davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Southern farm gazette. (Starkville, Miss.) 1895-1909, 1903-01-01

for stock, tools, etc, the entire
cost of which would not exceed
50, 500. And the cost of maipten-
ance would not exceed $25 annu-
ally, ever if the cabins we're
white-washed, as is sometimes
the case. If new fencing is nee.
essary. a few hours work will
provide posts and rails from the
timber which grows on every
plantation.
Question Nc. 4. Is the rent
collectible, and are the co!ored
cotton growers reliable aud re-
sponsible?
Colored men like other tenants,
are not all alike-some are good,
some are very good, some bad.
some very bad. The laws of
Mississippi, however, 50 favor
the landlord that it is a rare thing
for tenant on a cotton farm to
escape paying his rent, and it is
also fair to say that t is unusual
to find one who is disposed to do
so. They expect to grow cotton
next year, and the year after.
They understand if they run
short of cornmeal and bacon, that
the landlord will help them out
until the next crop is marketed.
Hence a desire on the part of the
tenant to live up to his contract.
Question No. S. Do you advise
Northern farmers to locate in the
Mississippi Valley and attempt
to work their cotton plantations
as they do their farms in Illinois
and Iowa?
The question under discussion
is the comparison of cotton lands
with Northern farm lands, as an
investment. The above question
is not, therefore, pertinent; but it
is a common one and should be
answered.
1t is hard to determine why,
but it is a fact that the negro is
especially apapted to growing
cotton. It is also a fact that the
climate in which cotton grows
most successfully is peculiarly
adapted to the African ace. I'm
der such conditions, with plenty
of negroes to perform this labor,
it seems fitting that such work
be assigned to them. l would
not be understood to urge that
the Northern white man cannot
plant an1 cultivate cotton equally
as we'll as the negro, nor would l
even intimate that they cannot
withstand the scorching sun of a
cotton climate; but experience
has shown that the negroes of
the Mississippi Valley are the
natural producers of cotton, and
the Northern farmer gets better
results when be recognizes this
fact, and employs them, either as
tenants or laborers, to do such
work.
In the discussion of this cues.
ton the writer has had but
thing in mind, viz: to convince
Northern land investors, such as
bankers, lawyers, railroad men,
real estate agents and others
having means to invest Ia farms,
that the cotton plantation in the
Mississippi Valley is a better in
vestment and promises larger re-
turns on the money invested,
than Northern farms; that the
original investment in a cotton
plantation is less than half that
in a Northern farm of the same
The Southern farm gazette. (Starkville, Miss.) 1895-1909, 1903-01-01

Birmingham Business College
Offers advantages for students entering now. Railroad fare
paid. Positions guaranteed. Birmingham needs bookkeepers
and stenographers Write for illustrated catalogue. free.
WILLARD J. WHEELER. President.
Birmingham. Alabama,
The Southern farm gazette. (Starkville, Miss.) 1895-1909, 1903-01-01
Mississippi Valley Cotton Lands
Compared With Illinois and Iowa Farm
Lands as an Investment.
tine SOUTH A CENTER OF ATTRACTION.

