Editorial Letter from Mr. J. E. Mann, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/newspapers/jemann3.txt ----------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb Project policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other gain. Copying of the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. ALGenWeb Archives File Manager Carolyn Golowka, -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submitted by William Fischer, Jr., February 2001 MR. MANN WRITES ---------------------------- Editor Roanoke Leader:-- In this week's issue of your valued paper there appeared an article from the pen of your traveling correspondent, most complimentary to Fernwood, our home. It is pleasing to have nice things said about one, and it is also a pleasure to meet such a nice young gentleman as was your correspondent. He was with us for only a few moments, and denied us the pleasure of entertaining him. His article was well written and I predict for him success in newspaper work. However, if you will pardon me. I wish to make a little correction in his letter. Understand, please, this is not interposed as a criticism, but is simply to correct an erroneous impression that might arise from his letter. In referring to Mr. J. L. ATKINS, the manager of Fernwood, the inference might be drawn that Mr. ATKINS was employed here as a laborer. All of this is a matter of no concern whatever to Mr. ATKINS for he fully appreciates the kind intention of your correspondent to say something nice about all of Fernwood. But it affords me an opportunity which I beg just here to take advantage of, to say something. When I came to Fernwood and decided to go to farming, I felt the need of an assistant. I therefore selected Jim ATKINS, from all the men of my acquaintance. I did this because I knew him to be a gentleman, a fine business man, a congenial companion. Mr. ATKINS is equally interested with me in every dollar of profits that is made at Fernwood. Unfortunately, some of his enemies (and his having enemies is one of the best evidences of his true manhood), doubtless inspired by envy, having unkindly criticised [sic] him on account of his connection to me here; and I want to say to those people just here that Fernwood is only in her swaddling clothes just now, as we are running only nine blows this season; but if they will wait until next year, when we can show them a twenty five-horse farm, the equal of any that ever operated in Randolph county, they will then see whether or not Marse Jim ATKINS made a mistake in forming a connection with Ed MANN at Fernwood. Now, as I have stated above, all these unkind criticisms are a matter of no concern whatever to Mr. ATKINS. He doesn't know his enemies are living. This letter is from me, and only because, in my leisure moments, I just love to toss a few violets to people who seek to pull other people back when they are trying to make an honest living. No man ever accomplished anything in trying to down his neighbors. Respectfully, J. E. MANN Malone, Ala., Jan. 14, 1911 [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 18 Jan 1911, p.4] ----------------------- LOCAL EVENT AND COMMENT ----------------------- Misses Jessie WOOD and Bernice ZACHRY were guests at Fernwood from Saturday until Monday. [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 18 Jan 1911, p.5]