The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1889-10-19
VOL. XXXV.
THE PHILOSOPHY OF COT
TON PRODUCTION.
Member of the Grenada COun-
ty Alliance Delves Deep Into
q New Vein,
And Brings to the Surface Rich
and Brilliant Ore.
Interesting and Valuable Economic Con-
siderations, and Novel Historical Facts.
Editor Grenada SENTINEL:

siderations, and Novel Historical Facts.
Editor Grenada SENTINEL:
The suggestion, coming from distin-
guished Alliance sources, that the ALI
ance membership throughout the cotton
States accept not less than twelve and one
half cents per pound for middling cotton,
is exciting no little comment from those
engaged in the varied pursuits dependent
upon our great staple crop
The discussion has developed the fact
that diversity of opinion exists as to
the possibility of forcing purchasers to
that figure, and again as to the propriety
of such action even if it were possible to
dispose of the entire crop upon that
strained basis. I think it quite within
the range of possibility, if the mass of
producers hold for twelve aud one half
cents, as the minimum for middling cot
ton. they could enforce their ultimatum
"a far as it relates to the present crop.
Many difficulties would likely arise, and
for awhile impede ready sale, entailing
some loss to the holder. But in the end,
the manufacturer would have to enter
the market. and The loss, in the main
would be incurred by him.
PRESENT ADVANTAGE NOT THE SOLE CON-
SHERATON.
Having accomplished this much, how
ever, even in manner most satisfactory
to ourselves; having put more money III
the pockets of the planter than was prob-
ablyever realized from the crop before -
having apparently and for the time being,
made him prosperous beyond all olher
pursuits, in what condition do we leave
him, as the prime factor In evolving fu'
ture prosperity out Of this now amazingly
popular branch of agriculture Have We
not incurred for him enmities, where the
closest relations OF mutual regard and IN.
terest should have been cultivated
And again, have we not woven around
him web of bright allurement that
must attract to his Ell Doradlan field more
seekers after his "manoa" than would DC
commensurate with its healthy maintain
ance If such commingling OF bic
with good results cannot be averted, we
should hesitate to put in motion measures
that will lead to them. 1t Is well, at snJ
rate, to look beyond the mere matter Q
crop, and to the great industry OF which
it is but the offspring, OR correlative
Any action taken now, however, induca-
tive to an advance in present prices, II II
be prejudicial to the sale of future crops
and to the certain progress and develop
mept of the cotton industry itself, L
short.sighted, and will frustra,e the yer!
purpose it is intended to serve. That tn
proposition to compel the manufacture
to pay more for the raw-materlal thai
natural condition of trade require o.
make necessary, will invite his activ'
opposition that it will thus disturb
the harmony of our commercial relations
and render less active the forces at wori
in directing the progress OF cotton con-
sumption, is too evident to admit OF ar
gument. It will estrange friendly capl
tai now engaged with us in extendin!
and diversifying the manufacture OF cot
ton goods, and will hinder increased in
yestments in that line.
There is to my mind, no pro opposition
more clearly truthful, than that an ex
tended profitable production of raw cot
ton is absolutely dependent upon its in
creased manufactures. To limit one is t.
limit the other. Consumption canno
move in advance of manufacture, an
raw-cotton, as such, is comparatlyel
yalueless. The Interests OF producer an
manufacturer are too identical Tor eithe
to suffer losses to be sustained by tn
other. when such consequences can b
averted by mutual endeavor 10 restol
and preserve healthy equality.
THE MANUFACTURER AN ESSENTIAL FAt
TOR AND REAL Co-PARTNER.
The manufacturer is necessary to II
producer. The producer is necessary
The manufacturer. To deny either proE
osition is to deny both. If then we al
mutually dependent one upon the othe
our progress must be hand in hand, OF
prosperity a common interest, and a
losses and grievances necessarily inte
active and mutually afflicting, We ca
not afford to place difficulties in the wa
Of nrofitable manufacture, Any mea
rres adopted by the producer to adyan'
his profits must not cause loss to h
Co-partner, if we are to sustin any perm
nent benefit. The matter of profit al
loss must be regulated by mutual agre
menu. "A piopci uno0aSVe'A5 w..
these kindred interests is necessary to d
prosperity of both. And the time
systematic cooperation should not
long delayed. -.
A moderate advance in the price
raw-cotton, SO long as it did not lin
consumption, would not injure the ma
ufacturer if he were given proper motto
and allowed time to prepare tor 1t:
could advance his prices in proportion
the increased cost Of raw-lnaterial,
TIE EVIL OF OVER PRODUCTION rossIBI
Bat another and more serious rest
threatens, in the possibility of extendi
cotton production so far beyond the d
mand, as to bring down prices to rul
ously low rate. lfw Will only look o1
the record for the last half century o
observe the extent of that rivalry in
production ofraw-cotton which for ma
,,ooro theatened to wrest from us t