VOLUME 41 SMITHFIELD, N. C., FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 1922 NUMBER 27 CHAMBER COM MERCE MEETING Goes on Record as Favoring Co-operative Selling of Cotton and Tobacco Co-operative selling of cotton and tobacco was the theme of the Cham ber of Commerce meet'ng held at the Opera House Monday evening. Mr. T. S. Ragsdale who has spent some time investigating the tobacco asso ciation in Kentucky was present and gave the findings of his trip. He was convinced of the effectiveness of the plan and gave those present the ben efit of h's interviews with farmers and business men in Kentucky. Mr. W. H. Austin, has recently spent ten days in Texas learning the results of cooperative marketing of cotton in Texas. The Chamber of Commerce was glad to hear him on t^is subject, his investigation being in accord with that of Mr. Ragsdale. Messrs A. O. Alford and J. Homer Mann of the State Headquarters at Ra’eigh, were nrespn*- and add^d words of commendation. After d'seussion of the matter, the organization went on re :ord as heart ily endorsing the plan. Volunteers from the chamber of commerce will assist in signing up new members in various parts of the county, and will aid all they can. Committees appointed by the local executive committee of the County Association in cooperation with the secretary, Mr. S. J. Kirby. The fol lowing in each township have been appointed: Clayton Township—J. M. Peele, L. F. Austin and Ramey Ellis. Cleveland Township—A. M. John son, Dr. G. A. McLemore, C. L. San ders. Pleasant Grove—W. J. Barbour. C'aude Stephenson. Elevation—J. S. Johnson, John A. Smith and Paul Johnson. Banner—S. P. Honeycutt, H. Lucas." " Meadow—W. V. Blackman, Elling ton Tart, Zero Parker. Eentonsville-- Kirby Rose, W* H. Upchurch, E. T. Westbrook. Ingrams—J. H. Austin, Perry John son. Boon Hill—P. H. Joyner, Geo. F. Woodard, D. T. Creech. Pine Level—W. T. Woodard, Ii). B. Oliver, B. Godwin. Micro—W. Barden, C. S. Fitz gerald, I. V. Pittman. Beulah—E. G. Holland, J. L. Roger son, J. M. Woodard. Oneal’s—Cullen Creech, A. D. Oneal and J. W. Bailey. Wilders—Julian Williamson, J. W. Barnes. Selma—B .F. Barnes, C. F. Kirby, Thos. H. Atkinson. Wilson’s Mills—C. M. Wilson, A. V. Woodall, Smithfield—J. W. Stephenson. County Chairman Makes Last Call. The Directors of Cooperative Mar keting- of cotton and tobacco of North Carolina have let down the bars for new members to the assoc'ation for two days: April 10 and 11. This will probably be the last’ opportunity to join this year. As chairman of Johnston County I take this means of calling to duty all the township officers for these two days service to give every pro ducer of cotton and tobacco a chance to come with us. Let no man say he did not have a chance. To the charter members the respon sibility is none the less, in seeing his neighbor in person about how he will market his stuff from now on. Yon are your neighbor’s keeper. To any one who wants to sign up in Smithfield ,there will be contracts at my office. And finally, I will hate to see any of my friends outside the organization getting less than a prof itable price for their products next fall. I believe in Co-operative Mark eting, do you ? A. M. JOHNSON, County Chm. Captured a Still Court Week. Mr. J. J. Batten attended Federal Court at Wilson this week and return ed home yesterday morning. He was discharged as a witness Wednesday afternoon about 3 o’clock and at once went to the Lucama neighborhood where he captured a man and a small still complete. He also captured tv,rc barrels of beer and two gallons of whiskey. TOBACCO WAREHOUSEMEN PRESENT THEIR VIEWS. Editor Southern Tobacco Journal Says Warehousemen Best Friends of the Farmer. The following editorial taken from the Soul hern Tobacco Journtl of April ■1 sets forth the position of the tobac co warehousemen as to the co-opera tive marketing system, now so promi nent before the public: “Whatever may be sa d to the con trary, by a lot of ‘hot air artists’ and those whose hearts are full of bitter prejudice, the tobacco warehouseman is and has been all the time the best friend the tobacco farmer has, or has had, or ever will have. After close observation of the warehouse business for nearly a half century, and during all these years standing by his side on the warehouse floors, I am fully prepared