The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-03-20
The SOUTH
A.C [: }. |.
No Chance Of Any Country
Wrestling Her Cotton Trade.
SUPPLIES THE: II. W o RID.
Nowhere Else Gan the Crop Be Ma
terially Increased While In the South
IA the Acreage Gan Be Doubled.
Interesting Figures.
n a.. w
fs,.o,, I, \, rha rlmos. Dispatch,

Especial to Tho Times. blspatch)
4 BALTIMORE, March 19.7Col. Alfred 3.
shcpperson. OF New York, we'll known
as u statistical expert In cotton, discuss
ing In this weeks issue OF the Manufac-
turcrs' Record the relation of this coun-l
try to the cotton supply OF Europe. says
I'm England Germany and France
there Is considerable discussion of the
subject and some practical efforts have
been made for The promotion OF tho cul-f
5tivation OF cotton in the colonial DEEPEN
denotes Of these countries These efforts
have been chiefly made by manufacturers
and merchants. but have received the ac-
tive encouragement and support OF the
respective governments. Since October
1889, middlng cotton In New York has
not been as low as seven cents per pound,
ranging from seven and three-slxteenths
TO eleven cents. and being actually quoted
at twelve cents on Jan! Is. 1901, In SYM
pa thy with futures for Jan. delivery.
which were twelve and three-fourth cents
on that day. During the two previous
years from Sept. J., 1Sy1 to Sept. J. $685.
spot cotton was continuously below seven
cents in New York. except during the
first part OF Sept. 1897. European spin
ners having become somewhat accuston-s
cd to the lower Prices ruling for cotton
In these two years. It Is not surprising
that they should seek to Establish new
sources OF production in order to reduce
the cost by increasing the supply.
PRODUCTION HERE.
"Of the cotton consumed now by the
mills OF Great Britaln,s Continental Eu-A
rope and the United States. about so per
cent is OF the growth Of this country.
In the five years ending Aug. 81. lsGO,
the average proportion was 81 IL per
cent The high prices resulting from
our civil war and the dlsorganization
OF the agricultural interests Of the South.
which continued for some years there
after, induced such an increase Of culti-i
walton in other. countries that 1t was not
until 1852 we furnished as much as Is
per cent OF the total consumption of
the mills OF Europe and the United
States. For the five years ending with;
1890 we furnished within a fraction Of
II per cent; in the FIVE years ending
ton to 10 IL per cent. and for the five
years ending with 1900 we had furnished
to the mills OF Europe and America SO 1-3
per cent. Of their entire takings Of cot
ton. 81
I'VE have now regalned our absolute
supremacy In the field Of cotton pro-
duotion and an impartial consideration
Of the entire situation fully justifies the
belief that we will retain 1T Indefinitely
s98s WILL BE ABSORBED.
Dealing with our chief competitors in
cotton production for the European mar
kets, India and Egypt. Col. Shepperson,
after analysis of crop figures. says:
Is In India an abundance of suit
able land which could be added to the
area now devoted to cotton. and while
some extension Of cotton cultivation may
be expected, it seems quite evident that
the Increased production will be fully
absorbed by the growing requirements Of
the Indian cotton mills. The general un-
certainty in regard to the rainfall and I
Its actual insuf1ciency In many sections
OF india are serious drawbacks to any
considerable increase in cotton; cultiva-
ton especially when 1t is considered that
the average yield per acre is only about
IS pounds OF lint cotton of a quality and
market value much lower than American
cotton" rs
Z He sketches the possibilities OF the cul-
tivation OF cottonin Egypt, and regard
ing recent engineering feats for irriga-
ton in that country. says:
'tThe chief purpose OF tho new irriga-
ton works was undoubtedly to safeguard
the crops OF the land already under
cultivation. There will be some extern
sion of acreage. but this will be chiefly
in Upper Egypt. where the cotton Is
much inferior to that OF lower Egypt.
and brings a considerably lower price
Tho best opinion is that the Increase In
acreage will be gradual, as It will de-
pend upon the construction Of canals
to take the water to the now folds. 80
Assuming, however. an Increase n he
acreage of 100000 acres and that cotton
Will get q third Of It. or 100000 acres.
this would add about 10000 bales to the
present cotton yield Of Egypt. This
would probably mark the maximum Of
the Egyptian cotton crop for some years
to come and 1t would not be so largo
in the seasons when other crops promised
a greater profit n
z Col. Shepperson gives a comprehensive
survey OF tile cotton possibilities Of China.
German East Africa, Brazil.
and in conclusion, says:
i Except for q small Increase from
Egypt no greater contribution to the cot
ton, supply OF Europe can be expected
than at present. ! Is quito possible to-
grow cotton In many countries In which
1t Is not now cultivated, but whether 1t
can be produced In large quantities ana
at low cost and as probably as the
other crops. which 1t would replace. Is
very different matter. There nre vast
possibilities for tho extension Of cotton
in the United statea Accord,
Ing to the last United, states census
there were in 1899 In Louisiana. Texas,
Arkansas, indian Territory and Okla
homa 100000 acres Of improved ~, ,s! "a Lang,
OF which lo6oo,oo0 acres were devoted g
cotton. New land is being constantly
brought under cultivation IN each of
these states and Territories and the SOL
Is the most productive IN the cotton belt
These fye States and Territories have
the requisite area, soil and climate to
enable them to produce as much cotton
as is now grown In the entire country,
10 my mind 1t is only q question Of time
when this Will be done.
sour European friends should possess
their souls In patience Tho Southern
states Of this great and progressive coun-
try will stand between them and the
cotton famine which their imaginations
cause them 10 think is impending in the
"a cotton nnniInphl for