The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1871-09-21
The Cotton Prospect-The Duty of Planters.

The Cotton PrOspect-The Duty of Planters.
| The latter part of July we gave a review OF
the condition of the cotton plant, and the prob
able yield at that time, in all the cotton grow
| ing States, founded upon information obtained
from numerous exchange with the press in
all these States, and from disinterested CORES
pondents. We then gave it as our opinion that
the yield would reach 100000 bales. In that
review we conceded that in Texas, the crop, on
the area planted (which we put down at an
eighth to fourth less than the previous year, J
would give an average yield, as compared with
the previous crop. Our advices from that State
at this time do not sustain the estimate then
given. The drouth which has prevailed success
sively for over two months, in more than two
thirds of the State, has played havoc with the
forms and young bolls, and resulted in the en-
tire destruction Of the top crop. The univer-
sal estimate now in that State is, that the area
planted will fall more than third short of last
years YIELD
We also estimated that the crop of North
and South Carolina, and Florida, would make
an equal yield in the area planted, with that
of last year. From all of these States the re-
ports are that great change has taken place
within the last six weeks. From all of them
not more than three-fourths of crop Is eX-
pected to be gathered.
The crop in many portions Of Arkansas, also,
is reported to have suffered heavily from drouth,
causing the loss of the top crop.
Our information from Georgia, Alabama,
Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee, does not
change our views then expressed of the condi-
ton of the crop and the prospect of yield in
those States.
With this evidence of change in the situa-
ton. we now put the Weld of the crop of 1912,
at not over 100000 bales at the outside
Taking this to be the true status of the situa-
ton, what is the duty of the planter to himself
and his section? 1t is we'll known that what is
termed "Cotton Ring" exists in New York,
composed both of manufacturers and moneyed
speculators. This ring, which has grown rich
off the losses of our planters, has been busily
engaged the entire summer in writing up the
growing crop to large yield, in despite of
glaring facts to the contrary; and have not
given up the effort. They yet persist in an es-
innate of three and half to four millions.
This is done to delude Liverpool and enable
them to secure the bulk of the crop at low
figure They act, too, upon the supposition
| for supplies and advances to the extent of two
thirds of the crop, and chat this much of it, of
necessity, will be thrown on the market as fast
as ginned and packed. This latter feature has
been taught them from experience.
Then we repeat, what is the duty of the plan
ter? 1t is plain. Such as are in debt for sup
plies or advances should bring forward their
cotton and make the best arrangement possible
with their creditors, even to selling, if necessa-
ry. In this emergency, the merchant has du-
ty to perform also, in extending all the lenien.
cy in his power when cotton collateral has
been placed in his hands by the planter debtor.
These two classes are mutually dependent on
each other. The merchant, if agriculture is
cramped and feeced, cannot prosper. If what
we have stated as the probable yield of the crop
be true, aud we believe we are correct, then ev-
cry pound of cotton made is worth thirty cents.
Less than twenty-five cents will not remunerate
the planter for the making of the present short
crop. The proper effort at accommodation be-
tween the indebted planter and his merchant,
with a disposition on the part of the unembar-
rassed planters to hold for twenty-five cents,
will soon march prices in the interior markets
up to that figure, and save millions of dollars
to be expended at home, which, with a differ
ent policy, will go into the pockets of the man.
ufacturers and spectators of New York and
Liverpool C5lum5us Sun.