Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-03-03
Crop Prospects and the Cotton Trade.
Galveston NeIOs.

Specuiations are already beginning to
be INDUCED regarding the planting posi-
bilities and outcome of the American
cotton crop for another season. Facts
in relation thereto, even in the early
spring months, are used in determining
the value of stocks of cotton on hand
that have not gone into consumption. 1t
must be confessed, however, that the
statistical position, as far as the value of
the raw material is concerned, has lost
considerably If its strength in face of
violent speculative movements. The
course of the market during the present
season has shown how easy 1t has been
to depreciate the value of a compare
lively short crop. Still it is to be sup
posed that the legitimate cotton trade
must consider and weigh carefully the
prospects for the incoming crop in all of
its stages. There has been remarkably
mild winter experienced in the cotton
districts thus far The rainfall has been
heavy, and the soil is regarded In con-
sequence as in favorable condition. This
situation is general throughout the cot
ton belt. With a continuation of dry
from this time. planting operations
NOul0 NC lull nCduWdH, WIFI
the chances in favor of an early sea
son, and with moisture enough in the
ground to carry the crop sufficiently for.
ward to save it from extraordinary disas-
ter in the event of a possible drought
late in the year. The probable acreage
in cotton, under these conditions, it is
assumed, will be enlarged compared with
last year. This is taking the most favor
able view of the crop prospect as affect
ing the upland districts. 1t will not do
to overlook the fact, however, that the
Mississippi valley is this year most likely
to be terribly cut short. The entire low
country between Memphis and Vicks-
burg is now u1der water, with the river
| in a dangerous condition all the way
down. Red river, in many places, is
also out of its banks with large
stream under water. Should
these rivers suddenly subside and the
water pass off the bottom lands, of
the planting of full crop; but such a
| contingency seems in no manner prOba-
BILE, as these rivers are very high. and it
may be six or eight weeks at the best be.
fore planting operations can be under
TAKEN. Wnll6 Tue prospect III Iue up
lands is good, upon very large section
of bottom lands the situation is most
dlscouraging. The cotton trade may
make its own deductions from this au-
thentic preparation of the coming crop
outlook. 1t is clearly demonstrated
Mr.. Atkinson to the contrary-that the
world would soon be overstocked, as
conditions stand, with cotton on the
basis of an annual American crop reach.
ing anywhere between 6, 600, 900 and
| 7000,0 900 bales. Manchester is now
| glutted. and manufactured goods are
everywhere in plentiful supply. Three
| years ago Manchester was bare and de-
pleted in stocks, but excessive produc
ton of raw cotton since that time has
permitted an accumulation, and to-day
| Liverpool is Indifferent in face of com
palativelY short crop, with the visible
supply in excess of last year. This view
of the question is recited for the benefit
of the cotton planting interest, who
must limit acreage if profitable prices
are to be maintained. There will be
plenty of cotton made under the most
disadvantageous circumstances; the
bread and meat issue should more largely
engage the attention of Southern cotton
| growers.