The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1874-06-05
ABUSES IN HANDLING COTTON.

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Every cotton factor and pressman in this
city has had frequent complaint made to
him of loss in weight of cotton intrusted to
him, and every one has doubtless made fire.
quent attempts to remedy an evil which is
to him a source of continued annoyance !;
but such attempts have never probably re-
suited in any permanent alienation OF the
trouble. However vigilant and trustworthy
he may deem his employees, losses still oc-
cur, and these have so far detied all efforts
at prevention as to justify the belief that
they are necessary consequence of the
system Of handling cotton now in vogue.
The opinion prevails that the loose, result
ing from trimming samples and putting
damaged bales in merchantable order is
much greater in quantity than is absolutely
necessary, and the large number Of persons
employed in the processes of sampling, class
ing and weighing would seem to justify the
belief Indeed, when it is known that many
of these receive no other pay than the
:. loose which they pick up in handling the
cotton, that they are irresponsible, and in no
way dependent upon the owner OF the cot
ton, it is not to be wondered at that they
should secure for themselves liberal allow
ance. This system has been SO long in force
as to have the sanction of custom; but
meanwhile it has grown into great abuse, by
means of which numbers were licensed to
pluck and plumber cotton at the expense of
the shipper and to the detriment of com
merce and the city; an abuse that calls
loudly for reform at the hands of all inter
ested in the maintenance Of our supremacy
as a cotton mart.
The city crop is annually reported at
about $4,000 bales worth, at low estimate,
81, $50 900. We are not prepared to say what
proportion of this is derived fi0m samples
and loose, and what is reboxed. As it is all
added to the receipts at the close of the sea-
son, none of the latter should be included,
as it has already been counted in receipts
proper; but in the absence of definite in
formation as to the source of the city crop,
let us not make it basis for estimating the
annual loss to shippers under the present
system, but come at it in another way. The
writer is assured by prominent factor tlat
the loss per bale does not average less than
7 pounds over and above what is required
by proper sampling. To be safe, put it at
) pounds, which, with receipts 100000
bales, gives 6,5OOOOO pounds, worth at II
cents 10000, as the amount in which the
trade is taxed. That the larger portion of
this may be saved by proper management
will not be questioned by any one CONVEX
SAINT with the facts, and no one will deny
that it is not only the duty but the interest
Of buyers and sellers alike to save as much
of it as possible to the planter, who after all
is the loser from every expense imposed
upon cotton in Its course to consumption.
For the first time, we believe, an effort is
now being made by the Cotton Exchange to
inaugurate such a reform in the handling of
cotton as is manifestly demanded. With
this view, set of rules has been suggested
and matured by committee composed of
prominent buyers, factors and brokers, pro-
viding such an organization of inspection as
will thoroughly regulate and keep within
bounds the manipulation of cotton in press
and under scales prescribing weight of sam.
Piles and loose and providing the return to
the factor of the proceeds of sale thereof,
after the salaries of the inspectors shall
have been paid, thus enabling the factor to
make his returns TO the shipper for what is
now absorbed as perquisites. The salaries
of inspectors and other expenses of the or
ganization will amount to less than $40, 900.
This, with what may be necessary for the
legitimate pay of samplers, etc, when de-
Quoted from the cost Of the present system
certainly not less than half million dollars
These rules have been submitted to all
dealers in cotton for any suggestions they
may see proper to make and will shortly ,
come before the Exchange for final action.
Their adoption would seem Of such manifest
Importance a. to cause little apprehension
Of their failure, and it is difficult to see on
what ground they could be objected to ; in
Iced, any ground Of objection would needs
The imputation of interest in the perpetual ,
ion of vicious system. 1t is to be regret
ed that a matter of such weight has not
been more fully discussed in the daily pa !.
,ers, and it is hoped that persons who are )
,etter prepared to elucidate the subject
viii urge its adoption upon the community, :
" make such suggestions as may seem ad-
risable still more, that the merchants of .
Iew Orleans will not neglect such an OPP
'ortulity to vindicate themselves and pro-
ect their friends.
Commercial circles ia this city were
tartled yesterday to learn that that we'll t
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