The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-06-30

The Republic Bureau.

Washington June 29-Ci-avc fears are en-
ter;ained at the Agricultural Department
| that the cotton production Of the South will
steadily decline in the face of growing de-
inands at home and abroad and as oppor-
tunities increase for ''cornering" the supply.
Chief EntomClogist L. y. Howa-i of the
Agricultural Department has just returned
from visit 10 Texas with discourasing re-
ports of the cotton crop outlook there. ow-
ing to the heavy encroachments and grow
Ing peril Of the boil weevil
On Friday the monthly cotton report Will
be issued by Chief Statistician Hyde Of the
Agricultural Department and +; Is expected
TO show some remarkable figures casting
light upon the present strained situation in
the cotton supply and demand. causing the
mills and looms OF England 10 close and
raising prices beyond AL normal range.
Preliminary reports from reliable au-
thorities in New orleans likewise show that
there is a remarkable decrease III the visi-
BILE supply OF cotton. According to the
visible supply statement up 10 June %. the
total visible supply in America is only Isl.
Ge4 bales. against 1.s5j0S3 bales the CORE
spending period last year. This is regarded
ineXpl!cabIe in view OF the cotton pro-
duction and the increased demand at home
and abroad. II is not improbable that this
decrease in the visible supply may be eX-
planned bv the operations OF the bull fac
ton on the New Orleans Cotton Exchange.
The Agricultural department officials are
averse to casting any light upon the situa-
ton beyond the compilations of the Bureau
Of Statistics. inasuuch - 1t Is feared tlIat
such information might be misconstrued
for speculative purposes.
GOVERNMENT TO TAKE ACTION.
Nevertheless. it is admitted that the time
has come for the Government 20 take some
action TO prevent 4 general decrease in the
cotton supply. Chief Ertomoiosist Howard
reports that eight experimental stations
have been established in Texas with view
OF introducing Northern cotton seed, which
Is said 20 be better proof against the boil
weevil.
TIE plant division Of the Agricultural
Department also announces that it is max
ing new cotton-seed experiments in various
cotton-growins sections OF the country with
a variety of seeds to facilitate the growth
and overcome obstacles which now threaten
the cotton-producins States.
The decrease in visible supply to nearly
one-third the amount last year IS remark
able indeed said Mr.. Howard to-day. Il
recently returned from Texas trip to in
vest!gate the boil weevil inroads upon Texas
cotton. l must admit that the situation now
looks discouraging. 1t is also true that cot
ton growers are beginning 10 use their best
land for other purposes because OF the dan
ger from boil weevil.
These lands are being used for rice and
alfalfa production. But If the price of cot
ton increases owing to the greater demand.
il is certain that the cotton-growins acre
age will be extended TO oths. States. There
$ no remedy for the boil weeyil insect ex-
ceps to use different kind of cotton seed
and plant the seeds further apart. At the |
light experimental stations established in
Texas. We have guaranteed the growers half |
= bale an acre and will make good out OF |
the appropriation from Congress any loss Of
product.
There is no doubt that the weevil is also |
extending eastward, but has not yet crossed |
the Mississippi River. 1t is reported that |
the weevil has made hts appearance in |
Louisiana, but this is not authenticated"