The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1896-09-24
OUR COTTON rReDrc~s.


| the southern IeXLlle Association AT
Atlanta, by T. M. Martin, who has just
been elected secretary of that organi-
zation, and who is regarded as one of
the most competent and successful
manufacturers Of cotton fabrics in the
United States. Mr.. Martins remarks
are both opportune and full of sound
wisdom:
"We are not willing to confess that
the manufacture of cotton in this coun-
try has reached its limit, yet it is quite
apparent that the output of our mills
exceeds the market demand. Notwith-
standing this, the construction of new
mills continues, and there is hardly
town in the South to-day that is with
out a mill in course of construction or
else is moving heaven and earth to
bring about such a condition. With the
product of these new mills added to our
already apparent over-production,
what is to become of us? Is it appar-
ent that the consumption of cotton
goods will increase sufficiently to alb
sorb the present possible output of our
mills? Admitting this, l may ask what
is to become of the product of the new
mills? There is no getting away from
the true status of the situation We
must extend our markets, else the
manufacture of cotton In this country
has reached it's limit for years to come.
"Why should we not extend our mar
kets? Europe takes our new cotton,
spins it, and finds a market that keeps
busy nearly 100000 splndles.
1--WE are operating In such limited
market that the product Of our 15,000,-
900 spindles accumulates in ware
houses and goes begging for bidders.
We produce two-thirds of the worlds
cotton, and then let Europe control it's
marketing. Indeed, Europe marketed
in the United States during the IL
months ending June 30, 1895, nearly
$24, 100000 worth Of cotton.
1.-THE time has arrived when we
must do one of two things: Either find
new markets or stop manufacturing.
Which shall 1t be? I dare prophesy
that another ten years will practically
put an end to our exports Of raw cot
ton, and that American cotton will be
spun in America, and go, without the
intervention Of Europe, direct to the
great cotton consuming countries of the
world.
"From the figures that I sha name
presently you will learn the wolHh Of
cotton goods imported by Africa in
1880. I shall also give her imports for
1894. Basing an estimate for future
demand upon the increase of the past
IA years, you can form your own ideas
as to the Importance of cultivating that
market. South and Central America
and Mexico are now in the public eye
as they never were before. The same
may be said of China. Capital from
the four quarters of the globe is flow
ing into those countries. All Of them
are rich in natural resource and capa-
BILE of wonderful development. They
lack but the impulse that is now being
given them.
II have been at some pains to COM
pile, from reports on file in the Bureau
Of Statistics at Washington, a COM
plete statement regarding the imports
of manufactured cotton goods for 1894
by the different countries named.
These figures will, 1 think, prove in
teresting for several reasons. We may
learn from them not only the extent of
imports, but their source. Thus we
are put in possession of full informa-
ton regarding the whereabouts Of Eu-
ropes customers.
Manufactured cotton goods import
ed by Africa during 1894: From the
United States, $477,521; from Ger
many, $525,13O; from France, $9,463,-
500; from the United Kingdom, $780,
796,55O. Total, Sal, 100,
During the year 1880 Africa took
from these countries manufactured cot
ton goods to the valuation Of a little
more than $11, 100000. Thus it may be
seen that during the IA years next fol-
lowing her consumption increased
nearly four-fold. The increasing ratio
of her demand for the next 10 years
will be tremendous.
Manufactured cotton goods imported
by South America during 1894: From
the United States, S3,623,964; from
France, $4,569, 129; from Germany, So
623, $50; from the United Kingdom,
$32, S91,S O5. Total, 47,77S,72O.
Manufactured cotton goods import
ed by Central America during 1894:
From France, 81, S92; from Germany,
$685., $50; fran the United States, $780,
$40; from the United Kingdom, 49,
124,7s5. Total, $S,9Os,947.
Manufactured cotton goods import
ed by Mexico during 1894: From Ger
many, 1901, $50; from the United States,
$541, 46S; from France, $s12,7O0; from
the United Kingdom, $2,545, ITO. Total,
81, 2O0,5Ss.
ss4an,,fa nfn1rnd ooftnr, onoda i.,A.o~4