The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1870-08-01
THE FUTURE OF COTTON.
A Hopeful View.
From the New York Bulletin.l

From the New York Bulletin.l
1t is, perhaps, premature to estimate the
effect Of the war now in progress IN Europe
upon the American cotton market bot the
question is one OF deep interest and claims,
even at this early day. ths attention OF the
business community. II ls true that tne mere
announcement OF declaration OF hostilItles
hetween France and Prussia has somewhat de-
pressed the price of cotton, but this depres-
sion is merely speculative, and ls attributable
mainly to the uncertainty which involves the
immediate future of the cotton trade. From
an impartial consideration Of the probabillnes,
however, We are lsd to the conclusion tnat
there is nothing in the present or prospective
situation of affairs abroad TO warrant the pre-
diction OF decreased demand ior 'le amefi'
can staple.
AS but little OF lust ears cottoa remains 10
the hands CT the planters, the fate OF this un-
marketed remainder of the old cropls matter
of small importance; and it is not improbable
ihnt the war will have terminated before any
considerable portion of the new cop shall be-
read, for the market. supposlng. however,
that it continues for year or longer-Wn,oh
ia extremely improbable from the fact that
modern warfare is costly luxury even for
monnrchs possessing vast material resources
and that neither Frunce nor Prussia could
Ala nd continued war stralD for the attain
ments of such small and unsatisfactory results
as will be reached by tive do not see any
reason to believe that the requirements OF
European manufacturers will be lessened. since
the demand for cotton goods will be stimulated.
rather than diminished, in consequence Almles
in time OF war consume. lncludIog the newt
able waste and destructionof quar-; ermas ers'
stores fully twice as much as armies II Time
of peace. and this increased consumption must
be naue good by au increased supply from the
nr,nclpaI sources OF production. Among the
cor sumable pecessities most largely wasted IN
time OF war, clio. bin. il in important item,
and araong the staples OF clothing IN all ciYliz-
ed communities cotton hos as umed fore-
naost pluce. 1t is true that armies are mostly
oloshed 10 8oollen fabrics but the increased
consumption Of this class OF goods Will at once
dimmlsh the stock Oh hand proportlonately
incressine the prices of wearing materials;
and cottcn goods being cheaper and better
a1anted 10 the general wear than linen or silk
fabrics. will naturally be sought for by the
mass of consumers. Besides this, the effect or
war "a to stlmulIte consumption IN all forms
Tn the abnormal condition OF society under
thesa circumstances, the economies as Well as
ths laws OF na:iops are apt to be for time for-
gotten. and it o people are stlnted IN tne
necessities and luxuries OF NE ID time OF war,
it is from necessity rather than non choice;
This fact finds ample illustration n the era OF
biob handed speculation and Wild extraya-
eance which prevailed during end after the
war in this country, aud the Same phenomena
has been observed 10 every nation quickened
into new and unnatural life by war which
aid moi close it's ports, shut OF its sources OF
supply, and throw iG wholly upon its oWn re-
sources. The demand for cotton fabrics was
never greater in both North and South than dur
ing the war, aud in both cases the difficulty was
toebtain sufficient supply even OF the greatly