The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-06-01
TO TAKE UP CLASSIFICATION.
COMMISSIONER STEVENS HERE FOR
THAT PURPOSE.

VIII Discuss the Subject To-day
with MIR. j. +. Williams, whose
Communication started the BAH
Rolling Commissioner stevens
Heartily Endorses the Idea--A Day
TO he Given the Question at the
Annual Meeting of the State Agri-
cultural Society, and Members of
Cotton Exchanges Invited to Be
Present.
Hon. o. b. Stevens. commissioner of ag-
riculture arrived in The city last night,
and is at the Pulaski. Mr.. Stevens has ar
ranged for meeting this morning with
Mr.. J. P. Williams. whose communication
to the commissioner upon the subject of
standard cotton classification has aroused
such general interest.
Commissioner Stevens said last night
that he thoroughly agrees with Mr.. Will
lams as 10 the Importance of the matter,
and is desirous of doing everything in his
power to accomplish the desired object.
Il have corresponded with the commits
sloners of agriculture of several of the
Southern States" said MIR. Stevens, land
find that they are in sympathy with me
in this matter. The movement in behalf
of standard classification seems to have
met with general Endorsement have
taken the matter up with Hon. Pope
Brown, and it has been decided to devote
day to the discussion of the question at
the meeting of the State Agricultural So
ciety to be held at Quitman in August.
Cotton factors brokers bIVprS will
be invited TO be present and TO take part
in the discussion in order that the ques-
ton may be considered in all its bearings.
Some definite idea may then be arrived
at of what it is desired TO accomplish"
Mr. Stevens was asked what steps had
been taken for a convention of the cotton
growing states to consider general action
on the question.
The idea Of "A convention has been con-
sdered," he said but 1 think it better
that we should discuss the matter among
ourselves first and outline some definite
plan. We will then have something to
submit 20 the convention when it is called
together"
Il see no reason" continued Mr.. Ste
vens, why a standard system of cotton
classification should not be established.
! ] fully agree with Mr.. Williams that the
present lack of system is injurious to the
PRODUCER, and nave no DOUBT thal All
| classes interested in the cotton business
will be benefited by the establishment or
a standard classification. The present
method by which the grade of the cotton
is determined after it has reached the
other side is entirely wrong. The grade
of the cotton should be finally established
before it leaves the port"
I'm adopting a standard classification
the essential point, of course, is to secure
experienced cotton classers, whose judg-
ment could be relied upon. l would be will
| ling so far as I am concerned, to have
| these classers of members of boards of
! arbitration. elected by the Cotton Elk
| changes. or to have them appointive by
| me on recommendation of the Cotton Elk
! changes. 1t would be 10 the interest of
the members of the exchanges, of course,
! to secure expert classers."
Mr. Stevens says that he will confer
with Mr. Williams to-day for the purpose
Of posting himself more fully upon the
ideas outlined by the latter in his commu-
nication TO the commissioner of recent
date.