the Illinois Central Railroad Com.
a known as Southern Farm
Lands" has awakened a general
interest in the subject of cotton
growing in the Mississippi Delta
as compared with grain and stock
growing in the Northern States;
and as a reply to the many letters
of inquiry, we publish the follow
ing, which in a general way, n
swers a few of the questions.
Question l. Will you please
explain how it is possible, as stat
ed in y.,ur circular, for improved
cotton lands in the Mississippi
Valley to rent for So and So per
acre, which can be- purchased for
from $50 to $35 per acre?
We confess it is hard to ex-
plain. But, after all, it is a con-
ditiop, not a theory; and one that
could not obtain anywhere except
in the South, where the tenants
do not seem interested in owning
farms. Tenants throughout the
Northwest expect, in time, to
have far ms OF their own, and they
will not pay such rentals as will
simply afford them a living. They
expect to save a few hundred dol
lars every year with with which,
in the course of seven to ten
years, they can buy a farm of
their own. Not so with the COL
ored tenant of the South. They
literally believe that Sufficient
unto the day is the evil thereof"
and they do not expect more than
a living, and apparently are hap
py in the thought that they are
sure of enough to eat and a place
to sleep Hence they are willing
to pay such rental as the landlord
may exact, providing they are
reasonably sure of a moderate
living.
Question 2. Is there ever a
scarcity OF tenants in the Missis-
sippi Valley7
We do not remember of having
seen, or even heard of a cotton
plantation not being worked for
want of a tenant. The fac. that
these fertile lands in the Valley
produce from three-fourth of a
bale to a bale of cotton per acre,
without an ounce of fertilizer.
while in the older cotton produce
ing sections, with expensive fer
tilization, only one-fourth to one
half a bale is expected, has driven
many of the eolored cotton grow
ers to the Mississippi Valley, and
as a rule, there are a dozen ten.
ants for every plantation wher-
ever the soil is sufficiently fertile
t. grow such cotton as is grown
in the Mississippi Valley between
Memphis and Vicksburg.
Question 3. How does the ex.
pense of maintaining a cotton
plantation compare with that of
an Illinois or Iowa farm?
st of maintenance is de-
4ealy in favor of the cotton
plantation. To illustrate, a North
ern farm of say five hundred
acres, will have from $4,000 to
$1,000 invested in buildings.
These buildings are constantly
in need of repair. They must be
painted every three to FIVE years,
which is of itself quite an ex-
pense. New barbed wire fences
are necessary every year. Mead
ows and pastures must be re-
seeded. Indeed, the expense of
maintaining a No 1 Markham
The Southern farm gazette. (Starkville, Miss.) 1895-1909, 1903-01-01
Newton. Nurseries,,
Established 1890.

Apples, Peach, Pear, Plum.
Pecans and Grape Vines for
spring planting. Good stock,
Fine vaeieties. Catalogue free.
J. R. WOODHAM,
Newton, Miss.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06
Improvement Ordinance No. 15o.

To Provide for the Construction of Sani- tary Sewers In Alley B Between Thir- teenth and Eleventh Streets and in Alley c from a Point 66 Feet East of Thirteenth Street to a Point 45 Feet East of Tenth Street.
 Section l. Be it ordained by the mayor and aldermen of Birmingham that san itary sewers be constructed as follows: Beginning at point on the sanitary sewer in Thirteenth street and Alley B. thence westward along Alley B to Eleventh street
 Beginning at the end of the sanitary sewer in Alley c about 66 feet east of Thirteenth street, thence westward along Alley to a point 45 feet east of Tenth street
 Sec. 9 Be it further ordained that the said sewers shall be constructed with all proper and necessary man-holes flush tanks and connections.
 Sec. B. Be 1t further ordained that the cost of the Improvements authorized by this ordinance shall be assessed and levied against the property drained and benefited by said sanitary sewer im- provements.
 Sec 4 Be it furtheer ordained that the estimated cost of said Improvements is s150O and that the board of mayor and aldermen will meet on the 4th day of March, 1903, at the council chamber at s o'clock D. m. to hear remonstrances and protests against the construction of said improvements.
 Adopted February 4. 1903
 w. NJ. DRENNEN, Mayor Attest. J. C. Murray, City Clerk
 (Age Herald) February 6, 1908.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06
LOCAL MARKETS.

The local cotton market advanced one sixteenth yesterday. The wagon receipts were 60 bales.
 The stock and bond market was with out special feature.
 The cold weather helped eggs up a little yesterday morning on Morris ave- nue, and fresh stock was quoted at 21c and 22c, with cold storage eggs at 20c. Further declines are expected, though
 Chickens continue to be exceedingly scarce and are selling at from 20c to z5c for frying sizes and BOG and 35c, and even 4Oc for hens. There are few to be had. Butter is so plentiful that a glut is on, and any price from 121s to Tic is being asked for it. Elgin creamery holds at 27c per pound.
 Fresh produce was not scarce this morning. A lot of fine radishes were re- ceived yesterday, selling at 4oc per dozen punches.
 Irish potatoes are plentiful at 75c, while yellow yam sweet potatoes sell at 90c per bushel. There is a good stock of the lat ter.
 California oranges are to be had in plenty also on Morris avenue. being quot ed at s2.50 per box Fancy lemons bring 8 per box. Apples are holding their own, being quoted at from s2.50 to s3.25 per barrel.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06
NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS.