to say that if the so-called co-operative marketing plan shall have succeeded in eliminating the warehouseman, it will be a bad day for the grower of tobacco. Many peo ple there are who believe that leaf tobacco warehouses reap a rich har vest from the farmers. We are quite sure that here are many who are hon est in their opinion in this matter, and yet we know that but few ware housemen make any money at all. More than this, we are fully prepar ed to say that as a class of business men, warehouse folks take more risk and make less money than any other class of business men. But the thing that ‘gets my goat,’ is that so many unkind things are said now and then by newspaper correspondents and frequently the poor hard work'ng, poorly paid auctioneer comes in for .his share of ridicule and abuse. The astonishing thing is that papers pub lished in tobacco centers will permit such rot to fill their columns. We have recently seen articles in papers that come dangerously near being li belous. Now why should reputable men indulge in such ‘stuff.’ Many good honest menjoeiieve that the co operative marketing plan is the fin est thing imaginable for the tobacco farmers, and these men have a per fect right to their opinion and to give expression to what they be lieve. There are thousands who do not believe the plan is workable, and they also have a right to say so, and believe me they are saying it. In the long fight that I have made against the pooling plan, I have endeavored to be fair and in all the arguments that I have used, I have not indulg ed in bitterness or unfairness. There are many thousands of intel ligent tobacco farmers who are see ing the matter in the same way we are— many men signed up without much thought or investigation and now we know of some who are not only sorry, but indignant, and again we want to declare that we can not quite understand why such strangers as Sapiro (little Aaron) should be taken up and fondled and petted and praised, with ducats pouring into his pockets transferred there from the pockets of the hard working farmers, finally landing a great big high sal aried job, while the best .friend the farmers ever had or ever will have is denied, criticised and virtually commanded to stand as;de and hand over their business and their proper ty to this new crowd. Well, by George! If it was not to some extent pathetic and serious it would be ‘but to laugh.’ ” Micro Literary Society. MICRO, April‘4.—The Micro Lite rary Society met last Friday, March 31, and a good program rendered. As th's was the last meeting it was de cided beforehand that he 7 and 8th grade should join in a debate, the 8th debating against the 7th. The ques tion for debate was: Resolved, That the world is growing better. The 7th grade took the affirmative of the query and the 8th grade tho negative. The judges were Messrs Charlie Batten and Clifton Pierce of this town. Both judges made their de cision in favor of the affirmative side. The speakers came in the following order: Affirmative: Louise Moser, Eu dell Corbette, Irene Pittman, Carl Hatcher, George Barden; Negative: Gold Barden, Walter Holland, Lola Godwin, Hazle Smith, Coy Smith. When the Colonists came to New England, in the time of the Pilgrims, they found numbers of wild turkeys in the woods. RECORDER’S COURT HERE THIS WEEK The Docket Has Been Heavy For the Past two Weeks Cases Disposed of For the last two weeks the docket of the Recorder’s court has been heavy. Judge Brooks held Court four days of last week and two days this week. In the Recorder’s Court held here this week the following cases were tried: State vs B. T. Thompson, charged with passing a worthless check, plead guilty and judgment suspended upon payment of costs inelud ng the amount of the check. State vs B. T. Thompson and Mrs. M. F. Thompson, where she stood his bond. Discharged upon payment of costs. State vs. Glenn Wood, false pre tense. Not guilty and discharged. State vs Jacob Coley, embezzle ment. Prayer for judgment continued upon payment of costs. State vs James Raynor, Ira B. Ray nor and George Raynor ,affray. Ira B. Raynor and James Raynor, not guilty. George Raynor guilty. Judg ment suspended for two years upon payment of costs. State vs Harvey Creech, Elton Hud son and J. G. Allston, affray. Harvey Creech not guilty; Hudson fined $100 and half of the costs; Allston fined $25 and half costs. State vs Leslie Burgess, cruelty to animals. Guilty and fined $20 and costs. SLOW TO PARDON MOONSHINER Governor Morrison Says 12 Months Is Moderate Sentence for Viola tion of Prohibition Law Declining the recommendation of the judge who tried the case and the solicitor who prosecuted, Governor Merci&m yesterday - lahL down ~4hs proposition that the crime of manu ! facturing or assisting in the manufac ture-of whiskey is a deliberate offense and that he will be very slow to “par don anybody else for this offense.’