The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1869-08-18
Condition of the Cotton Trade.

We copy as follows from late number Of the Lon
don Shipping Gazette the condition of the cotton
trade, which is full of promise to the South The
planter has splendid prospect for rmeunerative prices:
The cotton trade is still in very peculiar position
The struggle between Liverpool and Manchester, which
has been going on for so long time has resulted in
the partial defeat of the latter The position of the
material is satiscay strong, while the stocks of
cotton goods throughout the world have been greatly
reduced in consequence Of the restricted exports from
this country Holders of cotton have been further
favored by the fact that money has continued cheap
which has given them considerable advantage in the
contest with the spinners.
There very little doubt, however that the latter
have pursued the right policy in limiting their pur-
chases to the utmost extent and they may mot have
cause regret having done SO. The restricted con-
sumption which has been going has impaired a
healthy tone to both the Liverpool and Manchester
markets. and activity may be anticipated in both
until at least present wants have been supplied The
immediate of the of activity is the cond-
ton of the eastern markets. which must by this time
be pretty well bare of goods The shipments of India
we have frequently pointed out, have been on an
unusually small scale for some time past and altogether
out of proportion to the requirements of so large a
population. On the other hand the exports to China
have been greatly on the increase. These however,
have been rapidly absorbed, especially SO far the
Northern ports are concerned-a fact which goes far
to prove that yet of the great capa
bites of the China market, trade with which would
almost appear to be in its infancy The American
markets have also shared in the improved feeling not
however, from an exhaustion of stocks which are at
present sufficiently large, but rather from the growing
belief that cotton must continue to advance in conse
quence of the altered aspect of affairs From South
America too, the reports such to lead to the
belief that, now that politics have assumed a more
peaceful attitude the usual supplies of cotton goods
will be required. From this changed position Of the
cotton goods market it is evident that increased de-
mand Tor cotton be antlCiDated
1t difficult to see however how any great increas
ed demand can be satisfied out Of present resources
The quantity of cotton on hand in Liverpool is very
SMALL having only increased by 13 700 bales since the
opening of the year. 1t may be noted that the aver
stock held during the twenty years ended 1860 was
less than 74600 bales the quantity on hand at the
present time being 365, s000 Or less than half that
amount. Even if take the case of the last three
years, the stock is at unusually low ebb In July,
1855, the quantity held O2OO 900 bales; in 1857
$4,000; and in 1868, COS, OOO-the average being
77s000 1t has, however, gradually been declining,
until it has reached the present low figure But any
increase in consumption would force prices up to such
point to prohibit shipments of goods to any great
extent and we doubt if the foreign markets are vet
denuded of goods to allow of any material
increase in prices abroad For this reason we incline
the belief that the activity which has lately set in
through the Manchester market is of temporary ma
ure, and will not be maintained in the face of con-
lnued rise in the price of the material