
use four aGs of acid phosphate 10 one
bag OF nitrate OF soda.
IF 2 "a per cent nitrogen, cquiva-
lent to a1-2 per cent ammonia is
desired. giving - per cent avail bile
phosphoric acid. use three bags of
acid phosphate TO one bag OF nitrate
Of soda.
ITO get a result Of per cent nitro
gen. equivalent to = per cent ammonia
and IL IL per cent OF available phos-
phorc acid. use five bags OF acid .,hos-
phatc to TWO bags of nitrate of soda
ITO secure ) per cent nitrogen result
equivalent to Il per cent ammonia. Civ
ing 10l per cent OF available phos-
phoric acid. use two bags OF acid phos-
phatc 10 ono bag OF nitrate of soda
Three bags Of acid phosphate to
two bags Of nitrate OF soda viii. give
a result Of per cent nitrogen, equiv
alcnt 10 7l2 per cent ammonia, and
9l-2 per cent of available phosphorus
acid.
One bag of acid phosph mixed
with one bag OF nitrate of soda. gives
result of 71-2 per cent of nitrogen
equivalent to . per cent ammonia, Civ
ing per cent phosphoric acid.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-18
TIE NiNTI HE ron OATS,
CORN AND oTIII.Jt ruopc

For spring oats good results have
h"cn secured from using a mixture
81 one bag o: nitrate OF soda to two
h1Ea OF acid phosphate and ono bag
'''t'"'e "i SODA TO three bags OF
condition 81 the Land. Win corr ~
m'N'Ure OF one half bag OF nitrate
81 SOFA I" seven bags Of acid phos-
ph''e ana one bag Of nitrate OF soda
20 seven bars Of acid phosphate win
give good results. depending on con.
u'''0h OF The land. For apple orchards
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-18
USE WAGON BODY IN
MINING TIL; MATE3IALS

Instead OF mixing on a floor in the
shed, a 5 is usually suggested. more
convenient way is TO mix in The wagon
body For examples: If il is desired
20 make a mixture containing per
cent OF nitrogen and II per cent OF
phosphor!c acid. take four bags Of
acid phosphate and place in the wagon
body and make a layer after cmptying
The bags. The layer can be made of
d uniform or even depth over the
wagon body except for two feet near
thc end. Take the bag Of nitrate Of
soda and distribute evenly over the acid
phosphate. II there are Jumps in the
nitrate. place a two-inch board. about
a foot wide. across the wagon BODY
and break them with a hammer g
piece Of wood shaped for the work
Mix up the material for distance OF
three or more feet with hoe by
chopping II down and again with a
shove! as il is removed from the wagon.
Tho wagon is taken to the field and il
the mixture Is used in a drill the
dr!!l can be backed up 10 the end OF
the wagon and the fertilizer shovclcd
IN 1t. OF the material can be distributed
10y broadcastinE. II the fertilizer is
10 be used in a drill. it is best 10
pass the nitrate through a sieve hay
ing three or four mcshcs to the inch.
When tho work is finished. material
remaining in tho wagon body is swept
on, Nd
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-18
SECTION HANDS PAID
ONLY $500 A YEAR

More than quarter OF tho cmployccs
IN the group averaging less than Ss77
year. 1t should be stated. are UNI
skilled section hands. whose yearly
average has been fixed ~ $500. The
average for the trainmcn who have
asked for an increase or 40 per cent.
was $3.50 a gear. The passenger cnEi-