Ofulnance NO. oO'
 All owners of lots or parcels of land abutting on Avenue from Thirteenth street to Fifteenth street and Fifteenth street from Avenue J to Avenue M and Avenue M from Fifteenth street to Nine- teenth street or abutting on any inter- sectlng streets, avenues or alleys within one-half block of the aforesaid portions of said streets and avenues, are hereby notified that the aforesaid portions of Avenue J from Thirteenth street to Fif- teenth street and Fifteenth street from Avenue to Avenue M and Avenue M from Fifteenth street to Nineteenth street have been graded, macadamized and curb ed and that the book of assessments for said public improvements has been de- livered to me and is open for inspection in my office, and that the board of mayor and aldermen will meet at it's regular place of meeting in the council chamber on Wednesday, the 18th day of February, 1903, at o'clock p. m. to hear and de- termine any objection or defense that may be filed in this office before the time of said meeting or which may be then made by any owner of property pro- posed to be assessed or his attorney against the assessment of the amount thereof, J. c. MURRAY.
 City Clerk.
 Jan 2sth s1st, Feb. 2nd and eth.. 1903.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06


 All owners of lots or parcels of land abutting on Fifteenth street from Avenue F to Avenue and Avenue from Eff teenth street to Eighteenth street or abutting on any interesting streets, ave- nues or alleys within one half block of the aforesaid portions of said streets and avenues or the owner of any street rail- road or other railroad located on or along or across said portions of said streets and avenues arc hereby notified that the aforesaid portions of Fifteenth street from Avenue F to Avenue and Avenue J from Fifteenth street to Eighteenth street have been graded macadamized and curbed and that the book of assess ments for said public Improvements has been delivered to me and is open for in- spectlon in my office and that the board of mayor and aldermen will meet at it's regular place of meeting in tho council chamber on Wednesday,. the 18th day of February 1903. at o'clock D. m. to hear and determine any objection or defense that may be filed in this office before the time of said meeting or which may be then made by any owner of property proposed to be assessed or his attorney against the assessment or the amount thereof. '. C., MURRAY.
 City Clerk
 Jan. 2Sth, s1st, Feb End and sth.. 1903. All kinds of cuts. Age-Herald En. craving Department.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06

2sc; gocd country. 1; 325e. cooking. I2dc. renovated 26 cents.
 Eggs-Cold storage, 2oc; fresh. 22c.
 Game-Rabbits H.250l.50 per dozen; squirrels. sl.2501.5o per dozen; quail, s2o0 per dozen.
 oranges-FlOrlda, per box, ssaS.s5; Cal ifornia s9.5Oq3.00.
 Limes-Per 100, LOO.
 Lemons-S60-size, per box, Sc.
 Peanuts-Fancy, per pouno. b15dc
 Brazil Nuts-Per pound. l2zo.
 Pecans-Per pound, loo. Almonds-Pef pound. 1Sc.
 English Walnuts-Per pound, 1so.
 Grapes Malaga. neavy weights. per keg. 500, light weights. per keg. s.S0
 Cocoanuts-Fresh, per 100, s2.75d3.
 celery-Per bunch, soc
 Cranbsrries-Per box. @ oc.
 Bananas Fer bunch culls, 50675c; Straiehts, Sl .256f1 .50.
 Apples-Fancy King. per barrel si.o0: Ben Davis. fancy. x3,oo; Ban Davis, choice. s2 .25g2 50; Baidwins. $3.00dS.25.
 Dried Apples-Calirornia evaporated. Sc; sun. dried. Gc.
 Irish Potatoes-Per busheI. 756s0c.
 Sweet Potatoes-Per bushel. S0G9oc.
 cabbage--Northern. soc; Mobile grcan. 1 $1 .25 per crate. Onions Per pound. %. Turnips-Rutabaga gas. per pound 19Ac. l Peas-Back- eyed. per bushel, $2.25. Lima Beans-Per pound. 6Kc. Navy Beans-Per bushel. S2.600275 Raisins-Per box. H.7O. Garlic-Per pound. I0c. Give OIl--Per gallon. s2. .o0q2. 6.
 Spagheiti-Impor.ed per box s2 co; do- nestle. $l.25.
 Macaroni-Imported, per pounds, 716o; domestic, 6iac.
 Consarra-Per dozen. 75c.
 Roman Cheese-Per pound Dc-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06
Local Staple erooerIea.

