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This newspaper page contains 19 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
The Progressive Farmer
Location
Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
Date
Dec 19, 1893
Page
2
A fragmentary prose reflection quotes L. L. Polk from July 1890 about the people and governance, setting a stage with a curtain and sunset. The passage mentions a track, shadows, and a river, with the speaker casting a lingering look toward a country of the people. It reads as a historical reminiscence rather than a report.
The Hickory Mercury is accused of law violation and calls for charter repeal over titled remarks. Washington Gazette editor H A Latham visits, discussing bills and alliances in Catawba and Mitchell counties, while Adlai Stevenson faces coal mine wage disputes. A bridge collapse in Louisville, oil seed price talks, tariff critiques, and stray incidents in Winston and Raleigh wrap a mixed local scene.
The article attacks Senator Voorhees for a proposed bill directing silver coinage into standard silver dollars, seeks large monthly bullion purchases, and seeks to cancel small denomination notes. It argues the plan would hasten bankruptcy and condemns it as a cowardly makeshift. It also covers the Great Alliance Railroad plan to link Gulf of Mexico ports with British holdings via two lines, with construction bonds and state support, plus provisional directors named.
The article laments ongoing panic with widespread failures, bank collapses, and factory closures. It notes lack of money as the root cause, widespread unemployment in the North and West, and rising crime as hunger and idleness bite, condemning Congress and the President for inaction. Moralist tone criticizes mismanagement since 1873 and throughout the last decade.
The Financier article argues the U S money supply is far smaller than official mint reports claim. It cites untracked coin movements since 1872 and losses from destruction, travel, and unregistered exports. It contends real per capita circulation is about 14 dollars, not 24 to 25, and calls for an accurate accounting.
The piece argues government spending is ruinous and out of control. It claims five cotton crops equal current expenses, condemns state county and municipal costs, and warns that delay will lead to national destruction. It appeals to honest patriotism to awaken citizens and cut extravagance now.
Miss Lonnie Polk daughter of Col. L L and Mrs Sarah Polk died of consumption at her mother’s home at 8 45 am on the 12th inst. Though not quite twenty she left many friends. Survived by mother and two sisters one married. Mrs Polk has endured heavy losses in twelve years including her husband Col L L Polk, father, mother, sister and son. Her trials have been great.
The State Alliance Executive Committee calls for fifteen active organizers to begin immediate canvassing, reorganize existing Alliances, and form new ones. Applicants should secure letters of recommendation from the County Alliance officials and be prepared to work full time, with the promise of living wages.
R G Dann & Co reports no improvement in the week ending December 18. Mills reopenings contrast with closures as unemployment rises to record levels. Wages fall nationwide with overall business about 19 percent lower than a year ago. Railroad earnings down over 12 percent and 339 large failures versus 279 small ones for the week.
Mr B L Duke a major stockholder in W Duke & Sons of Durham, a unit of the American Tobacco Co, made a private assignment of all property last Wednesday. Liabilities around 500000 with assets about 700000, though recovery may be far less. Eight creditor classes exist seven preferred. Notes for 10500 due Morehead Bank at Durham. Durham Supply Co also assigned Thursday linked to Mr Duke's action. Duke reportedly suffered heavy cotton futures losses and limited real estate gains amid tight finances.
The piece outlines six yearly seasons in North Carolina. It describes winters from January to March, spring glimpses, the Relic season, and a long period beginning with John Smith in Jones township uncovering a pot of money and relics. It recalls August Brandy season, clashes between Jonas P. Adams and Samuel Johnston ending in shootings, a cotton gin injury to J. T. Palmer, and ends with the big hog season beginning before the cotton gin.
A town chronicler mocks seasonal cycles and hog stories as North Carolina’s papers overstate big hogs and oddities. Col J L Patterson boasts four hogs weighing 2464 pounds total, largest 620 pounds, while P L Linker claims ten hogs killed, ages and weights noted. The author quips about pork tales and rural life under Simmons and Elias.
A California Sub Alliance discussed freeing farmers from debt by cheaper and working harder methods. The meeting was friendly and instructive. The article urges every Alliance to pursue this and similar questions at early 1894 meetings and welcomes all voices while stressing nonpartisan discussion and broad benefits.
Joseph Gillis of the Page House in Hornellsville, hosting New York Farmers' Alliance delegates during the State Council, lamented unruly behavior by some delegates. He noted twenty four years running a hotel with conventions of many kinds, yet never seeing patrons who disrespected his establishment by lingering at the bar and damaging carpets, and he praised the Alliance delegates as gentlemen.
A compilation of comic quips from multiple papers notes Congress renewing work on a national bankruptcy bill. Other items mock the administration as “Drover Cleveland” and joke about land yields, mother-in-law limits in South Africa, and a Vermont man calling himself a second-class Senator.
Denver notes a pointed comparison on farming profits noting that in 1866 twenty bales of cotton and 2 500 bushels of wheat paid a Congressman’s salary, while today 200 bales of cotton and 12 500 bushels of wheat are required. The piece argues farmers now barely break even and face rising costs.
A column recounts W J Pee’s endorsement of informally organized reading clubs to inform and energize citizens. He argues small, regular meetings spread democratic ideas, counter partisan stump rhetoric, and empower people to control affairs. Tillman’s stance sparks calls for widespread discussion in the South.
The Progressive Farmer announces a one week suspension for Christmas, noting weekly paper staff must stay on post year round and wishing readers a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, with plans to resume in the first week of January to press the battle for industrial freedom with renewed vigor.
An editorial from Prosperity Howler laments lost influence as James P. Griffis moves to Cleveland in Oklahoma. It accuses the party faithful of traitorous shifts, bitterness over the gold standard, and warns of abandoning support if the president ignores their appeals. The piece threatens to pull its banner and ballot in protest.
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