Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-11-09
COTTON.
Now the Time To Purchase the
Best Selection.
Some Facts Regarding Consumption Of the
Edwards Manufacturing Co.

The cotton crop, as is usual at this time
OF the year, is demanding much attention
from the mill buyers who are looking al.
ter bargains.
A prominent mill man said, Friday, to
Journal reporter:
The buying of cotton is as uncertain
as ana more so, perhaps, than, that OF
most material. On general principles, the
rail- is the best time to buy, because then
one has the best pick of the various grades
and consequently Is likely to get the best
material. But so many limitations and ex-
ceptlons influence the buying that it is
absurd to say that one time is apy better
than any other For instance one mill
under certain circumstances may find
IL profitable to buy when another would
not. 1t depends largely upon the state of
mills finances. Some, not being able
TO buy ahead, are compelled to buy from
time to time, in Il hand to mouth fashion.
which is more expensive TO the extent of
from one-fourth to half a cent a
pound, than by buying in great quaint
ties, all other conditions of course being
equal A year ago, the price of cotton
was about u; last spring, :, and, now,
. cents pound, in even figures. Of
course, the mill which grasped the oppor-
tunity of laying in a big stock at the
lower prices, made good thing. One
mill in Fall River cleared 81. 900 900 last
fall, on this principle
1.-THE small crop of cotton, this year, is
due to two causes; the overgrowth of last
year having cheapened the price, and filled
the markets up to such an extent that cot
on factors were wary about investing
heavily in this years planting; secondly,
because the dry weather has hurt the
growing, and where three crops are often
harvested in season, this year, there
have been only two crops, and, in some
instances only one. During the past few
months, the price has varied considerably.
A short time ago it was 10 cents based
on an estimated crop of $500, 600 bales.
When this estimate was raised to $780,
900, the price dropped to 9,and it has even
been quoted as low as so. The estimates
are, of course, uncertain, the manipulators
being prone to under or over estimate, ac-
cording to their advantage. The crop, in
my opinion Will not be over 1000, 600.
"This crop is, in round numbers, 2,OOO,-
900 bales less than last years. Moreover,
the estimated bale marketed, this year, up
to date, is six pounds lighter than that of
1894 which, allowing the remainder of the
baling to keep on the same average, the
actual shortage, this, year, will be greater
than implied simply by the number of
bales; in other words, an additional short
age of six pounds for each of the 1000
900 bales estimated crop of this year. or
little over / per cent.
1.-The total visible supply of this year.
which is the quantity already placed in
the hands of commissioners, is 3,262, 900
bales, %, 900 short of last years figures for
the same time of year.
The Edwards Manufacturing Co has q
sufficient supply to last until Feb. /. 1t
a regular 64x6i print cloth,
using thread of which "a hanks of $40
yards each (2s, 500 yards) are required to
make pound.
1t runs 100, 900 spindlcs, which convert
about II, 600 bales of cotton year