The age-herald., 1900-12-03
A. s. Johnson of Meridian Re-
 viSeS His Figures
HE PLACES II AT 9,5OO,OOO
Says Severe Drought in August Was Responsible for Decrease in Pro- duction-Discusses Acreage.
 Predicts Higher Prices.

A. s. Johnson of Meridian, Miss, one of the leading cotton factors and compress men in the South. has issued a circular of recent date in which he estimates the cot ton crop of 19OO-190i at 95OO,OOO bales. On July IS he estimated the crop at 100000 bales and in explanation of the lower esti- mate of the latter days of November he says: Such possibilities at that time, how ever, as was stated, depended in a large measure upon weather conditions follow ing, mainly the absence of a drought in August and freak of nature after Sep tember 1, such as was seen after that date in 1S9S It will be remembered that the crop suffered very geatly during the month of August from a severe drought, accompanied in some districts by hot winds This was particularly noticeable in portions of Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas. Only small area of Mississippi was visited, while Texas practically escaped"
 In referring to the reported Increased acreage this year MT Johnson says:
 "So far as acreage Is concerned, 1t has been my opinion that all of us were mis- taken as 10 increase. ludL liSTS was SOilio increase cannot be denied, but no so much as generally believed. Preparations for thousands of acres were commenced which time was never given to even plant.
 Summing up the situation, and making due allowance for increase in Texas, it will be almost impossible to figure how this crop can ever reach 9,5OO,000 This figure is arrived at by allowing Texas (which in- cludes Indian Territory) and Arkansas an increase of 90O0O0 bales over the crop of 1S99-1900, the balance of the states show ing a deficit of 100000 My calculations are based upon yield last season of not more than 9,O00.OOO, and, assuming there will be but little of this crop carried over, it ought to give something under 9,5OO,000 the commercial crop of 19O0-19O1.
 Should my ideas prove incorrect and the crop turn out even 10,0000O0, the trade will be forced to witness another great scarcity of supplies which will undoubtedly again attract the attention of speculators next spring and summer and we may yet wit ness before the crop of 1901-1902 Is assured, the highest prices in twenty to twenty-five years"
 There has been a slight falling off in the number of bales of cotton taken by Ameri- can mills since September 1 as compared with the corresponding period last year. In his report of the takings by spinners this season Secretary Hester of the New Orleans cotton exchange gives the follow ing figures:
 Taken by Northern spinners from and via delivery ports this year, 247, ,421 bales; last year. 356,472 bales.
 Overland to Northern mills and Canada during three months this year, Al, ,O34 bales; last year, 5S1 032 bales.
 Total Northern spinners and Canada, September to November 30, inclusive, this year, 71S,455 bales; last year, 9345O4 bales
 Total Souehern spinners takings this year. 426,S72 bales; last year. 444,045 bales.
 Total American mills, North and South and Canada, for three months this year, 1,145,3H bales; last year, 1881, ,549 bales.