* The application in question was made for William Edwards, of Johnston county, sentenced in August 1921 to 12 months on the roads for manufac turing whiskey. In his statement of reasons Gover nor Morrison said: “The prisoner in this case* William Edwards, was convicted at the August term, 1921, Johnston superior court, of manufacturing whiskey and sen tenced to 12 months on the county roads. “His pardon is recommended by the solicitor who prosecuted and by the judge who Tried and sentenced him. Ordinarily upon these recommenda tions I would parole or pardon the prisoner; I have done so in several similar cases, but the crime of manu facturing whiskey, or assisting in do ing so, is in its nature a very deliber ate offense. It has worked great de moralization in many communities in this State. I think the sentence of 12 months for this offense moderate. There are many others on the roads of the State for the same offense whom I am not going to pardon and I must decline to pardon this defend ant. The manufacture of whiskey and the operation of distilleries must be broken up. It is seriously interfering with many communities and I am go ing to be very slow, and will have to have most excellent reasons to pardon anybody else for this offense.”—News and Observer, 6th. Selma Man Has Narrow Escape. SELMA, April 4.—J. I). Reynolds narrow escaped with his life when a Southern freight train struck his automobile and overturned it at Webb street crossing. The approach of the train was obscured by the freight depot and freight ears on the side ti*ack. Mr. Reynolds’ car and the train reached the crossing at the same t'me, but the car had almost cleared when the engine struck the rear and and knocked it over. Mrq Reynolds was painfully but not seriously hurt. And yet, you’ll seldom find a man who is too busy to stop and tickle his vanity by giving you a little free ad vice.—News and Observer. A LETTER FROM WILSON’S MILLS Birthday Party an Enjoyable Occasion; Missionary Meeting Held • WILSON’S MILLS, April 4.—Rev. Charlie Stevens, of Kentucky, re-' ctntly vsited his sister, Mrs. Clair Wilson, Miss Maggie Parrish of Selma spent the week end here with relatves. Miss Bessie Rouse of Raleigh, was a recent guest of Mrs. W. G. Wilson. Miss Margaret Wiloti, of Smithfield. spent the week end with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Wilson. Mr. Andrew Vinson, of Clayton, was here on Thursday. Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Davis of Micro, visited relatives here on Sunday. Mrs. E. E Parrish is spending sev < ral days with her daughter, Mrs. L .C. Davis in Micro. Mr. Paul Harty of Waverly, Va., visited friends here during the week end. Miss Lotte Wilson, Mrs. P. H. Massey, Mrs. Carl Parrish, Messrs. Aubrey Massey and Paul Hartz shop ped in Smithfield Frday. On Saturday Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Barbour and Miss Mable Barbour shopped in Smithfield. Mr. C. K. Parrish made a business trip to Kcnly on Thursday. Miss Elizabeth Wells of Smithfield Floyd of St. Pauls, visited M ss Eve lyn Wilson during the week end. Miss Eliabeth Well of Smithfield, visited the school on Tuesday. Messrs'Carl K. Parrish, John Tom linson, S. L. Barbour and Joe Parrish wont on a fishing trip to Cox s Ferry on Thursday. Mr. and Mrs. Willie Gaskins and Mrs. J. W. Vinson visited relatives in . Goldsboro Sunday. Miss Helen Dickson spent the we' k I end in Raleigh. Rev. Lee Saddler of Wilson con ah inspiring service on Sun day at the Christian Disciple church. Mr. Willie Wilson was the leader of a profitable Christ’an Endeavor service on Sunday evening. The Easter Week (April 10-12-14) of Prayer will be observed by the Christian Woman’s Board of Missions. Splendid and appropriate programs