The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1888-10-11
THE PEOPLES FORUM.
A Way to Secure the Cotton Trade
to Austin.
AUSTIN, Tex, October 8, IS

AUSTIN, Tex, October 8, 1888.
To the Editor of the Statesman.
Following are some suggestions as to
how the trade can be built up under the
supervision of the board of trade.
First-Establish cotton scales in differ
ent parts of the city, so that all merchants
can buy cotton and have the same weighed
in their portion of the city, and trade
goods in exchange when desired.
Second-Have deputized to said scales
public weigher.
Third-That a lasge warehouse in a
suitable locality, which, the writer knows
can be had at once, and erect large cotton
platforms and cotton sheds.
Fourth-Procure one or two cotton buy
ers, who are employed by and buying for
large cotton firms, and promise to said
firms the assistance of our merchants and
board of trade, etc. This will create a
healthier competition and ensure higher
prices for Austin.
Fifth Store cotton for farmers and
merchants, and give warehouse certificates,
containing weights, classification,
name of owner and all other
remarks needed, said certificate to be
suit our banking houses, to enable them
to advance money thereon.
Sixth-If samples from cotton on
storage are demanded, the wrappers
should carry all necessary remarks with
signature of the proper employe issuing
the same, so as to protect purchasers.
Seventh-Arrapge the market as far as
possible, also stock on hand, so that pur-
chasers from Galveston and Liverpool or
New York and other eastern points will
find it to their interest to visit our market,
and also see that the producer has facili-
ties and advantages which our neighboring
towns are not able to grant. Austin pos
sesses such advantages if they are only
utilized
Eighth-Offer warerooms and platform
facilities, with other accommodations in
our reach, to the Farmers Alliance.
Ninth-A purse should be raised,
to be made up by our citi-
zens, to pay q premium
on cotton brought here for sale from
distant pleces-the money for said cotton
to be paid out at headquarters, where no
trading in merchandise will be allowed,
and therefore will not interfere with the
sale of merchandise in any portion of the
city. Merchants could buy them, as be -
fore, cotton at their door at such prices as
they think justified by paying for the
same part cash, part in goods. The cash
money paid out at headquarters would
benefit the entire city and not give a
preference to any one portion, and would
have the tendency of attracting trade to
Austin.
All this the writer is certain can be put
in motion in few days, and, if managed
by energetic aud enterprIsing men, will be
crowned with success. In the beginning
of any business there will be obstacles
and difficulties which necessitate
changes which cannot be foretold,
but a wise management can easily
overcome them, and the same rule prevails
in this case.
Success in public enterprises is generally
attained by one or few public-spirited
men who set the ball rolling and push it
toward success, not resting unit the
desired result ia reached. When such
men step forward and are given chance
to take an active part in the progress Of
our city, then Austin Will go to the front
and soon become equal In commercial
importance to other thrifty towns of the
state, and will be looked upon as one of
its commercial centers.