pples-western evaporated. 711dsisc.
 Flour-Fancy patent. s4.25; half patent, $3S5.
 Sugar--Granulated, 5c; Y. C., 4lso.
 Coffee-Green. 7sd9hc Arbuckle's. packages, si0. 30: Liop packages. se.e0: Cordova packages, s10.9O Porto Rice. $1030.
 Meats-Dry salted ribs. 1oc; clear bel lies, iShe; dry salted rib bellies. 1ossc; hams. fancy. 14c; medium. 13c: Cali fornia. 10c: breakfast bacon, 1dc.
 Cheese-New York full cream. 14lz@16c.
 Lard-Leaf, 10Sc. Compound Lard-Snow drift, Sssc. | Molasses = Centrifugal. 15QS5c; sugar house, 4Oc; Georgia cane. 36c. Corn-Mixed, 67i8c; white, 6Sc. Meal-Bolted, s1.15; water ground, $1.15 Hay-Per ton, timothy No. 1, $2s.OO. clo. yer. mixed. $21.00; prairie. SIS; Johnston grass, Slb Oats-Mixed 49c; white 50c.
 Cotton Seed Meal-Per ton, s2400 Pearl Grits-92 lbs. S1.65.
 Bran-Pure wheat, $22 .50 shorts, S24: hominy feed, s21.00.
 Beans--Navy, s2.75 per bushel; Lima. ca 61se per pound.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06
clearlnos and Exchanges.

New York, February 5.-Exchanges S2s0, TAI, ,236, balances $13.397, ,399.
 Boston, February 5.-Exchanges $24,5O5, 1i2, balances s1, ,5S9, 326.
 Baltimore, February 5.-Clearings S4,- 176,792. balances s69402S.
 Chicago, February 5.-Clearings $25, s62, 9sO, balances $2,157,022 New York ex- change par to 10c discount. Posted ex- change 4Sf1z@4ss.
 New Orleans, February 5.-Clearings $2, ,5s6, 945. New York excnange bank $1 per 5000 premium. Commercial paper 25c per 5000 discount
 Memphis, February 5.--Clearings $701, POP, balances $19S,77.
 Cincinnati, February 5.-Money 496 per cent. New York exchange 15d1715c dis count. learings $3,462,s00.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06

Cash quotations were as follows: Flour-Firm.
 Wheat-No. spring 761zGs0c; No. 3, TOO 79c; No. red, 75AM76c. Corn-No. 9 431ac; No. 2 yellow, 4Sc. Oats-No. 2, 34c; No white, S3izG35c. Rye--No. ?, 49c.
 Barley-Good feeding, 42d43c; fair to choice malting, 47G56c. Flax Seed-No 1, SLY; No. l northwest ern $1.22
 Timothy Seed-Prime, $3.70. Mess Pork-Per barrel, $1675M16.s71a. Lard-Per 100 pounds. $s.471fa9.57la. Short Ribs Sides-Loose, $S.95@9.15. Dry Salted Shoulders-Boxed, s8.121a4 S.25.
 Short Clear Sides-Boxed, $9.37lAQ9.50. Whisky-Basis of high wines, $1.S0.
 Clover-Contract grade, $11.75. Butter-Quiet; creamery 16d25c; dairy 15@3c.
 Eggs-Steady, 20c.
 Cheese-Steady 13d14c.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06
Live Stock Market.

