The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1898-05-24

he committee thinks these figures are
fairly representative of the division of
the gross receipts in ordinary course of
the business.
~. consumption and export of cotton
goods-Ihe times of usine depression
during 1898 and the years following have
mad considerable effect upOn the CON
sumption Of cotton goods. These goods
are largely used by working people and
others not wealthy. 1t is evident that
when times of depression come they
VIII bear heavily upon these lines of
trade. When wages cease the power to
buy ceases and the consumption falls
off. This IS what took place during 1893
and the years following.
Aside from this depression we think the
consumption OF cotton goods fairly keeps
pace with the increase of population.
The finer grades of cotton are now very
much used and we see no reason why this
will not continue. The export of cotton
goods does not seem to increase much,
and there is no promise that if will IN
crease more.
II. Northern capital in southern mills.
We find that considerable northern cap
IT.. has been invested in southern mills,
though how much cannot be stated.
However. we are of the opinion that most
Of the new mills South are being built
by northern capital. In Il few instances
there are mills built by southern capital
and managed by southern men. The
principal cause of the recent reduction i'm
wages in the cotton mills of this com
Is the great increase in the
production Of cotton goods at a time of
widespread business depression, and the
competition arising therefrOm. This
,a,.,,, tnn Il 11ra -bn- Hoo, e
sized ly the fact that certain of the
coarSer cottons are being made in the
south 1T Il somewhat lower cost than
they are made in Massachusetts. But
this fact. though patent, should not be
taken for the main cause We find also
that some of the mills have not used
sufficient OF their earnings for repairs
and improvements, and because of this
have continued to make the more COM
mon grades. when the growing demands
Of business have been for finer and bet
ter goods. This has still further aegra-
waited the situation.
This includes the causes of the present
condition of the business as far as your
committee has been able to determine
the cause of the reduction of wages if
was ordered to investigate. 1t is agreed.
on all sides that the national Congress
should fix the hours of labor and in gen
eral control labor legislation. so that
there may be uniformity in all the States.
In this matter. however, we can only
! make recommendation, and as the sub
ject is now under consideration by Con
gress. we conclude not to advise any
formal memorial. but leave the matter
with our cOngreSSmen. who are fully adj
vised of the questions at issue and the
riobtc and interests involved
The manufacturers ask for relief from
some of the burdens of local taxation.
and we have gone into the subject suffi-
GENTLY to find that the taxation here is
much heavier than in the South. This
subject is now before another committee
of the legislature and therefore we make
no recommendation. 1t is urged. on the
part of the manufacturers, that the law
limiting the hours of labor of women and