Year: 1877

and its interesting surroundings


has ceased to speak through the
columns of your most excellent pa


per. Now what can be the cause OF
this protracted silencc2 We will
answer by saying, we think Beth
any's champion correspondent is
now very much interested in look
ing after the interest OF one, the fair
the only one, instead of that of the
neighborhood. Well, we hope he
will soon get that interest.


There is not a great deal of news
in circulation in the rural shades
and sunny fields of the suburbs of
Giles county, and we write only to
let the people know that we are still
the same energetic neighborhood
that we once were. Our wheat crop
is very encouraging to us to plant
more grain and less cotton. The
people are about through planting
corn, and are beginning to hoe cot
ton. Everything looks prosperous
and cheerful. The farmers ought
to be contented under such circum-
stances. Again, they ought to feel
independentiwhen they know that
they are the bone and sinew of the
whole country-that all other class
es of workingmen depend upon
them. alone for their support. What
is it they could not enjoy or avail
themselves of if they would only
manage properly1


The land holders are rich, if they
would only stop to think. Middle
Tennessee is not suited for cotton,
but for raising grain and stock ex
clusively. Exterminate the cotton
plant from this little territory of
ours, which is the direct cause of
so many of our noble farmers be
coming involved in debt, and you
will see in a few years an entirely
different and more prosperous state
of affairs, and those persons who
now are impoverlshing their lands
with cotton, which when picked,
ginned and sold will not pay the
hireling, will make more money
with half the labor. They may say
there is no market for stock and
grain. On the other hand, we allow
them to balance or compare the
price and expense Of stock and
grain with that of cotton. We can
not see that there is any advantage
gained in financial way by raising
cotton. We think it would be well
for farmers to have organized clubs
in every community. Not TO as
sumo the name OF grange or some
other fancy or romantic appellation
which they have to pay the sum Of
five dollars TO become a member,
but allow it to be a free organiza-
tion for all, and carried on by tax
ing each member such n proper
tlonal amount as would defray all
necessary expenses. Let the whole
interest of this ASSOCIATION be to de-
wise some regular system for en-
ploying the laborer for the cultiva-
ton of their lands. This is Tie
only plan that will lead the farmer
to a happy and prosperous condi-
ton.


AS regards our rural village,
which lifts its moss covered spires
far above the surrounding beech
grove, we could say a great deal of
it alone, but will only give you
sketch this time. Prof. G.. is doing
well with his school. Mrs. b. is
looking well, and has recently ac
commodated herself to a nice sad
die horse. Our amiable music
teacher Miss N. is always cheerful,
and sings at twilight her favorite,
"Come to the window, love" The
Messrs. Hollon are doing a good
business in their respective occupa
ions. Our merchant is one Of the
jolliest men of our village, and has
recently been termed the best
sportsman for miles around. He
killed II squirrels one day last
week, and not a good day for squir
rels either. We salute Parson Fish
er occasionally, who has recently
become a citizen of this place. We
had the pleasure Of meeting DR..
Wilson, lady and daughter in our
town few days ago. SPECTATOR.


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