Chicago, February 5.-Cattle receipts $500; lower; good to prime steers, 4S00 6; poor to medium, $3M4. 40: stockers and feeders $2. s0G14.50 cows, S1 .4od4 GO; heif- CTS, g. .25@4.75; canners, s1 4062 6O bulls B. .250f4. .25; calves, $3.50d7.5 50; Texas-fed steers. $3. .5od4. 25.
 Hog receipts 24.000; strong; good to choice heavy. s4.95@7.10; light, $6. .4OQ6. 70; bulk of sales. $6. 60@6.S5.
 Sheep receipts 14,000; strong; good to choice wethers s45Od5 .25; fair to choice mixed, $3.5004.50; native lambs, s4.50Q
 Cincinnati. February 5.-Hogs active, $5. .S5Gp7. 10. Cattle steady s2d4.75 Sheep ac- tive, g. 25d4.5O. Lambs strong, s4.25Q6.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06
Ihe coffee Markef.

New York, February 5.-Spot Rio cof- fee quiet: mild dull Coffee futures op- ened steady, unchanged. under moderate buying for European account, and spot interests; then in spite of higher for eign markets turned easier on the larger primary receipts and continued sales by importers in connection with profit-taking by longs with the close quiet but steady at partial decline of points; sales 32,- 750 bags. February 4.35, March 4.40, May AGO, July 4.S0q4.S5 September S.90q4.9 .95 October B. November 5.O5q5.10. December 5.25, January 5.35.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06
Nsw York cotton Futnrsa.
Dry Goods.

New York, February 5.-There have been advances of isc in bleached cottons and stocks are well cleaned up. No change is reported in print cloths. sellers very re- served. Heavy brown cottons In fair home demand. Four yard sheetings scarce. Coarse colored cottons very firm. several riverside grades in plaids, cheviots and cambrics advanced hc. Prints show an upward tendency.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06
liverpool Market.

Liverpool, February 5.-Good business done in spot cotton; prices points high CT; American middling fair. 5.46d; good middling. 5.06d; middling, 4S6d; low miu- ding. 4.74d; good ordinary 462d; ordi- nary, 4.5Od. The sales of the day were 1000 bales, of which 2OOo were for specu- lation and export and included 11,SOO Re- ceipts, 13,100 bales, all American
 Futures opened and closed firm; Amer ican middling. G. O. C.: February 4.77@ 4.7s: April-May. 4.7sd4.79; May-June, 1. 4.79d4 80; June-July, 479n4.S0; July-Au- gust 4.79; August-September 4.1o; Sep tember- October, 4.5o@4.51; October-No- yernber, 4. 40614. Al
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06
rade reports sesm to hava been entlrely

trade reports seem to have. been entirely overlooked
 Thus the market was found to be more susceptible to encouraging influences than otherwise, and all efforts to create ce- pression proved futile In the face of firm epots and advancing dry goods Favorable sentiment remains distinctly in evidence but speculative dealings are exceedingly moderate. The present rise may be at tributed more to the strength Of the actu- al staple than the aid of speculation.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06
The Metal Market.

New York. February 5.-Tin advanced sharply in London today, closing 1's higher at f131 for spot and f131 12s 6d for futures, while locally it was quiet at s2S. .621aG29.
 Spot copper in London advanced los to e56 15s. while futures, owing to free of- fers from this side, closed only Is 12lsd higher, thus placing spots at premium over futures, situation which has not existed for over year Locally the mar ket was quiet and quotations nominal. Standard closed at 12. lake at R.621sd 12.S71z, electrolytic at F 621zd12. .871z, and casting at 12. 35612. .65.
 Lead was unchanged both here, where it was quoted at As, and in London at a11 6s Sd.
 Spelter was quiet and unchanged a, e20 IS Cd in London, and at 4.95m5.0 .05 To- cally. Iron closed at 53s Tod in Glasgow and at Ais 1lzd in Middlesboro. Locally it continued quiet and nominally un- changed. No. 1 foundry, northern, is quoted at $24.50; No. 2 foundry, northern s22@22.50; No. 1 foundry, southern, and No foundry, southern. soft, s2s. .506f24. 50 warrants continued nominal.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06

cantile paper 41kd5 per cent; sterling ex- change firm, with actual business in bankers bills at 4S7 10 for demand ana at ASA. .106484.15 for sixty cays; posted rates 4s4jh@5 and 4s7h@4ss; commercial bills 4s4ll 0l4s9%. Bar silver 47es; Mexican dollars 371z.
 Government bonds steady; railroad bonds irregular.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06

Chicago, February 5.-There was only moderate business on the Board of Trade today and wheat ruled nervous with a weaker tendency, May closing ss lower, May corn closed a shade lower and oats were off Ac. Provisions closed easier, the May products being from 7s to 10c lower.
 The leading futures ranged as follows:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06
Daily Statement.