will be observed. On Monday all who will are requested to meet at the h.mie of Miss Bettie Vinson with Mrs. Harry Wilson as leader; on We luesday at the home of Mrs. Dock Jones with Mrs. S. L. Barbour as leader; on Friday at the home of Mrs.! W. G. Wilson with Mrs. Carl K. Par rish as leader. Mrs P. H. Massey Entertains. On Friday evening Mrs. P. H. Mas sey entertained at her home, the oc casion being the birthday of her daughter, Miss Odessa Massey. The spirit of gayety and youth was evi dent. Spring flowers off-set the at tractive living room and hall, while a chandelier effect of pink carnations, festooned with green foliage was sus pended over the dining table with a pasture scene of Bo-peep and Little Boy Blue as a center piece. Additional variety and pleasure were found when Mrs. Lois Massey Bass of Clayton rendered several beautiful vocal numbers. The numerous guests were made happy when requested to write tele grams expressing birthday greetings to the guest of honor. A Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme contest recalled the scenes of one’s childhood, and thus again was the spirit of youth everywhere. Refreshing punch, sandwiches and brick cream were served. The birthday cake with pink can dles was as pleasing to the guests as were the favors of May basket with mints to the young ladies and the button-hole bouquets of pansies to the young men. Out-of-town guests present were: Mrs. Lo s Massey Bass of Clayton; Miss Margaret Wilson, Ruth Brooks. Sarah Patterson, Arah Hooks, Rose Grantham of Smithfield; Messrs Paul Hartz, of Waverly, Va.; William Mas sey and Leonard Massey of Clayton; Norwood Holland, Edward Patterson, and Thel Hooks of Smithfield. Christian W. K. of M. Meets. On Tuesday afternoon the Chris tian Woman’s Board of Missions met in the home of Mrs. J. A. Wilson. Mrs. D. O. Uzzle was the efficient leader I of the following program: Bible Read'ng—Timothy VIII— SMITH FIELD WOMAN’S CLUB HOLDS MEETING Delegates Elected to Federation; Misses Swain and Bridge Make Talks on Milk Campaign. Wednt sday afternoon the Woman’s Club held its regular monthly business meeting at the Woman’s Club room, with the vice-president, Mrs. L. T. Royal! presiding. The usual reports were called for all of them evidencing a spirit of activity in the various de pai tments. It was announced that the chair man of the Mus'e Department is at work on an Easter vesper service which will be looked forward to with pleasure. The Chairman of Civics, Mrs. F. H. Brooks, stated that work in the ceme tery would be resumed about May 1st and continued as long as fun Is were available. Mrs. II. L. Skinner, librarian, re ported about a hundred new books added to the library since she began her campaign, but she st 11 wants the good work to go on. After hearing the reports, dele gates were elected to the Federation which meets in Greensboro in May Mrs. J. J. Broadhurst and Mrs. W. N. Holt were elected with Mrs. H. G. Gray and Mrs. Harry P. Johnson as alternates. The president or one ap pointed by her will also be an offi cial delegate. At the close of the business ses sion, the club had the pleasure of hearing Miss Bridge of Harnett coun ty and Miss Swa:n of Nash county who are in Johnston this week assist ing Miss Minnie Lee Garrison in her “More Milk” week. They presented charts and posters which were con vincing as to the desirability of in cluding milk in the diet. Bulletin4 along this line were given out and plans discussed for the more inten sive work to be done in the school today. The meeting was quite interesting and though the attendance was hardly so large as usual all presew- co.nsid ered it a profitable afternoon. DR. LANDRITH WILL BE AT BENSON EASTER MONDAY Plans Changed and Dr. Landrith Goes to Benson Easter Monday Instead of This City. An announcement sent us from the National headquarters of the Anti-Saloon League of America as to an address scheduled to he delivered in this city Monday night, April 17, was published in our last issue. Leaders in the county who have charge of the matter have seen fit to change the program, and Dr. Ira Landrith will speak in Benson Monday night instead of here. Dr. Landrith will use as his sub ject, “To-day and The America For It.” I)r. Landrith, who is a native Texan, is said to he an ef fective speaker. He was for 14 years