The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Tenn.) 1888-1946, 1892-01-15
COTTON PLANTERS ACT.


Memphis Convention - Merchants and
bankers Asked to Co-Operate-Diyersi-
f1cation of Crops Advocated
MEMPHIS, Tenn, Jan. S.-The con-
vention of cotton growers assembled
this morning in this city for the pur-
pose, as stated in the call, s'of devislDg
some plan for decreasing the production
of such product as are consumed on the
farm, thereby making the farmer self
sustaining and independent The i'm
mediate cause of the movement out of
which the convention grows is the en-
barrassed condition of southern farm
ers resulting from the low price of cot
ton, which is generally assumed to be
due to overproduction.
The states represented in to-day's
meeting were Tennessee, Alabama,
North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana,
Arkansas and Georgia. South Caro-
lima has taken no notice of the invita-
ton extended. Texas and Florida will
probably be represented tomorrow.
Fully 800 people were in the hall when
the hour of opening arrived, most of
them practical farmers or merchants
who have large farming interests.
Among the audience were Gov. Eagle
of Arkansas. Gov. Blu chanan of Ten
nessee and Congressman John
Allen of Mississippi. The convention
way, of Mississippi, president of the
Mississippi Valley Cotton-Growers' as
sociation, who was subsequently made
permanent chairman The committee
on order of business reported in favor
of combining the discussion to the reduc-
ton of cotton acreage and the diversifi-
cation of crops for home consumption,
and also recommended that the conven-
ton be known as an assemblage of the
Cotton Growers Association of the
South"
A long debate ensued on the first Sec
ton of the report, many delegates
claiming that it was also essential to
come to an understanding on cognate
questions of Importance, such as local
organizations to carry out the measures
to be agreed upon, but the committees
report was finally adopted. Strong
speeches were made by Col. John r.
Goodwin, of Memphis. Commissioner of
Agriculture Lane of Alabama and 9th
ers, showing how the price of cotton
proportion to the increase in produc-
ton.
At the evening session permanent
organization for the purpose of carry
ing out the object of the convention
was effected by the election of Ira G.
Holloway, of Mississippi. as president
of a new association to be known as
the Cotton Growers and Merchants as
ISOLATION. Vice-presidents representing
each of the cotton states were elected.
The committee on resolutions recon-
mended the formation of local organ
izations in every county and township
in the cotton states; reduction of 90
per cent. in the cotton acreage and the
diversifcation of crops, especial at
tention being called to the rails
ing of wheat, corn, peas, hay and
| oats Merchants were requested to
cooperate and to reverse their pres
ent policy of making advances on the
condition that a large proportion of
| cotton be planted, and hereafter make
the advances on the condition that the
farmer shall raise his own corn and
forage Bankers are asked to cooper
| ate in the same way. A good many
| reduction of 20 per cent. in the cotton
acreage. Others wanted 25 per cent,
| but 90 per cent. was finally agreed
on. The report was adopted. A
number of negro farmers were
present in the convention hall,
| and showed a deep interest in the pro-
ceedings. One of the best speeches
made was that Of ]. Gleed, a venerable
colored man, who was formerly state
senator from Washington county, Mis-
sissippi. He pledged the cooperation
of his people in the movement inaugu-
rated by the convention. At 10 o'clock
tonight the convention adjourned.
Following are among the most inn
portant resolutions adopted:
We recommend that this convention do pro-
| coed to organize a permanent organization, to
be known as the Cotton Growers and Mer-
| chants Association"
We recommend that said organization shall
| consist of one president and treasurer and one
| ce-president from each of the cotton growing
| states
| We recommend that there be local organiza-
| tions of the said Cotton Growers and Mer-
| chants association organized in every state,
county and town in the cotton growing region,
| and that the said local organizations, where
possible and practicable, cooperate with any
1 farmers organization now In existence.
We recommend that reduction in the acreage
planted in cotton for the year 1892 be 20 per
| cent less than that planted in 1891.
We further recommend that each and every
| farmer or planter within the said cotton grow
| ing states do plant more diversified crops, and
especially take extraordinary precautions to the
| end that he shall produce an abundance of corn,
meat, hay, peas, oats and other necessaries for
| his own and his family's supplies. And we here
| appeal personally and individually, that each
| and every person favoring this movement do
| lend his aid and influence to further this end.
In view of the fact that the mercantile inter-
4 ests of the south are largely held responsible,
| whether rightly not, for the planting of cot
| ton verging upon the exclusion of other prod
ucts, it is therefore suggested and hopefully
| urged upon them to contribute by their advice
| and other substantial ways to the bringing
| about of this coveted reform in our farming
methods.
We recommend that each member and dele
/ gate to this convention use their united and in
dividual efforts to carry into effect these resou-
/ tions and that they urge their people at home
i to assist for the general good the carrying out
| OF the spirit and purpose of the same.
| You can cheat most people some OF
/ the time; you can cheat some people
most of the time; but you can't cheat
| all the people all the time.
Lincoln.