Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1862-02-23
PREsIpENT HUpsONls AppREss.

This brings me to the consideration Of one OF
| the most important questions that can be pre-
sented at TINS session of the convention. Hav-
ing the cotton crop Of 1861 still in the posses
sion of planters, shall plant for another large
| crop in 1862 All confess that we should divert
a sufficient amount OF labor from the production
of cotton, sugar and tobacco 20 supply ourselves
with an abundance of the necessaries of life
At the same time we should struggle to main-
tain the monopoly of cotton in the markets of
the world. | need not remind Won that to make
| themselves independent Of southern cotton, the
governments of England and France have en-
c0uTeged its production IN India, Egypt, Algeria
tine west coast Of Africa and wherever there has
been the least prospect or success cotton sup
ply associations have been formed seeds and the
most Improved implements and machinery have
been forwarded FreIniuEss offered bouns;es
given, all that government could do has been
done to accomplish their great design.
The present blockade of our ports, the conse-
queht decrease in supplies, and the great ad-
vance IN price, viii stimulate to increase prOduc-
ton, al countries that can be engaged in its
growth just to the extent as the supply from
other countries is increased is our monopoly de-
sToyed aud our greatest interest injured Il
seems 70 be our 7visest policy 10 BE able, with
the removal Of the blockade 20 furnish an abur-
dance of cotton at the lowest remuneratf7e
prices. Having the best soil climate, season
and labor, we should, and eau counteract any
stimulating influence Of the result Of the presezit
war IF it be decided by a solemn vote of this
convention as our policy not 10 plant largely of
cotton the present year it weakens our cause
in Europe by destroying the sympathies of those
who are interested IN cheap raw material, and
the regular supplies from this country. 1t is de-
clarng that the millions Of population, capital,
machinery aud Shipping Of Europe engaged in
the great cot on trade and manufacture, must
lock elsewhere than here FORTS raw material not
withstanding the blockade may be removed. BY
such declaration you give an impetus to the
growth OF cotton in all tropical climates hitherto
unknown.
But it has been urged that with two crops at
the close Of the present year, amounting 10 eight
or nine millions Of bales We should receive no
more compensation than if we had but one
crop Admit this to be true, (which ] do n0t)
would 1t not be wiser than to adopt policy that
results il surrendeTing our monopoly by stimu-
btipg its production wherever it can be grown.
What, then, should be done / believe that
by divertiug one-fourth of the labor hitherto
employed in the production Of cotton, sugar and |
tobacco, with more attention psId 20 the neeessa-
Fes of life, can be Independent of the ,ooTid for
food. 1t must be remembered, that before the /
present struggle no attention was paid to this |
question by large number of our planters |
Now, An entire change has taken place, and the /
past year demonstrates that by decreasing the |
quantity OF cotton, tobacco and sugar, ace can /
raise abundant supplies Of food.
The future welfare Of our tobacco, sugar, and /
rice producers present Questions Of no ordinary
Importance Tor y0gr examination. United as We
all are in the great struggle for political sad
commercial freedom, unity Of feeling and ac-
tion should mark every step Of our onward pro
gTess.
in agricultural people ace arc and must JoTsuer
remain so tong jEstItatt0HS ecIst ne 10
net desire to rj0at old or Ne5 England in many
factures. Our civilization, our institutions for
bid IL, Yet We can aud should manufacture /
those articles necessary for every day life. The
Confederate aud State governments should give
every encouragement to the inventive talent and
skill Of our own sons Within
few years we have increased the number of our
manufactures, We have made many and vslua-
bic Improvements in agricultural machinery.
There is still room for Improvement in this de-
partmento of southern industry, and one OF the
gress benefits of State industrial exhibitions is
to make known these Improvements in labor.
saving machines 20 OIIr planters