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This newspaper page contains 16 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
The Progressive Farmer
Location
Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
Date
Feb 09, 1897
Page
2
A collage of opinions criticizes lobbyists, investigation push, and legislative delays. It cites Mark Bannage, General Weyler, Isaac Pitman, and Andrew Carnegie while referencing Standard Oil funds, railroad disputes, and farm interests amid a heated public discourse about taxation, wages, and regulatory fairness.
The McKinley era prosperity reaches the legislature with receivers appointed for the Enrolling Clerk. A. Lewins had been elected early, Swinson refused to appoint two black assistants, Reynolds claimed his brother would represent him, and Speaker Hileman named James Mewbourne to handle duties, effectively placing the office under receivers.
The North Carolina Farmers' State Alliance at Cary in 1895 adopted resolutions protesting a long term lease of the North Carolina Railroad. They argued a public vote should decide the matter, warning it would harm the state if controlled by a foreign corporation. Similar strong resolutions followed in Hillsboro in 1896 amid efforts to annul the lease after its consummation.
The Progres sive Farmer exposes plans for a $5,000,000 stock company to introduce cylindrical bale cotton compresses across the cotton states. It would build ginning plants with 100 bales daily capacity, manage patents, and create shops for machinery, promising savings to producers and shippers. It notes this is the same old argument.
The piece argues monopolies save producers and shippers of cotton while harming buyers. It asserts the proposed combine will exclude most buyers and calls for prompt action to defeat the large trust.
The Morrill bill in Kansas seeks a maximum telegraph rate of 10 cents per 10 words, while North Carolina considers 15 cents for 10 words. Lobby opposition blocks action, despite cries for relief for the general public, arguing Europe’s norms and a need for state level rate restrictions until a government telegraph is established.
The 121 licensed North Carolina insurers report 1896 premiums of 2 272 534 60 and losses paid 1 124 423 27. Premiums exceed losses by 1 148 111 33 with an average per company of 18 781.27 premium and 9 292 75 losses. The state pays 221 in premiums for each 1 in losses received. Where are our public schools?
The article denounces high pay for executives at Western Union and others, citing $100,000 and $50,000 salaries, funded by steep railroad telegraph and telephone rates. It calls for legislative action to regulate rates despite opposition from officials who may seek lobbyist favors. It questions whether lawmakers will stand with the people or accept corporate favors.
A proposed measure would let a plaintiff file civil actions in an adjoining county if justice cannot be found in the home county. Backers contend current “county rings” bias hinder justice, and a properly worded bill should pass.
Practical Farming presents an essay on artichokes by J P Vissering of Alton Illinois. It compiles experiences from many farmers on varieties culture yield and uses including a very high yield and stock feeding value. Free paper available by address and postage.
The piece questions whether the legislature serves the people or corporations as it nears adjournment. It contrasts rail fare and telegram rates with salaries of corporate officers and accuses lawmakers of siding with big interests over farmers amid the gold standard debate.
State Geologist Holmes reports a 450 pound block of mica found in North Carolina for the State Museum. The find highlights the region’s strong mica industry amid concerns over East India mica imports. North Carolina leads U.S. production, with deposits vast enough to meet national demand for an indefinite period. Virginia New Hampshire Wyoming are minor producers in contrast.
A petitioner appeals to the General Assembly for redress of grievances against state courts. She claims twenty years of persistent denial and legal rights being robbed or defrauded, with delays and costly removals across counties. She asserts ongoing injustice in multiple actions and seeks remedy.
A petitioner laments ex parte trial without witnesses and denial of summons and appeal. She accuses perjury, record falsification, clerical collusion, and seeks legislative investigation to recover inheritance property. She cites prior failed attempts by a General Assembly committee and appeals for aid while in poverty.
A series of letters from readers across North Carolina express appreciation for The Progressive Farmer. Names include A E Denton Greene County J P Sossaman Mecklenburg County E H Walker Tyrrell County RR Burgess Randolph County J C Trexler Anson County John Mayner Orange County J F Usry Granville County John J Taylor Wayne County J R Overman Sr Wayne County and P L Baker Caldwell County. Readers praise the publication, its steady stance, and call it essential for truth and staying informed.
A call from the National Farmers Alliance and Industrial Union to convene the Supreme Council at the National Hotel in Washington DC on the third Tuesday in February 1897. The Executive Committee will meet February 15 at 5 pm at the same venue. Mann Pace presides.
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