The Delta independent., 1919-02-28
THE BEET SITUATION FROM
THE FARMERS VIEWPOINT
(By w. E. Jackson.)

(By w. e. Jack6On)
The farmers of the western slope
have awakened to the fact that they
must cease competing with each other.
and that their efforts must be uni
fled in cooperative organization thht
will be on a scale large enough t"
collectively dispose of their products
in a true, business-like manner.
1t took the beet end of the question
to get them started and they have
been hitting the high places" ever
since.
Early in the winter the Holly SuRa"
company started their field men out
with 1919 contracts that were consid-
cred attractive A number of these
contracts had been signed when an
item appeared in our local papers re-
questing the farmers not to sign these
signed up hustled around, dug up the
contracts and read what they had put
their John Hancock to.
Meanwhile a movement was start
ed in which the beet growers met ~
their respective districts and discus
sed this contract, deciding that they
would stick for flat rate of $40.
One delegate was chosen from each
district to take the matter up witt
the beet sugar company. 1t rs need
less to say they were turned down.
mass meeting was called for Satur-
day. February Sth at Delta, which
was not altogether satisfactory. as
some of the growers had not found
themselves.
Another meeting was called for
Saturday. February 18th, at Olathe-
which developed into the present or
ganization. Judge Bell of Montrose
was retained to draw up articles of
incorporation to be presented for ar-
ceptance before the beet growers at a
meeting to be held at Delta Februar~
22nd. This meeting came off or
scheduled time and was a success.
Delegates from seven different beet
growing districts met at 10 a m t.
take up the preliminary work of in
corporation. Judge Bell gave as HE
opinion that it would be better for the
farmers to incorporate as a cooper
ative organization. rather than as
stock company. The delegates were
in favor OF cooperative organization.
The various subjects Of incorpora,
ton were debated, which took up the
balance of the forenoon. The afte--
noon session began at 1880 with all
western slope districts well repre-
sented.
Seven directors we're chosen to
sign articles of incorporation. one di-
rector from each of the following dis
tricts: Montrose. Olathe. Delta. Read
Austin. Hotchkiss and Iona.
The subjec. OF accumulative voting
came UP for discussion. vote was
taken which carried in favor of hav
ing non-accumulative voting written
in the articles of Incorporation.
As this practically disposed of in
corporation business. G. w Hull read
letter which he had received from
A. E Carlton. president of the Holly
Sugar company.
This letter stated that as the com
pany had heavy acreage signed up.
and as the contract for 1919 would
prove satisfactory, it would not be
feasible to take up the matter of
new contract for this year, but that
he would be glad to meet the growers
and arrange for a 1920 contract on
sugar content basis.
AS all of the heavy beet growing
districts were represented. It did
not take Mr.. Hull long to establish
the fact that while the company
claimed they had a heavy acreage
signed up. they were not going to get
any beets for less than $40 per ton.
A rumor was started some time
previous to this meeting that Mr..
Hull had not accomplished what in
the face of the situation should have
been accomplished. Mr.. Hull ex-