Galveston-Firm; middling, 15-16c; sales, 4160; receipts, Ss95; stock, 23S 2s9. Mobile-Firm; mi6dling, Sa4c sales, 300; receipts, 191; stock. 22,621
 Savannah--Firm; mddling. SAC; sales, S62; receipts, 430S; stock, 115,252.
 Charleston-Firm; middling, SSsc; re- ceipts, 145; stock, 1S,9T5.
 Wilmington-Firm; middling, shc; re- eipts, 77s: stock, 1850.
 Norfolk-Firm; middling, sssc; sales, 216; receipts, SAT; stock, S2,72S
 Baltimore-Normal: middling, S%c; re- ceipts, 1926; stock, S7S2.
 Boston-Quiet; middling. s.o5c; receipts, net, 53S; gross, 3S18.
 Philadelphia-steady; middling, s.o2c; receipts, 25; stock S715.
 St. Louis--Firm; middling SAC; re- ceipts. 4026; stock, 2S973.
 Memphis-F'irm: middling, SAC; receipts 15A shipments, 1902; sales, 1900; stock. 70,749.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06
Naval store..

Savannah, February 5. - Turpentine firm at 64c bid; receipts, 223; sales, Ss; exports, 92 Resin firm; receipts, 2757; sales 2l49; exports. 397 A. B, c. D, E, s1 90: F, s1 .so0l1 .s5; G. $2; H, s2.s5; l. s2.S0; K, ss.20; M, SS.4o: N, $S.55; Win dow Glass $S. 80; Water White, $4.2O
 Charleston, February D. = Turpentine firm at G3lkc bid. Resin firm. A, B, O. D. S1.sO; r, s1.s5 G. s1.90; H, s2.S0; l. s275; K, 8. 10; M. s3. 30; N, sS.50; Window Glass, s3.75; Water White, $4.15.
 Wilmington, February 5.-Turpentine firm at 62c. Receipts, p. Rosin firm at s1 .s5; receipts, 72 Crude turpentine firm at $2. 4Oa4; receipts, 9S barrels. Tar firm at $1 CO., receipts, ITS.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06
New orI.ans Cotton Market.

New Orleans, February 5.-Spot cotton was in good demand today and the trad ing quite liberal. Buyers were encour- aged by the improvement in Liverpool and took hold more readily than they have for some days past, meeting factors freely upon the basis of broad figures. The latter were inclined to advance their ask ing prices, but generally contented them selves with quotations. Offerings were fairly large and well assorted. Sales 74O0 bales, including 2S0O to arrive. Quotations advanced 1-16.
 The market for contracts showed a strong undertone in keeping with the inn provement at Liverpool and after opening about two points higher than yesterdays figures moved upward slowly with occa- sional fluctuations until the close when the board showed net gains of six points on the several positions. Trading was light and confined almost entirely to the March, May and July positions.
 New Orleans February 5.-Cotton fu- lures quiet and steady; February, SS2 bid; March, s.SS@S. .s9; April, 8.99QS. .95; May. 9.00G9.01; June, 9.05G9 or; July, 9.11 d912; August. S.S7ds.sO; September. S.S2 bid.
 New Orleans, February 5.-Cotton firm sales 7400 bales; ordinary, 71zc; good or- dinary, &c., low middling 5-16c; mid- ding, 15-16c good middling Sasc; mid ding fair. 10 1-16c; receipts, 752S bales; stock, S69,s2S bales.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06
Treasury Statement.

Washington, February 5. = Today s treasury balances, exclusive of the gold reserve shows: Available cash balances $221, ,272, 2S5, gold $10O, 755, 691.