Smyrna times. [volume] (Smyrna, Del.) 1854-1987, 1856-06-18
The GuanO Convention in Washington,

tactI" = ~
rhe Guano Convention in Washington.
The Convention of Farmers, to consider the
present high prices of guano, and to devise
: means to bring about reduction or secure
more uniform rate, met in the Smithsonian In.
: stltuto on Tuesday, the 10th inst, condensed
account OF which we herewith give, as it is a
SUBJECT OF great interest to our producers
Southland Key, Esq, of Maryland, was ap-
pointed President. The objects of the Con-
Veht'on have been discussed for several years
past by the farmers and planters at large; but
TINS is the first attempt at securing a unity of
acton IN regard TO the always exorbitant and
constantly fuctuating price of guano in the
markets OF this country. In 1852, at the SUR
gestlOn OF sundry farmers in Delaware. bill
bearing upon the subject was framed in Con-
greSs, and passed the preliminary stages with
the greatest unanimity, but failed to become
law, IN consequence Of want of sufficient
'lme. Since that time the evils then complain
cd OF have increased instead of being dimin-
lshed; and 1t is thought full time for the farm.
ers TO take measures to protect themselves
against the system of plumber practsed rainst
'hem by the Peruvian Government or IFS an.
pointed agents. Evidence exists that there is !
combination on the part of the guano AGENTS |
TO enhance the price, and that the fluctuations
complained of are attributable 10 that alone
anu mol TO the law of trade regulating supply
ana demand. 1t is claimed that the poruy;,,
government receives but $l4.O4 per ton for all
IN" guano exported; but it is a notorious f,c,
'hat the price TO consumers in this country ram
ges from $45 TO $50 per ton, ACCORDING TO ,he
caprice oil the agents. No attempt to account
ior the discrepancy between the price here and
that received by the Peruvian Government bos
yet Oeen made, a fact which goes TO show there
is something wrong in the present system. ,
spirited debate took place upon resolu. ,
t'on calling upon Congress TO take steps in re- ,
ldlioh 10 the present exorbitant price of ruano.
and by kind of vindctive legislation to mod-
y the monopoly now enjoyed by the Peruvian :
government, and at present so obnoxious to onr -.
armers. During the discussion it transpircd :
nat The treaty stipulations between this conn
y ana feru protected this same monopoly, and ;,
nat Congress had no power in the premises. /
ne attention of the Convention WINS tbo,
lrned to the consideration of other measures :,
relief from the evils complained Of and with =.
iedl uhahlmlty, committee of five WINS an
olhted to confer with the Executive. and nrce
ie Importance of opening negotiations with
nc PERUVIAN Government, with n viev 70 oh
'ln'hy facilities for supply of guano at more at
'asohaole rates. In the meantime farmers fol
ere recommended to employ a substitute for sa
'A"o as Tar as possible, and by reducing the co
'''"hu' receive a corresponding decrease in by
ice The Convention, ALTHOUGH barron i, If
iheulate practical results, will exert an influ-
''e through the suggestions evolved in the fru
acuSSlons' and the farming interest at large ito
~ oe greatly benefited by the meeting. att
N ie''er from gentleman in Peru to onr sdr
'nsul at Lima, gives some interesting ipf,r. ma
''io" IN regard to the use of Guano. In that not
u"try II is applied to but two crops, corn and Ger
tatoes To the former. a half L.n.Ic,I tal
'ced IN each hill. when the plant is some two "A
nuns olu' AOou' 900 pounds is applied to II are
es' The same plan is followed in re0ard q, vIO
atoes' uuano Is not considered favorable DID
wheat as it strengthens the stock and re,.rI. and
ripenIng. The article is brought from CHI =
10 reru'where 1t is sold at from 4 10 real.
l@o pounds, ruling at about Sl3 Der ton ~,
ne meeting in the evening was n sor, If .: "D
ners' solree, where each contribu,od IS -; ''"',
'e vi agricultural information, alluded to the
sent condition of the crops, &c. To dole O.
os from Maryland, North Carolina and Viz to-m
Ia gave very discouraging accounts of Tho shou
Is III theIr several localities. Wheat ;ssnc
'g very severely from the fly, and much has u
q winter killed ~ D., much ias show
-'0n' mr. Key stated that for forty wears he
not seen such devastation from tho a..
.'' season. Not half crop will be realized log
maryland this year, and the sa,ne NAV ~ h'
OF virginia and North Carolina. In n,nv Re
noes whole fields of wheat have baon otatf
Gu 'n' Corn promises well, although hack. RI
. ana other crops will yield fairly. Nlucb been
est IN the proceedings of the Conven,ion Go
and all engaged exhibited =. wortf
worthy of the cause. NC
I'm R,, day.
OR RELATIONS WITH ENGLAND.-Rv ,ho Tho {