The Durant news. (Durant, Miss.) 1882-1985, 1941-01-30
THROUGH
n a z E [
E Y
.
Hazel Branae.

the national defense program than
any other southern state. We have
had three projects allotted US in
volving fifteen million dollars, ac-
cording to a statement made by L.
J. Folse, executive vice-president of
the Associated Industries Of Mis-
sissippi.
Alabama leads the list of southern
states by obtaining eight projects
involving he expenditure Of $104,-
100000. Other states in order r
Florida, sixteen projects, $75.8l0,-
OTIS; Louisiana, eleven projects,
$49,427,75O.; Georgia, eight pro-
jects, $31,57s,371.; Tennessee emu
milton plants only, two, 100000
000.; South Carolina, five projects,
see, 000, 1000. Mississippi is at the
bottom of the list with the eight
projects involving $4,000, 600.
Mr.. Folse points out that the pay
roll per year on Louisiana projects
is $86,390,O00. With projects in
sight, Louisiana expects a total Of
1920, O00, 900. will be invested in
that state by the army and navy by
the end of 1912. After 1912 Louis
lana expects 1892, 10000 additional
each year until the end of the en-
Urgency.
The question naturally arises why
Mississippi has failed to get its pro-
per share of national defense ex-
penditures.
Mr.. Folse asks il it could be be-
cause Of location! Climate? Health!
Lack of transportation? We know
it could be none Of these. Camp
Shelby had the best health record in
the nation during the last war. Our
location could not be better and our
transportation facilities are ade-
quate.
An abundance Of labor is to be
found in this state. So that cannot
be the reason Mississippi has been
90 highly Disseminated against.
Mr.. Folse points out that Missis-
sippi gave Mr.. Roosevelt the creates.
percentage Of votes among the states
and seems to think this should be
a reason for presidential approval
Of Mississippi's status.
Can it be, Mr.. Folse asks, that
Mississippi's congressman are un-
acquainted with this disproportionai
allotment Of defense projects and
supporting funds to their state?
Mississippi has the lowest income
per person than any other state In
the Union. We r not Boosting by
any means. Nevertheless it is q fact
We must face. What income we have
is dependent upon cotton. In war
time the cotton market is non-exis-
tent as any farmer knows. Certain
ly Mississippi should get its just
share Of defense projects, camps. air.
ports, under the national defense
program to try to offset this loss for
our people.
Mississippi will never get its JUS.
share of funds being spent in the
south until industrial, business and
professional leadership organize in
to a strong group fighting for our
rights.
Our congressman, frankly, dom.
seem to have done very much for
Mississippi. Perhaps they, too should
get together in a strong central eff
fort.
We have contributed some of the
greatest leadership ever to grace
the halls of the national congress.
But that leadership doesn't speak II
do very much for u people unless
it delivers the goods to the folks
back home.
Right now the folks back home
are not doing so well. Prospects for
our cotton crop are very dismal.
We need our share of national de-
Tense projects. Whatever it takes
to get it, whether organized action
or congressional %prodding, should be
effected Immediately.
It is reported that politics doesn't
have anything to do with the Local
ton of defense industries, that con
gressmen don't have so very much
influence, etc.
But we notice that the alert con-
gressmen who have been on the job
from the beginning have already Sc
cured for their states assurance OF
an abundance of prosperity for the
next few years.
George Morris, Washington cor
respondent, says the impression is
growing that the real issue this
country is facing, with the lend
lease bill or without it, is getting
in or staying out of the war. There
is a feeling, he says, that this ques-
ton will be determined by President
Roosevelt, and that his decision will
be determined by whatever policy he
deems necessary.
He points out that Gen. Hugh
johnson and others have named az
least fifty (5Ol acts Of war this