The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-03-15
ALL REPORTS ARE
VERY ENCOURAGING
Financial Agent Smith is in
Montgomery
REPORT ON VIRGINIA NINE
Governor Expects to Receive Report
From Inspector Gray Today--Hlg-
don Case Thought to BE
Under Consideration.
REPORT ON VIRGINIA NINE

Montgomery, March 14.-(Speeial. 1.-THE
reports received from all parts of the
cotton belt are so encouraging that the
feeling among the leaders in the cotton
price movement amounts almost to iubila-
tion. E. D. Smith of Magnolia. s. c.,
financial agent of the cotton association,
who is in the city for a couple of days
said today that he was getting reports
from his associates which indicated the
best Of conditions all along the line. Com
missioner of Agriculture r. r. Poole
talked with Commissioner of Agriculture
Stevens of Georgia over the long distance
phone today, and was told that the farm
ers of Georgia are standing firm, and
will be In at the last with every promise
kept Governor Vardaman of Mississip-
pi was called up by Commissioner Poole
and related the best of conditions In his
territory.
Mr.. Smith said today that he had re-
ports from Texas and the Indian Terri
tory to the effect that where planting 10
in progress there is not only % per cent
reduction in acreage but more. I'm fact
said Mr.. Smith, 1.-The trouble seems to be
that they are going to make the cut down
much more than one-fourth in many To-
calities." There is much congratulation
over the fact that on yesterday there was
a determined search by the dealers to
meet spot deliveries for March, and only
1900 bales could be found in the country.
South Carolina has begun preparation for
planting, and is meeting all the require
ments, and Georgia and Mississippi are
following suit
Mr. Smith and President Seymour OF
the Alabama association will speak at
Eufaula tomorrow and Selma Thursday.
They are assured of a large crowd.
Report on Virginia Mine.
1t is thought that the report of Mine
Inspector Gray and his associates in the
Virginia mine disater will be made to
the governor by tomorrow. Mr.. Gray
wrote the governor Sunday that he had
the data In hand and would forward 1t
as soon as he could get 1t in proper
shape.
Assistant Inspector IIilhouse made a
report today on a recent Inspection OF
Mine No. 10, at Pratt City, where the
state convicts are worked, and finds moth
ing to complain Of The ventilation is
good and the general conditions are salts
factory. There are 233 miners, 60 inside
day men and 16 outside Gay men.
The precautions for the safety of the
men are such as to make the chances OF
danger small and there is a general i'm
provement all the time as result of the
close inspections made of the mines
where convicts are employed.
Hiedon's Successor.
The question of a successor to Col r..
l.. Higdon. suspended commander OF the
Third regiment Alabama National guard,
is now thought to be receiving attention
at the hands of the Adjutant General
and other officers of the state soldiery.
Colonel Higdo:- has been the source or
a great deal of trouble for several mont rs
and II is thought he will drop out quiet
ly at the end of his term on March 20,
a week from yesterday.
On that day the headquarters here will
issue an order TO the effect that there Is
a vacancy by reason of the expiration of
term In the office of colonel and setting
a day for an election. 1t is quite certain