The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1896-01-29
C0ttont0ts In Council.

MEMPHIS, Tenn, Jan. Zl.- 1Oe secf'uu
annual Convention uf Southern Cotton
Growers and others directly concerned
with the cotton crop convened here
to-day upon a call from President
Hector D. Lane, of Alabama. Every one
of the cotton growing states was repre-
scented, Mississippi and Arkansas having
conspicuously large and intelligent dele
cations. President Lane, who was
chosen permanent chairman, delivered
his address Immediately after the Con-
vention was called to order, dealing e1-
tensively with statistics to demonstrate
the necessity for holding the cOtton
acreage within bounds. He pointed out
that the annual surplus Is the effective
instrument used by the cotton "bear"
10 depress values and that over -produc-
lion fosters manipulation.
At the conclusion of the address the
various committees were appointed, and
then the Hon. Charles Scott, Of Missis-
sippi, was introduced. He dwelt chiefly
upon the method of the Southern cotton
grower. which carried bim away from
diversification to the all cotton crop,
which, In turn, carried him TO the supply
men who predicated their advances upon
that crop. The close of MIR. Scolt's ad.
dress aroused enthusiasm, because he
war in which this country should figure
as principal. He insisted that so long
as war could be bonorahlv averted let It
oe done, but when the time arrived 1t
would h6 found that the agriculturists of
the South would be found among the
foremost of the country's soldiers. "Let
ds remember our honored British ances-
ry." be claimed. "and with single
voice let the people of both nations say
God save the President. God save the
Queen.'"
At the close of this speech the commit
tse on resolutions announced its readiness
u report, aud did 81. The preamble
recites the evil consequences of over pro-
duction and unsystematic mark eting OF
the cotton crop, and resolves, "rhat we
call the attention OF Southern cotton
growers to the fact that they are masters
'ftbe situation. The crop of 1895 ,heing
less than seven million bales, renders 1t
entirely feasible by further reasonable
reduction of acreage during the present
wear to materially advance the value OF
,sotton, and thus insure safe and sub
4tautial profit that cannot fail to bring
Increased prosperity to the South, not
,nly as the immediate result OF such
profit, but by enhancing the value OF
nur la"ds and turning hither the tide OF
Immigration, much needed for the devel-
'pmept of the great natural resources OF
bis favored section.
"We earnestly urge all producers OF
,a,tton TO take advantage of this golden
opportunity, and to continue the wise
policy adopted during the past season OF
making the South self.supportiug by
tirst producing an abundant supply Of
..Orn, hay, meat and other like commodt
ties for home consumption. decreasing
che cotton acreage still further for the
matter Of prime im p0rtance, thus guard
ug against the dangers of over prodnc
ion aid leaving the cotton az surplus
1rop.n
Other resolutions were rer ortsd and
adopted, making the Amerl an cotton
Growers Association permanent, In
structing the president and executive
.Dmmittee to move energetically against
-very disposition to increase acreage, and
.,rovldiDg for permanent officers from
ach cotton growing State.
A committee was also appointed to
formulate an address to agriculturists
and to prepare and premulgate 1t, after
shich the Convention adjourned sine die.
The committee on address soon COM
pleted Its work. calling attention tn the
greater returns from the decreased crops
and the cause therefor. The e9%nairtse
nucludes = ~-a<zas
"We appeal to your selt.interest and
your patriotism to do all In your power
% keep down the production Of the staple.
Dn not desert the ground you have won.
Eight upon the lines laid down, make the
otton States self,supportinR put more
and In clover and grasses for your hog>
o run on diversity your crops, and
when you have done all this the area
devoted TO cotton will yield more prof
cable. returns than If you sought to in
crease the number of your bales. 1t II
felt by the most thoughtful men that We
are entering upon year OF great uncer.
tainties, and that even small cotton
.rop may fail to give adequate returns
FOR it's production. The mutterings of
-torm are disturbing the country and un-
settling all business calculations. The
prudent man will trim his sails to meet
t. With the commerce Of the country
interrupted by wsr-and war may come
cotton would be unsaleable except at
nominal prices. Every consideration
,hen of patriotism or self-interest and OF
prudence indicates that you adhere
strictly to the rule ofdiminished acreage"