Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-10-13
COTTON MEN TALK
ON IMPORTANT
ISSUES
DISCUSSION AT MACON MEETING
WAS FULL OF INTEREST
TO PLANTERS OF
THE STAPLE.

MACON Ga, oct. lO.-There was large
and enthusiastic meeting of the Southern
Cotton Growers association at the county
courthouse Wednesday night. Meeting was
called to order by President Harvie Jor-
dan, OF Georgia, at g o'clock
Several hundred representatives were
present, men present from every cotton
state. occupying the space in the court
house.
Mr.. Jordan explained briefly that the
purpose Of the meeting was to discuss
questions of vital concern to the cotton
farmers Of the south.
Mr.. E. s. Peters, Of Texas, was then in
troduced. He spoke for a half hour about
the ravages Of the Mexican cotton beetle
in the state of Texas He said that few
years ago this pest, which was first no
ticed in Mexico was noticed in the south
ern counties of Texas.
''It was thought at that time" said he,
"that 1t would die out and would not go
further north. But this has not been the
case Last year the beetle injured the
cotton crop of. Texas to the amount of
$4,000 bales and this year the damage
which this insect has wrought has de-
creased the crop to 10000 bales.
The insect requires about II yads for
maturity. One specimen lays as many as
800 eggs before 1t dies. Getting into the
blod of the cotton foliage it begins to eat
and son the hot sun causes the cotton to
wither and die so that there are sections
IN our state where the cotton crop will not
amount to a bale 10 100 acres"
Mr.. Peters also discussed the Importance
Of having correct government reports as
to the amount of cotton produced and said
that he was glad that he agricultural de-
partment at Washington was a reliable
source Of information In this regard. He
introduced the following resolution which
was carried by the convention:
whereas, one of the most important
and valuable obligations of our general
government is the collection and publica-
ton in due time OF statistics showing the
true condition of the growing crops and
the ultimate yield and is the only medium
that stands between the grower and the
consumers on the one hand and the spec
ultor on the other;
Therefore be 1t resolved, That we
heartily indorse the work of the division
of statistics of the United States depart
ment of agriculture and strongly depre-
cate any attempt to minimize its infiu-
ence or work, and most earnestly protest
against the transfer to any other bureau
or division.
"But would most respectfully urge upon
congress to make liberal appropriations
and widen it's sphere of work"
Mr.. Peters then explained to the con-
vention that an important issue before
1t was that of the extraordinary rate of
tare charged in foreign countries, 80
pounds per bale being charged in Liver
pool, or 6 per cent. He said that tare
should not be more across the water than
in this country. He thought that the time
had come when the farmers of the coun-
try should take united action in the mat
ter. The discussion was taken up at
once.
At this point Mr.. w. r. Kemp, of Eman-
uel county Georgia, made the motion
that a, committee on resolutions be APP
pointed consisting of one man from each
state who should draw up some form of
action for the convention.
When he had taken his seat Mr.. w. P.
Bachelor, of Raleigh, N. c., said:
Suppose that the warehousemen should
refuse to pay any attention to our reso-
buttons? What then?"
''Tlne and time again we have passed
resolutions and still the imposition
against US goes steadily on. We have
pointed with pride and viewed with alarm
but Il all has been of no avail L make an
amendment to this resolution, that II it
passes unheeded and the trusts and cot
ton buyers continue to move on in their
accustomed manner, that they be put on
notice that this organization VIII take
steps to consider a plan whereby cottor
shall be transferred from the farmer tr
the spinner by agents of the farmers as
ISOLATION"
For years the bravest, brainiest, best
men on earth have been imposed upon.
The farmer must organize. he must
stand together as men OF other vocations.
United then he will not enjoy his rights" I
The amendment was accepted, the re-
marks of Mr.. Bachelor calling forth vo-
ciferous applause.
The report of the committee was as fol-
lows:
1--WE. the representatives of the cotton
producing states, in session assembled, at
Macon, Ca, October Sth, 1902, object to
the recent ruling of the Southern Cotton