Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1862-01-08
Duty OF SOUTHERN PLANTERS.

DUTY OF SOUTHERN PLANTERS.
The southern press are very properlyengaged
in discussing the duty of our planters in relation
to regulating the amount Of cotton 70 be planted
the present season. Some favor the policy of
planting none at ali, while Others think a third
OF a half crop viii DO. The subject is an impor-
tant one, and should receive the careful atten-
ton of the farmers. 1t is not a matter to be
regulated by legislation, but by common sense,
and a consciousness of our necessities as a
community and a nation. Hence it is, when the
matter has been brought before the General As
semblies Of some of the States, their action has
been advisory, not imperative.
We see nc reason to change the views which
we haze repeatedly before given our readers on
this subject We have expressed the opinion
that the planters Of the Gull States should raise
but half the average crop of cotton, and those Of
the border States devote their land and labor ex-
elusively to raising wheat, grain and other
cereals, including cattle, hogs and sheep. In
this way about two million bales of cotton, or
little less than half the usual crop, would be
brought into the market next fall in addition TO
the one now on hand, making in the whole
years supply, say, 100000 bales. This would
reduce prevailing prices at least to what they were
twelve months ag and any larger supply
would render the staple raiaously low for the
vendors.
Especially is this the case while the war con-
tinues. The planters fr this reason owe the
government the duty Of reducing their cotton
crops at least one-half. so as to raise an ample
amount Of wheat, corn, rye, cats, rice, potatoes,
peas, hogs and beef cattle, and in fact everything
the l~uxuriant soil Of the sunny South viii pro-
duce, or nourish.
This desired reform, which we trust is already
generally determined on, ought not to be affected
ia the least by the circumstance that the block
ade VIII probably be raised in sixty or ninety
days. Were a iull crop Of cotton to be planted
under the influence Of this encouraging hope,
the result would simply be, as we have above
stated, a double crop on a glutted market bring
ing about SIX or eight cents a pound. Let no
planter. therefore, put more than half the usual
amount Of cotton in the ground, but as much
less as be may choose.
A y oW bOuu4oh udtg 70 hocp III mlha the
fact that, whether our political independence is
recognized or motor whether the blockade re-
mains in force or is broken, we must rely upon
our own internal resources to feed our armies
aud ourselves during the continuance of this
war. Il win be the hight Of imbeeilitY 20 make
any other calculation. Its possible that some
strange concentration Of circumstances may, in
the course Of the next twelve months, open to US
an entirely uninterrupted trade with foreign
countries, but this realization viii not render
the necessity Of sustaining aud feeding ourselves
the less Imperative. Never again should the
South allow herself to be placed in a state Of
dependence on any other people on the face Of
the earth for her cereals, or indeed any other sup
plies.