The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1873-12-18


Nothing promises benefits to the agri-
cultural interests comparable to the or
ganization which is progressing among
them for mutual protection against mo-
nopoly, and for systematic labor. For
example, the need of larger provision
crops and a corresponding reduction OF
cotton il felt; and influenced by the ne
cessity of this reform, a number of tar
mers in Texas have entered into mu-
tu4I written obligation to reduce the
amount of the next cotton crop by one
third, so as to enable them to make full
provision crop. This is movement
proper to be adopted throughout the en-
tire cotton region, which is as well
adapted to grain, as to the staple that
has given the South its commercial great
ness. Crop reports sll concur that the
yield of corn in the Western States has
been much less in 1873, than the previ-
GUS year, and the belief is well grounded
that prices will range high during the
coming year. Our producers will thus
be taught another lesson on the inpor-
lance of raising their own supplies.
Apropos Of this subject is the following
article from an Atlanta Georgia paper.
The suggestions which it contains are as
worthy of adoption in this State as in
Georgia. There must be concerted ac-
ton among the cultivators of the soil in
| the South The farmers of the West
have experienced the necessity of combi-
nation. The farmers of the South are
organizing. The oranges are the medi-
um through which they propose to achieve
the reforms which are required in their
behalf. The following is the article from
the Atlanta paper:
1t is gratifying to every well wisher
of our State to be informed that in vari-
GUS parts of Georgia the farmers are ac-
lively engaged in sowing fall crops. This
is one of the best fall indications Of the
agricultural progress of our people that
has happened since the war ended. 1t Is
step that has been urged with great
force by the press of the State from year
to year.
"The great increase of the cotton belt
| by the use of fertilizers will now force
the planters of the original cotton area
to resort to the production of food sup
plies. The increased production of cot
ton by the means mentioned is going be-
yond healthy Misunderstanding the av-
erage price of cotton in ratio equal to
its increased production in higher lati-
tudes.
"Until within the past two or three
years but little cotton was produced above
| the thirty sixth degree of latitude. The
use of commercial fertilizers, stimulating
the growth of cotton in the higher lati-
tudes to maturity before the fall frosts
set in, has carried the production of the
staple as high up as the forty-ninth de-
gree of latitude. The planters in the
higher cotton belt, while they are enga-
cling extensively in the culture of cotton,
do not fail to produce their own provision
supplies, though this feature of their
farming interest is materially lessened,
while the prices for provisions go up.
The cotton producer, who makes his
own food supplies, can afford to cultivate
cOLloH loI less mouey LldH ne WHO IHNeSlS
exclusively in the cultivation of that sta
pie. This change in the agricultural in
vestments in the higher ATTITUDES simply
reduces the price of cotton, and increases
the prices of provision supplies. In other
words, the food supplies are thereby les
sened and the prices for it become high
er, while the cotton crop is increased and
its average prices lower.
For these reasons we give the fact that
the great increase of wheat sowing in
Georgia this fall is one of the best ipdi-
cations Of the future material progress of
our State. The experience of the past
several years has demonstrated that the
almost exclusive cultivation of cotton will
bring on ultimate ruin to our people; and
it is a matter of much interest to know
that the indications are that our farmers
are about entering npon reform in the
agricultural policy.
The Grange movement has doubtless
done much to bring about this much to
ha noaJad roculf -