The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-07-28

Report Of Special Commftaee Of Sayan
nah Cotton Exchange

Report Of special Commfsaee Of sayans
nah Cotton Exchange
Report Of special committee OF the Sa-
vannah Cotton Exchange, on the 24x54
standard bale Of cotton:
Your committee after a careful inves-
tigation of the 24x54 standard bale
movement, beg leave TO report:
That We find by recent practical ex-
periments, that al alteration OF The
cotton press boxes TO the measurement
of 24x54 inches, a degree of density can
be secured in COMPRISING cotton,
which will greatly reduce the size OF
the bale for shipment ON rail and ocean
. carriers.
That the country press boxes, with
the exception of a few that have been
changed TO the 24x54 standard diusen-
sions, range in measurement as fol-
lows: 2Sx5S, 30x66 and 33x72.
That the average thickness OF a 500
pound uncompressed bale of cotton is
43 inches; the average space occupied
by a bale of cotton based upon these
dimensions would be S5,7I3 cubic
inches, against Sd, 1928 cubic inches for
the same amount OF cotton packed in q
-24x14 standard press box-a saving in
space of 81 per cent. in favor of the
standard bale, which is an important
item in storage.
That the bale, as it leaves the gin,
is a neater package, better covered
with bagging, therefore better protect
ed against damage by exposure, and
is more easily handled. That two bales
a be loaded fiat into IN ordinary two
horse wagon body, which enables the
carrying Of the cotton to the market
without damage by rubbing Of the
wheels.
That the ordinary bagging when the
standard bale has been compressed,
entirely covers it, which makes it a
neat and we'll protected package for
shipment.
That the larger the bale is in excess
of the 24X54 standard dimensions, the
less density per cubic foot can be Sc
cured in compression. The least of the
above mentioned three irregular size
bales, namely, 2Sx5S inches, averages
after ordinary compression, 8,O16 cubic
inches, against 20,736 cubic inches, fol-
the same amount of cotton packed in
a standard press box of 24x54 inches
a saving in space OF 40 per cent. in
favo of the 24x54 standard bale of cot.
ton; which reduces ocean rates pro.
~portionately.
That ocean rates on cotton are basel
upon the number of pounds that the
bale contains to the cubic foot. A say
ing in space of As per cent. on accou'
of icreased density in compression
which can be secured by packing thu
cotton in standard press boxes, will re
suit in a reduction of at least 40 pei
cent. in the ocean cotton rates. Fo1
example:
Take irregular size bales
1000 bales, Savannah to Liver
pool, SOC, 600 pounds, at 45c. ..$2,25(
Against standard bales
1000 bales, Savannah to Liver
pool, SOC, 600 pounds at 45c., less
40 per cent. increased density. 1854
Assaving in favor of the standard
pale OF VI
Equal to 90c bale.
That We learn from the actual eXpe>
riences of a large number of ginners
Throughout the states of South Caro-
lima, Georgia and Alabama that the cos
of changing their gin press boxes to the
standard dimensions was nominal
ranging from 81 to SIS. The cost de.
ponds largely upon h make of the
press box in use, and whether or moi
the ginner makes the change himself
or employs others to do the work fol
him. That heavy bales of cotton
weighing, say from 500 to 700 younds
a be packed in a 24x54-inch press
box with as little power as is required
for the same amount of cotton to be
packed in a 2Sx58 inch press box.
Therefore your committee is con-
WINGED that the 24x54 standard bale Of
cotton is a great improvement over the
old irregular size bale, and We hearth
F., ly recommend and urge that all ginners
change their press boxes to the 24x54
standard dimensions without delay,
We further recommend and urge hat
all farmers insist Upon having their
cotton packed in a press box Of the
! 24x54 standard dimensions.
: HENRY T. WILLIAMS,
/ President.
J. P. MERRIHEW,
Secretary and SUPERINTENDENT.