The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1898-04-06
COTTON TROUBLES.
iaEW ENGLANp'S OPPORTUNITY TO
CURE THEM.

Attempt Co Compete With the South In
the Coapser Grades.
The firms engaged in manufacturing
the finer grades of cotton goods in Man
chester formed recently combination
based upon the profit earning capacity
Of each firm. The capital represented is
$50, ZOO, 900. This new alliance has
been made to facilitate the extension of
trade in their products as we'll as for the
better overcoming of foreign competi-
tion. Sir William Houlsworth, mem
Der of parliament for the northwest di-
vision of Manchester. one of the lead
ing cotton spinners of that city, has
been elected chairman of the new ALI
ance This indicates that the British
center for the production of the finest
cotton fabrics has discovered that the
time has come for mutual cooperation
in protecting and increasing their in
dustry.
On this class of goods the Dingley
bill carries duties based on the number
of threads to the square inch counting
the warp and filling. on the weight to
the square yard of the cloth, and on the
value per square yard in excess of IL
cents. All this may be found in schedule
/ of the Dingley bill, from which was
collected in 1897 an aggregate of SILL,
1874, 764 81. Large importers of these
c-nnHc fhof tho far nf
them are of the more costly character,
including quite number that are not
as yet made in American mills. On all
other manufactures of cotton not spe-
cially provided for a duty of 40 per
cent adj valorem Is collected. All
pushes, velvets, velveteens and other
fine fabrics made of cotton, if not
bleached, dyed, colored stained paint
ed or printed, must pay 8 cents per
square yard and 20 per cent ad valorem,
while those that are bleaohed, dyed
colored, ETC., must pay IL cents per
square yard and 20 per cent al valorem
and cuttings from these in any form
that make them special articles Of mer-
chandise must pay an e@ra 10 per cent
an NulUlNnis anu III iiO GdSt FIldAl dlll VI
the articles named in this paragraph
pay less rate than Az per cent ad
valorem.
On the other hand, chenille curtains,
table covers and all others of which cot
con chenille forms the component mate
rial of chief value must pay 30 per cSnt
adj valorem.
Cotton stockings, hose and half hose
made on knitting machines or frames
must pay 80 per cent al valorem, while
selvaged, fashioned narrowed, shaped
wholly or in part by knitting machines
including those commercially known as
seamless, if valued at not more than 81
a dozen pair, shall pay 90 cents IA dozen
and 10 per cent al valOrem; those cost
ing from 81 to SD shall pay the same
ad valorem and go cents a Dozen those
costing 50 a dozen, 20 cents; those cost
ing SO, $l.20; those costing So, So
dozen, and all OF higher value So per
cent adj valorem. All these different
rates require much careful examination
at the appraisers offices to prevent any
blunders from being made.
These figures show that the Dingley
hill has made ample provision for the
protection of American cotton manufac-
turers and has given them encourage
ment to engage in the production of
finer goods than they have ever yet
made.
There is, therefore, no good rea-
son for any longer delaying the produc.
zion OF these finer woven and knitted
goods and in making this country indie
pendent of the Manchester mills, in so
far as our domestic markets are con-
cerned, and III entering into competi-
tion with them in foreign markets.
Another benefit of this wisely devised
cotton schedule is that it gives to the
northern mills an opportunity to solve
the problem which the great growth of
southern cotton weaving has given
them. 1t will be long time before the
south can give its poor whites the ex-
perience and skill needed for weaving
fine goods while it will continue to in
crease mills of the present class until
they meet all demands for domestic
consumption and for export to the new
markets opening up III Africa and else
where.
Consumption of all staple goods
must keep pace with the growing popu-
lation of the world an obvious fact that
offsets the claim of overproduotion, and
as civilization advances even barbarians
discover, as did Adam, that they must
hide their nakedness.
One Of the latest cotton mills to go
into operation in the south is the Indian
Head at Cordova. Ala, built by Arthur
Armor and other cotton manufacturers
of Boston at a cost of 5000, 600. 1t has
tract of 600 acres that were given it
by Cordova citizens Rich coal veins
open at the engine room door, giving
them fuel for their steam engine at less
than 40 cents ton. This mill has u.s.
600 spindles and 1000 looms and will
consume 10, 900 bales annually. The
state has given the company exemption
from taxes for term OF years. 1t is on
the main line of the Southern and Kan.
20 fN,txv 4ho onI