Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-11-17
Talks LL'ith Farmers
Conducted BY c. II. Jordan

The agricultural department rightly con-
tends that this species OF statistics should
be made through that department and be
presented as a part of the other reports
made BY Mr. HYDE, chief statistician un-
der Secretary Wilson. The farmers them
selves have also taken the matter up,
and BY resolutions introduced and adopt
ed at the Interstate Cotton Growers AS
ISOLATION. held at Macon, Ga, october >,
insisted that the reports from the ginners
be gathered by the United States depart
ment OF agriculture and not be diverted,
as at present 10 the census department.
Mr.. Hyde estimates the condition OF the
crop and probable yield by reports from
correspondents throughout the cotton
growing counties. while the census depart
ment is undertaking to estimate the crop
from ginners' reports made through diff
ferent periods Of the ginning season. Both
departments are doing valuable work, but
there must be friction and possibly con-
fusion arising at different times between
the reports Of the two departments so
long as the present system prevails.
Whenever the system, now being so
actively undertaken, of securing the re-
ports from gfnners is perfected 1t VIII be
the most accurate statistical information
as 10 the yield Of the crop ever made.
There can be no doubt as TO its accuracy,
speculation on the probable yield OF the
crop for nine months after December, as
is now done. will cease. The only way
we get the size of the crop now are from
the records which show the number of
bales sold and brought into sight from
September / of one year TO September 1
Of the following year. All other methods
employed are speculative and may or may
not be worthy of consideration. The
IL uN1 m6C hRaN~W
Yields to depress prices. and the bull
element makes low estimates to initiate
prices.
What the farmers want Is a method by
which accurate statistics can be gathered
early in the season. so that the price OF
cotton viii be regulated by legitimate de-
mand rather than by speculative f1uctua-
lions. When the demand is known, the
size OF the crop correctly predicted, the
producer can then determine fair value
for the staple. II the producers will then
begin to move the crop slowly, and not
rush the market. fair prices can be OBJ
tanned throughout all seasons of the year.
The day OF overproduction is passed, the
south has not made within the past three
years enough American cotton TO meet
the worlds demand. and all best posted
men on the situation are convinced that
demand win continue 10 keep ahead Of
production. We need better systems for
getting information and better methods
for selling.
An Interesting Report.
The ginners' report above published is
an interesting one. and should contain
much food for thought to all those who
produce cotton ana have any cotton now
on hand for sale. The report not only
endeavors to accurately cover the total
amount of cotton ginned TO October Is,
but II undertakes TO estimate the per-
centage OF the total crop ginned up to
that date. Taking 1t for granted that
these reports and estimates are fairly
correct, they indicate that the probable