The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1854-12-12

season, for as the crop then was unusually J
abundant, so much so as to prove in value 'ai
most insufficient to defray the expense of roll
ing, so now it is likely to be so much dimln'
isied by the frost and other causes as to be
altogether inadequate to yield an interest Oh
the immense capital embarked in its cultivation
Some years ago sugar for two or three sea
sons was more eligible crop TO cultivate than
cotton, and the consequence was that many
plantations particularly in the upper parishes
as high as Rapides, were converted tlom the
latter to the former, which, in connection with
other things, but particularly the unusually
heavy crop Of last season, has done much tn
dispirit those now engaged in the cultivation,
and deter others from m.adyenturing into the
business The high price of labor, some con.
tend, is the true cause Of the present depres'
sion but this does not appear to US to be rea'
sonable, for although labor is unquestionably
high, and as general thing inferior, its cost
would be disregarded if crops werea good
average, and prices at all commensurate with
the capital invested. In our opinion, the best
managed estates, taking as an average this
and the two last seasons, will not give AL in
terest of four per cent. per annum on the capi-
tal invested in them and this too, he it remem-
ber,d, when planters cannot increase or keep
up their force alta less average cost tor work.
ing hands than twelve hundred dollars each,
and should they purchase at twelve month 8
credit, at an additional cost for interest and
commissions of ten and a half per cent. How
long this can continue should crops be deficient.
or prices rule as they have latterly done, we
do not wish to say; certain it IS, that such as
are in debt wi find extrication impossible,
while those who own their estates free of en-
cumbrances, will either be compelled to prac
tice the narrowcst economy, or eat into their
capital.
A month ago every thing looked cheering
now Il sad reverse has taken place; and unless
the weather proves unprecedeutedIy propitious,
we may safely calculate on very severe times
for our great domestic interest.
We have often regretted, and referred to it
as Il misfortune, that in view of the innumera.
ble casualties to which the Sugar interest is
exposed, no association of planters for the
more successful prosecution of the domestic
enterprise in which SO many are embarked
has ever been organised, nor any attempt made,
by combined operation and comparison OF
ideas and experience to advance the common
interest. Although no product offers more
tempting field for the experiments ofmen Of
science none in which improvements in drain
in!, tiIlage and manurug as well as in the roll.
ing of the canr, and preparation Of the juice,
would give better returns; yet strange it is, that
10 body has ever bcen organised here to collect
in an accessible and desirable form, the joint
knowledge of all or to diluse at small expence,
information that would prove advantageous to
all. As a consequence Louisiana and her pro-
ducts excite no consideration and command no
Importance any where, and every Que pursues
his own plan, right Or wrong, and snail like,
rayoses, in unsncial scclusion in the pcnetrali;l
of his own obscure and sombre shell.
New Orleans True Delta.