The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-02-23
GOVERNOR URGES LESS COTTON IN
 HIS PROCLAMATION
Calls for Meetings March 8 to Discuss Questions of Vital Interest to
 Farmers

Montgomery, February 22.-(Special) Reduction of cotton acreage. considera- ton of plans to diversity 1919 crops and the holding of meetings between the hours of 10 and 12 o'clock the morning of March for the purpose of discuss ing these most important matters are suggestions made by Governor Kilby in a proclamation issued Saturday after noon. The reduction of cotton acreage is believed by the governor and Miles c. Allgood, commissioner of agriculture, to be the most effective way to keep the price of staple at the proper level. When the meetings are being held the gov ernor suggests that business houses be closed. and that as many as possible att tend the meetings
 The proclamation follows
 whereas, the farming interests of Alabama are of supreme importance, en- gazing the activities of the larger nuus Der of the people of the state; and
 'ewhereas, the welfare of the state de- mands the encouragement and better development of spirit of cooperation on the part of all classes of our citi- 3enship; and
 whereas, public gatherings of the peo- pie for conference and interchange Of ideas is one of the best means of stimu- lating improved conditions; and
 whereas, at no period in the history of our state has 1t been more important to utilize modern agricultural methods, and the Improvement of all our known means for the protection of the interest not only of the farming communities, but also of all classes of business Now, therefore,
 bama, do call all the people of the state. including farmers, merchants, bankers, business and professional men, to come together in the schoolhouses, community centers, public halls or other usual place of assembly, for the purpose of consider ing the reduction of cotton acreage, the holding of the present unsold supply for profitable and remunerative prices, and particularly to consider plans for cam paign for better diversihcation of crops with special reference to an increase of food production Such meetings should be formally organized. definite pro- gramme agreed upon. resolutions adopted, pledges prepared and signed. all accom- panied by stimulative and informing ad- dresses
 ..The commissioner of agriculture and industries is hereby requested and di- rected to issue an appeal to the chair man of the several county councils of defense to assist in effecting the organ ization of their counties, through the community councils of defense and the other agencies usually employed by them. The commissioner will also utilize all of the farm demonstration agents and agri- cultural workers throughout the state in making this proclamation effective.
 "The meetings herein requested should convene between the hours of 10 a. m. and at noon on Saturday, March 8, 1919, and during the time such meetings are in session, it is respectfully urged that all business houses or other places of busi- ness be closed, in order that the entire citizenship may have the opportunity of participating.
 This is the beginning of tho organized campaign in the south to reduce the acreage of cotton at least 50 per cent in 1919 The proclamation followed the re- turn to Montgomery of Commissioner Miles C. Allgood from New Orleans where the matters of diversifying and reducing cotton acreage were discussed.