The Dawn of a New Constructive Era 149 



ure that is quite true. However, while possession of the raw 

 material is of the first importance, we cannot expect to make 

 the most out of it unless we intelligently employ the appropriate 

 tools or machinery through which to bring it to a state of per- 

 fection in the finished product. And so it is with our possibili- 

 ties ; they are not going to benefit us as they should unless we » 

 use every effort, and take advantage of every opportunity, to 

 develop them to their highest state of perfection. 



In emphasizing one or two of our most important needs, as , 



I see them, I will say, in the first place, that we must double our 

 efforts to wipe the cattle tick from off the map of the Southern 

 states. This is a fundamental necessity in connection with the 

 future success of our cattle industry at least, and that is perhaps 

 the most important. 



In the second place, we need more and better live stock 

 through which to market our food crops, and help increase and 

 maintain the fertility of our lands ; and we need our own people 

 to devote more time and study to the rational and business sides 

 of animal husbandry and general farming. 



In the third place, we need an open market, anywhere and 

 everywhere, and at all times, especially for our cattle, which will 

 depend solely, however, upon the total extermination of the cattle 

 tick from the Southern states, and upon which, likewise, depends 

 the improvement of our cattle, through the influence of improved 

 animals, particularly males, that can then be imported from the 

 best herds of the country ; and 



In the fourth place, we need more immigration of the de- 

 sirable, intelligent and industrious farmer-stockman class, whose 

 life and business experience have hitherto been devoted to the 

 branches of stock raising and general agriculture, which we be- 

 lieve the South stands in greatest need of, at the present time, 

 for her general agricultural upbuilding. 



Good object lessons are, in great measure, what we require; Present 

 and this is, I believe, the kind of help we need, and want, to Encouraging 

 assist us develop our great natural resources, and, as we all be- ^"^^"'"^^ 

 lieve, our unparalleled possibilities. 



In summing up, therefore, I believe we can pass over the 

 past of the live stock industry of the South; but we can say that 

 the present is encouraging, and that the future seems bright. 



