The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1878-11-29
OUR PLANTING INTERESTS.
shreveport Timos.l

OOn HAAN1xNU 1N1 EnESIOs
[Shreveport Timos.l
In this immediate section of country
our planters are suffering terribly from
the combined effects of low prices and
short crops. The result Is an utter
prostration of agricultural interests
times. Those who have made advances
to planters will be very reluctant to
come to their aid another year. Those
who rented land, expecting to make
an average crop and to receive for 1t
remunerative prices, are scarcely able
to pay their rent, leaving the mer-
chant in the lurch. They cannot turn
wheel next year, as planters; for
parties who make advances will de-
maud the first lieu on. the crop, which
the law gives to the owner of the land.
The latter, unless driven to the neces-
sity of making the concession, will
not give up his security for rent.
With the present outlook, we cannot
see how means can be raised for culti-
waiting as large an erea of uplands
next year as was done this year. The
low prices of cotton precludes the
possibility Of making any money, and
unless a plantation is, to certain
OASO64O4 oVAA-o&APkOASAa63A ~ 80 AAAkSN0otO40
to make both ends meet. OF course
our people will be required to practice
the most rigid economy, but that will
not enable them to procure without
money, the supplies absolutely nec-
essary.
In sections of our country where the
negro population is sparse, our plant
ers have turned their attention to
raising home supplies, and have ceased
to look to st. Louis for their meat or
to New Orleans for their syrup.
Efforts have been successfully made to
raise horses and also to cultivate wheat
sufficient for home demand. 1t takes
time and a little money to bring about
these changes, SO essential to the we'll
being of our people.
In districts densely populated with
negroes, it is out of the question to
attempt to diversity crops aud to raise
stock. Where the lands are fertile,
the negroes must congresate and de
vote all their attention to cotton only
and the mules they use. In the up
lands, already badly worn by the cul-
7 ture Of cotton, the planters, who own
large tracts of land, will be compelled
to devote the thinner portions te
small grain and pastures, and to reduce
the number of laborers. This will give
them an opportunity Of raising theil
own hogs and horses and will reduce
to that extent, the amount Of cotton
produced. In view of the fact tina
there is an over-production of the grea
staple, and the price has declined be
low the point of cost of production, i
is no longer question of choice
with reference to the expediency O
reducing the area planted in cotton
Necessity, which is called the mothe
of invention, will force the planter Il
resort to other means of making
living.
We would not presume to give ad
vice to those who understand, far bette
than we do, the difficulties which in
vest this question. The statements w
have made are obtained from our mos
practical and successful planters. Th,
conclusions we have drawn from the
situation, accord with the expression.
of opinion given by them. We do no.
propose to sit in the editorial chail
and inform the world, by writing arti
cles on "what we know about farm
ing" but we confine our remarks t.
the results of those who have thorough
ly tested the matter.