Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-07-10

the advice OF the association after the
staple had reached remunerative prices.
The statistics and estimates on the size
and condition OF the crop were proven
true and Il was admitted by the mills that
10 cents per pound for the staple was not
excessive.
Notwithstanding the break IN prices
caused by the rush OF the staple on the
market In the southwest, the crop har-
vesed in 1900. although not a large crop,
Melted many millions more 20 the
producers than any crop ever before
or since grown in the south and an un-
usual era OF prosperity was developed.
Organization In Texas.
Last summer the organization secured
its first foothold in Texas, and much good
work was done perfecting subbranches of
the state association in many Of the best
cotton growing counties in that state. For
some reason. however. the producers east
OF the Mississippi seemed to be satisfied
with the successful effort they made in
1906 and apparently decided to let the
buyers have their way again IN forcing
down prices to the cost OF production. The
local branches IN the different counties
failed 10 respond to the efforts Of Colo
mel w A Broughton, who was elected
last August as the head OF the Georgia
association, and but little or nothing was
done.
The consequence was that with but lit
tie or no larger crop made in 1901 than
was harvested in 1900. and with all the
spindles running on fun time and the price
OF cotton goods selling at an advance, the
producers rushed their staple on the
market and sacrificed 1t at the low price
Of = cents per pound. II cotton was worth
10 cents IN 1900. IL was certainly just as
valuable. IL not more so, in 1901, because
the conditions for Its manufacture ana de-
mand by the trade was far more favora-
BILE. Those few OF US who did holo uhui
late this spring received cents per pound
for the staple, and many holders got even
better prices than that II 1t was worth
cents in March. il was worth cents
in September, 1901.
What Of the Future.
The crop now being cultivated, unless
seasons are unusually favorable from now
on is not likely to yield more than lO,SOO,-
600 TO II 900 COCO bales. With the depleted
stocks at all the mills and no surplus 10
carry over from the crop OF 1901, with the
present heavy demand for cotton goods In
eli parts of the civilized world, certainly
there can be no plausible reason why the
crop OF 1e02 should not sell for 10 cents
per pound. The method OF marketing the
next crop will fix the price at which the
STAPLE will be sold. If the crop is rushed
on the market we may confidently expect
that the buyers will force the price down
to and cents per pound.
II we study the situation, keep posted
through organization. and by cooperation
market the crop slowly at the opening of
the season. and demand the true value
OF our staple, we can as easily secure 10
cents per pound for the coming crop as
we did In the fall Of 1900 There are no
debts due before the first of October. and
I'll. az for
the staple on the buyers I'm August ana
September, thereby lowering the market
when obligations are due. The only busi-
ness way 70 sell cotton is to hold II when
the price Is below its legitimate value,
and sell slowly when prices are good.
The crop should be marketed through
period OF ten months instead Of four
months.
The United States interior department
will actively begin this season 10 promptly
secure reports from ginners each month,
and the statistics will be promptly issued.
Through that source we win know at the
end OF the ginning season the exact size
OF the crop. and the spectators who are
always figuring on big crops. even after
January. In order to keep prices de-
pressed. will have 20 go away back and
SIT down" I appeal 20 every member of
the association Of 1900 TO make an earnest
and active effort TO get their organizations
LOEELneT again. 4 appear 10 Al
counties where no organization has eX-
listed 20 issue a call for a meeting and or
ganize a sub-branch Of the state associa-
ton.
Literature will be furnished by writing
either 70 the state president. Hon. w. A.
BrOughton, Madison. Ca. or to myself at
Monticello Ga. Either he or myself will
promptly respond to calls from counties
where the people want t. meet and discuss
this question with a view looking 20 or
ganiZation. There is a good state organi-
zation now in all the cotton growing
states. and all that is needed TO secure
results in the sale of the coming crop is
for the farmers in the different counties
70 get together and pledge their mutual
cooperation. Every member Of the asso-
citation who is a subscriber 20 this paper
will be kept fully posted on the entire
cotton situation as the reports are gather
ed from all parts Of the belt. With corn at
SIS per bushel and meat selling at Is
cents per pound; with labor scarce and
| high. how can any farmer expect 70 make
both ends meet II he Is forced to sacrifice
/ his cotton this fall at and cents per
/ pound? II is a business proposition which
will not work out except disastrously for
/ the producer. No need to sit quietly down
and expect the buyers to pay one-hun-
K dredth part of a cent more than they are
absolutely forced to.
| II BY cooperation we demand a fair
/ price and refuse to sell at the opening Of
the season until that price is paid we
/ will in that event receive compensation
/ for the value OF our labors and the rental
\ for our lands. Hard, laborious work is
/ done in marketing the crop and every eff
/ fort should be made to sell II at profit
/ because out Of the sale OF our crops comes
| the remuneration on our bushes.
One man can accomplish nothing by
| himself, but let US all get together and
/ make a strenuous effort TO sell the coming
4 crop for as much money as we did the
crop OF 1900. 1t can be done and will be
4 done unless the farmers voluntarily re-
main indifferent
HARvIE JORDAN.