a religious newspaper edi tcr and for ten years a college president. He has been on the Chautauqua platform and devot ed a good deal of his time during the war to speaking at army camps cantonments and naval training stations. Supt. Franks Re-elected. At a meeting: of the school board of the Smithfield district las>t Mon day evening, Supt. Thos. H. Franks who has been at he head of the Smithfield schools for the past year, was re-elected for another term. Mr. Franks has been here for two years, having been pi incipal one year prior to his election as superintendent. He has given the district a good school and is laying plans for a still bet ter school in the future. The super intendent of the Smithfield schools has under his supervision about a thousand pupils, and the position is a responsible one. Smithfield is for tunate in having Mr. Franks at the head of its school system. Mrs. D. 0. Uzzle Sentence Prayer—Members of So ciety. Shall We Let the Strategy of Our Foreign Mission Work Break Down— Mrs. Carl K. Parrish. Negro Education in the U. S.—Mrs. Willie T. Wilson. Hidden Answers—Members of So ciety. NEW MARKETING PLAN APPROVED Mr. Austin Writes Article: Industrial Slavery or In dustrial Freedom?” Tho Co-operative Associations of cotton and tobacco are about to launch another drive for membership. It is the interest of every business and also the interest of the South that this movement should be a success, and with your co-operation it will. The banks should give loyal support to the movement; it means better and safer business for them and their cus tomers. Unless the farmer gets a fa.ir price for his crops it means ev ery business becomes stagnant, suf fers, topples and decays. Unless the banks can get good deposits it means that they soon will be running at a loss. It is to the interest of the banks to render every service they can to every industry and business consist ent with safe and sound banking. Read what Mr. Eugene Meyer, Chairman of the War Finance Corpo ration, has to say in regard to Co operative Marketing: “The rapid growth and popularity of the move ment for the co-operative marketing of cotton throughout the cotton belt is one of the most interesting and fas cinating business romances of this generation.” Theo. Price, the best posted man on cotton in the world, says: “I would not urge non-co-opera tive even if I could adduce a hundred reasons in favor of it. There is but one side to the question and that is affirmative. It is through co-opera tion that civilization has advanced and those who oppose it oppose human progress." The merchant should be enthusias I --- MU. W. H. AUSTIN tic for the success of the Association, because it is upon the success of the farmer their success depends. If they prosper, we prosper; if they fail, we fail. The great army of consumers of the South are farmers; unless the far mers can be thrifty the business in terest cannot be; unless the merchant can find a sale for his goods, wares and merchandise, and collect for the same, he is on the road to bankruptcy. It is the interest of the farmer to join the Associations. We have tried the old methods of every farmer being in competition with every other farmer in marketing his products, and as a result failed to receive anything like the cost of production, counting any thing for the services of ourselves, wife and children. Now, gentlemen, what is Co-opera tive Marketing? Concisely stated, it is simply organizing together and em ploying experts to market our cotton and tobacco on business principles. 1'Ians of the Associations The Association employs the best and most experienced brains obtain able to handle the marketing of their products. Warehouses are provided for the storage of the cotton and to bacco of the Associations. The mem ber delivers his cotton and tobacco to the warehouses, where it is weighed, graded, classed and a certificate given him for the same. Upon delivery the Association advances him a certain amount of money per pound for his cotton or tobacco. After delivering it the individual member has nothing more to do with his commodity it is handled entirely by experts of the As sociations, and sold in the highest markets in the world, and the produc er gets every dollar it brings, except the running expenses. The ignorant (Continued on page 8)