Plenty of good labor is an absolute necessity in growing cotton under boll
weevil conditions. The tendency of newly infested districts is to neglect
the laborer at the time when he needs support and encouragement. Thousands
of families have moved out of a single county in one season to other
cotton sections, while if they had been given a little encouragement to
grow corn, grain, cowpeas, hogs, vegetables in his own garden, etc., he
would have remained in the community where he is much needed.
The farmers, planters, merchants and bankers must unite and see to it that
the laborers have the actual necessities of life. He should be encouraged
to grow his home supplies, a little cotton, a few chickens and his own
pork. This method would put farming on a basis which will eliminate and do
away with the necessity of sending to the north and west for bacon, lard,
mules, corn, hay and other supplies. By working together and keeping our
laborers satisfied we will keep them in the community where they are
needed to till the soil and help build up our farms.