The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1919-11-14
FARMERS NATIONAL CONGRESS
Meets In Hagerstown-TwO. Thirds
OF States Represented-Largc
Delegation From Cecil
DrocQnf

OF States Represented-Largc
Delegation From Cecil
Present.
The Farmers National Congress
which met at Hagerstown, Md, Oct
27-31, inclusive, proved to be one OF
the most successful and inspiring
meetings in the history of the Con-
gress during its 81 years. The great
Academy of Music that seats 1900
guests was filed to the doors at
nearly every session, and the night
meetings the galleries were also full.
About two-thirds of the States were
represented by delegates, and several
sent rousing delegations. Ohio in
one procession came across with
fifty-two automobiles, bringing three
hundred or more delegates. Penn
slyvania had nearly one hundred
delegates during the sessions. West
Virginia, and Virginia with fifty or
more each, and Old Maryland with
four hundred or more kept the floors
filed. Old Cecil sent over large
percentage of these, fifty or more; a
few only of whose names have ap-
peared in print. It would be impos-
sible to enumerate them in this arti-
Gle, but their presence was unmis-
takeable in all the deliberations.
The Maryland delegation organized
1xyo o1n u
Chairman; Elwood Balderston, CO.
lora, Secy. They then nominated T..
B. Symons, College Park, to serve
on the Resolutions Committee of the
Farmers National Congress, and J..
Andrew Cohill, Hancock, Vice-Presi-
dent. These names we're approved
by the Congress and they were ap-
pointed. The following resolution
introduced by DR.. T. B. Symons, Col
lege Park, at the opening of the Ses-
sions pledging their support to the
Government in the present National
crisis, was unanimously adopted:
I Whereas, The representatives Of
the agricultural industry of this
country in Congress assembled are
keenly conscious of the general un-
rest and the disordered conditions
prevailing in every branch of indus
try, and whereas
eve believe that the present calls
for calm, sane and deliberate action
upon the part of all our citizens
without regard to class or occupa-
tion, and whereas
1--WE believe that the American
farmer must play an important part
in the solution Of the problems con-
fronting the American Nation. In
particular we believe that the conser-
vatism of the American farmer
should continue to be ON guard to
prevent the development and spread
of radical theories and the tendency
of certain elements of our population
to vitiate the fundamental principles
of American institutions for which
untold treasure has been spent and
the sacred blood of Americas sons
have been sacrificed. Therefore
"Be it Resolved, That we the
members of the Farmers National
Congress and the Maryland Agricul-
tura1 Society in annual convention do
pledge our steadfast support to Pres
ident Wilson, Congress and all agen-
cies of the Government for the order
ly conduct of National Affairs and
the fearless administering of Ma
tional Laws in this critical period of
our history"
President J. H. Kimble called the
opening meeting to order. Cover
nor Harrington in his address Of
welcome said in part in a stirring
and forceful address,
II feel that Maryland is highly
honored in having your national con-
ventions meet within its borders at
this stirring and perhaps critical
juncture in the affairs of our nation
and perhaps, in the whole worlds
history. Indeed, it seems to me that
your meeting at this time may be
almost providential.
"And, when we talk about strikes,
I have often wondered what our
country would do if all the farmers
formed a union of their own and
went out on a strike. And the
farmer can hold out longer than any
one else, for his is the most inde-
pendent occupation in the world"
o. G. Smith, vice-president of the
Congress in replying to these address
ses of welcome, expressed the dele
gates deepest appreciation and spoke
of some of the problems confronting
the Congress. Howard Bryant, of
the Council of Baltimore, and Peter
Tome, Comptroller of the State, in
vited the farmers to that city and
the trip was made on Saturday.
President Kimble appointed the
committee on credentials.
There were many and stirring ad-
dresses by notable men, among them
John Barrett, Director General Pan
American Union, Washington, D. c.;