Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1902-07-02
THE TRUE COTTON POLICY

NS HERE has always been a disposi-
q tion among the farmers and coun-
zANIaU try merchants throughout the South
S\B> ISER to eDdeavor to hold prices by cur
| OH 4a1Al failing acreage II has been fire.
lM -O-AN quently pointed out that this was
AllR a shOrtsighted and unwise policy,
- because whatever benefit accrued
to the producers from the higher prices was more
than Offset by the stimulation which the higher
prices gave to the cultivation of cotton in other
countries, not to speak OF the unfavorable effect on
consumption Of such high prices.
1t is not meant that cotton should be produced at
at unprOhtable prices. OveTprOductiOn is an evil
which will speedily bring its own cure but year
OF overproductiOn does not do near the harm that
season Of deliberate curtailment of acreage would
even where such curtailment has temporarily result
ed in high prices. It must be admitted, however,
that despite all the talk, short crops have been due
but in very small measure to curtaiment OF acre
age.
Despite the fuctu atoms which occur from year to
year the worlds consumption Of cotton is steadily
increasing, and it is the fixed belief Of all who have
investigated the subject that the consumption will
yet reach figures several times greater than the
present totals. So far this country has furnished
the lions share OF the raw cotton because Ameri-
can cotton gave the best quality for the money as
we'll as an adequate quantity OF desired grades It
is important that this supremacy 10 the cotton trade
should be maintained
1t is clear that il the worlds consumption con-
/
tinues to increase the authorities declare it WILL
this country will have to steadily increase its pro-
duction both by extension Of acreage as well as
by better methods of cultivation. Unless we do
this, other countries where it is possible to grow
cotton certainly will. Should American cotton
growers, by system of deliberate restriction Of
acreage succeed in keeping prices on very high
plane competing cOttOn-grOwing countries will be
encouraged to increase their acreage so as TO be able
to make good the deficit in the worlds consumption
nwn4re ,~.aAg@s :.
hence the worlds growing needs should be met
mainly By increased production in this country.
By allowing normal conditions to prevail, we need
have no fear OF foreign competition as it is freely ad
mitted BY everybody that this country can grow
better and cheaper cotton than any other country,
hence the control OF the worlds market must con-
tnue with US as long We prepared to supply the
worlds needs.
The proper policy, then, is for the South to grow
as much cotton as the world will take at a prOfta-
bic price. The cost Of production should be cheap
ened ss much as possible By intensified farming,
diversfcation Of crops and the production at home
OF the supplies required. Such q policy will keep
the extension Of acreage within reasonable bounds
without resort to concerted efforts to restrict the
cotton area. 1t is only BY keeping the price down
to a figure which will discourage foreign cotton
growers who have less natural facilities than we
have that we can hope to retain the undsputed con-
troll Of the cotton market which we now possess.
The report that Governor Taft had effected a sat
isiactOry agreement with the pope, whereby the
papal consent to the sale OF the friars lands in the
Philippines had been obtained, is modified by a
later report to the effect that hitch in the proceed
ings may defeat the whole undertaking. It seems
that conditions we're imposed which Taft was un-
willing to accept and which could not have been ac-
cepted even if he had been SO disposed.
When Judge Taft was received at the Vatican
those who gave him audience may not have known
the restrictions be was under but he certainly lost
no time IN making his limitations clear He Is not
the diplomatic representative Of the United States
government authorized to enter into political agree
ments. BE went to Rome simply to tender a com
mercial proposition. When the Vatican asked
therefore, that the church have supervision Of pri-
mary education in the islands, he could only say
that he had no authority to grant the concession.
There is no principle to which the American pco-
pie more tenaciOusly adhere than that OF separation
Of church and state and this principle viii be main
tanned IS iealousy in dealing with our island possess
ions IS II controlling our domestic affairs.
The government at Washington recognize the
fact that the friars should receive ul compensation
for their property when it Isl taken away from them
The lands on which the parish churches stand are
government property. Our government proposes
to transfer the titles Of these properties to the church
and to pay fair price for the monastic holdings.
With the cooperation Of Pope Leo the plan ia eas-
be and is entirely probable that the request for
church supervision of the schools viii not be insist
ca on. The pope is well aware that the United
States is attempting nothing but to place the Philip
pines On the same fair and impartla lire in regard
religious affairs as is maintained in this country
Michigan is in the grip OF the beet sugar men.
The Republican convention vent 40 luther ii rs
endorsement Of the administration fhnf - offer fz