Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-06-02

There are those in Savannah who are
disposed to criticise the MORNING
NEWS for publishing a table of COM
parative quotations for cotton at this
and other Atlantic ports. These
parties do not question the accuracy OF
the figures published. but say we should
have explained that the grading OF cotton
Is higher here than at other markets. III
they will take the trouble TO peruse the
article in the course Of which the table
appeared. published in our issue Of the
24th uIt.. they will find that we made the
exclamation aforesaid. We said:
I'VE know it is claimed that the staple
is graded higher in Savannah than else
where. and that that is the reason why
her quotations are lower But true as
this NAV be, il is not possible in this eX-
tensive country TO convince everybody OF
that fact, and when. day after day, the
figures appear side by side in the news
papers Of the land. and are examined Dy
every man who has a direct or indirect
interest in a bale of cotton. the difference
IN price Is bound TO turn cotton away TO
other apparently better markets"
The quotations were known to every
reader Of the newspapers at the time they
prevailed, and the differences were, as
matter Of course, noted. If the public at
large Is familiar with the fact that cotton
: graded higher at Savannah than else
where. then the difference in quotations
goes for nothing. but If the
fact Is not generally known. then the
sooner a change is made in the manner OF
grading here the better it viii be for those
interested. Our attention was directed to
this matter months ago, but inasmuch as
the Cotton Exchange was regulating
prices. NE did not deem it proper TO refer
% the subject. Later on when it became
apparent that Norfolk might secure
larger total Of receipts than Savannah by
the close Of the season, and other ports
larger proportionate increase, we alluded
% the subject. as did also a valued CORE
sp0ndent.
Then the cotton interests took hold Of
the matter and called a meeting TO con-
slider the subject. In our issue Of the oath
uIt. We enumerated the various causes
assigned for the trouble. and. among the
rest the differences in quotations, which
appeared 10 have been overlooked. We
have never argued that Savannah's re-
ceipts have declined. We merely pointed
out the fact that they were not as large as
they should be in view of her natural adj
vautages as a market and her Splendid
facilities for handling the staple.
We maintained, and maintain yet, that
reliance upon natural advantages alone
will not suffice. that the enterprise OF
rivals must be met with equal enterprise,
that restrictions that may exist should be
removed. and that the business should be
conducted on strictly business principles.
We Weld TO none in loyalty to the in
terests Of Savannah. and are ever ready
% promote whatever may increase her
prosperity. New Orleans must continue
the leading cotton port, but she, too, is
feeling the force Of competition. Sayan-
nah can continue to hold second place, if
those who care for her prestige put forth
the needed efforts.
The committee now examining the sub
iect viii. doubtless, sift it thoroughly and
devise all needed remedies.