Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1899-07-28
Tobacco Growers Troubles.

A conference Of Tobacco growers Of
Prince Georges county was held last
week with the Commission Merch ants
dealing in that product, in Baltimore
city, with view to ascertain, If posi-
bic, the cause Of the low prices Of
tobacco, but from what we can gather,
but little satisfaction was obtained from
the meeting. The commission men as
might have been expected. attributed
the depression in the market to the
quality Of the crop, and there is doubt
less much in what they say, but we
imagine, like the farmers, that not all
Of the difficulty is due to that cause.
Much Of our crop is taken by the French
government, and this year, the contract
for supplying the same was awarded to
one concern in Baltimore, destroying the
competition that has heretofore existed
when at least two well-known tobacco
buying firms have controlled the bust
ness, and here, we believe the trouble
lies Much Of last years crop is suita-
bic only for the French market and the
contractor seeing and knowing this, and
having no competition, and apprehending
no danger in filing his contract, is buying
at his own figures. Such state of affairs
shows conclusively that the tobacco
growers are at present absolutely in the
hands Of the buyers and the relief lies in
the Lewiston Of some plan whereby this
class Of farmers can be more indepen-
dent in a matter Of SO much Importance
to their material welfare.
1t seems to us that if the tobacco buy
ers were made to come here and buy
uIrect from the farmers instead Of
through the medium of middle men the
evil would be remedied, 1t is done in
Virginia and why cannot it be done
here2 Of course the buyer will oppose
the idea. because it will be hurtful to
their present plan Of controlling the to
bacco market, and the commission mel
will oppose it, because it will virtually
destroy their business so far as the sell
ing Of tobacco is concerned, but the to
bacco growers must not be fearful o
such influences. Their interest demand
some such a change in the manner o
the sale of their most important product
and in so important matter some heroi,
action is necessary. There is no reason
for the tobacco growers being in the hand
cfthe buyers. The demand for MarylanC
tobacco is Of character that the buyer
cannot control it. The peculiar texture o
the weed makes the demand, uncontroll
able by any inAuene whatsoever, and i
will be had, if not at one price a
another. Its place cannot be supplied
by any other crop. So II oar farmer
will fall upon the plan Of keeping it a
home until remunerstive demands, which
are inevitable, come they will obtain liv
ing prices for the product. To do thi
they must make Southern Maryland th'
market field When noe shipped i
gets beyond their control There is
feeling Of kinship between the commits
sion men and the buyer. disguise it Al
you please. and when the former get
control of the crop the latter knows it i
within the buyers reach and it will b,
only question Of short time when the,
can get it at their own prise
The commission men offer induce
ments by way of advancements to secur,
oonsignments, the farmer falls victim
to the temptation, and when he ship
his crop it must go and the buyers know
it This could be prevented if the croy
was kept at home and sold directly ther,.
from. The fact that the fMners mus
have supplies is no argument against
such a plan. Accommodation could be