The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1883-03-08
ADvICETo THE SOUTH.
Hog and HOminy First-The
Surplus in Cotton.

The cotton factors of St. Louis
have united in the following circu-
lar in the hope of influencing the
growth of food products in the south
the coming season:
81. LOUIS, Mo-, February "a, 1883.
To the merchants, farmers. and
tenants of the cotton belt: The
south Is now on the eve of planting
another crop, and after an expert
ence of seventeen years it seems
advisable that some change should
be made in her manner of farming,
and we call your careful attention
to the following facts, which are
offered with the sincere hope that
the people will give them proper
consideration.
Your section possesses the finest
farming lands and the most salubri-
Gus climate in the world, and should
be to-day financially independent;
instead of having to borrow on a
crop before it is made, should have
her corn-bins and larders filled be-
fore commencing crop.
Compare your situation with the
farmers of the north ard west
They by systematic labor are grow
ing richer each year, while you with
patient toll and close economy are
neither so thriving nor prosperous
as you should be.
There is cause for these troubles,
and we, as cotton men, whose inter
est is closely identified with yours,
believe we are in position to note
many of the evils that exist, and
offer, without presuming, the follow
suggestions:
l. The credit system, as at pres
ent in vogue throughout the south,
is disastrous to the planters and
tenants, forcing them to pay ex-
travagant prices for supplies, and
causing their crops to be forced into
market with such rapidity and in
such quantities as to break prices
almost invariably below cost of pro-
duction.
2. After noting for years the
effect of large crops of cotton, we
find that the over-production Of this
staple is the keynote to the situa-
ton, and we strongly advise all
parties interested in the prosperity
of the south to discourage the plant
ing of large acreage this year, and
devote their labors first to the rails
ing of grain, cattle and hogs, and
give the balance of their time to
the culture of cotton.
This policy will bring good re-
suits in many ways; for instance,
many small farmers, and large ones
also, are so heavily in debt when
their cotton is ready for sale that
they are compelled to let it go, even
though the price is below its intrin-
sic worth; while, if they had sup
plies at home, produced, and not
bought on credit, they could afford
20 hold their colt until they felt
justified in selling.
The price of cotton to day is full
" Is per cent. below the average
Of the past five years, while, on the
other hand, corn is 80 per cent. and
provisions 80 per cent. above the
average. Thus we are losers both
ways.
With the production of enough
provision on each farm, cotton
would become a surplus, aud soon
the incubus of debt would be lifted
from your people, and each year
would record rapid strides in wealth.
Decreased production of cotton,
and increased production of bread,
meat, and other necessaries will
bring about more prosperous CON
ditiOn of affairs for the south, and
instead of sheriff sales to satisfy
the mortgages that the poor labor
ers must now give, we would see
grinding poverty banished forever
and plenty would pour in upon
you.
We ask that the merchants and
planters of each state, by calling
convention, or in some practicable
manner, agitate this question until
the influence is felt throughout the
entire cotton belt.
Signed by twenty of the leading
Wholesale commission merchants
and firms of St. Louis.