The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1905-06-16
TO THE COTTON PLANTERS
They Have Won a Victory-Let Them
Have Jubilee On July 4fh.

President Haryie Jordan, of ti'
Southern Cotton association, has decd
e that the farmers in all of the cot
~ton-growing counties should meet in
their respective communities on Jul,
4,have barbecues speaking and make
the day n Of general rejoicing this
year on account of the splendid work
accomplished by the farmers in reduc-
ing the cotton acreage for 1905.
Atlanta, Ga, June 5, 1905
ITO Southern Cotton Growers:
Every report issued on the cotton
acreage of 1905, including the United
States government report Of June End
indicates beyond ali questions of DOUBT
that the cotton acreage for this year
has been materially reduced by the far
mers, thereby making another abnor-
maIly large crop with extremely low
prices an impossibility. Southern cot
tor growers are to be highly commend
ed for thus standing SO Loyalty by Their
pledges and promises, which will save
the south from financial ruin and dis
aster. The farmers also held their cot
o. from the markets during a mos.
depressing period in January n Feb
ruary, thereby emphasizing their abil-
ity to protect their interests from the
devastating Influences Of speculation
The cotton holding movement has eaV-
ed the south $50, 600, 900 in the value of
the cotton unsold on January Goth, and
the reduction in cotton acreage will
insure 10 cents per pound for the staple
next fall. We should therefore have
a day of general rejoicing for the great
work accomplished.
1.-THE Declaration of American indie
~pendence from the yoke of foreign
domination was signed on July 4, 1776
l think that a fitting day for southern
cotton growers TO assemble together
and declare their freedom and indie
pendence from foreign combinations
which in the past have dictated the
price of the great money staple crop
of the south. ! therefore issue this
call, earnestly asking that the cotton
growers all over the south meet ON
Tuesday, July 4, 1905, either in their
local beats, townships, militia districts
or their county seats, and have
barbecues or basket dinners, speeches.
and make of the day one of generall
rejoicing. | trust also that strong resi-
olutions will be passed at these meet
ings, emphasizing loyalty and patriot
ism to ech other and agreeing that mol
cotton shall be sold during the BALANCED
of the present year for less than 1Ol
cents per pound. | call upon the b,lsi1
ness and professional men in the val
rious towns of the south to assist and
take active part in these meetings. LII
is the duty of every southerner tol
assist the farmers in this patriotic dntyI
and to commend them for the great
victory they have won. | ask that cop-
les of all resolutions passed at Lhesei
meetings be mailed to the headquar-
tiers of the Southern Cotton Associa-I
ton for compilation and publication.
Such a meeting Of the cotton growers
and their determination to demand bet
ter prices for cotton would have a tre-
mendous effect ON the spinners whol
have sold their goods ahead and have
yet to secure the raw cotton to fill
their contracts. Let every cOmmu-
nifty act and with determination.
Yours truly,
HARVIE JORDAN,
Southern Cotton Growers Association.