The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1905-09-12

springs. Afn.
Asheville, N. c., September S.-The
first annual convention of the South
ern Cotton Association closed tonight
at 8 o'clock with a banquet rendered
to the executice committee by the
Kenilworth Inn.
The afternoon and night sessions
were confined chiefly to the passing Of
~variousvarious resolutions, chief OF
which was n looking to an increase
in membership dues from 25 cents to
one dollar a year. A resolution offered
by Colonel McMartin and adopted re-
commends that greater publicity be
given to article One, section one of the
constitution, which calls attention to
the fact that the Southern Cotton AS
ISOLATION is IN organization composed
not only of growers, but also of man
ufacturers and farmers.
Mr.. McMartin's resolution further
states that the chief object of the as
ISOLATION lis the industrial develop
ment and supremacy of the cotton
States" and to this end he government
sould be urged to build better south
ern harbors.
An important feature of this after
Moons session was the adoption of a
motion made by E.. D. Smith, of South
Carolina, to the effect that all mem-
bers of the association be urged to
market their cotton eve at the mini
mum price, as slowly as possible, SO
as TO distribute the sale of the staple
over the entire year, instead of mar
keting the crop in ninety days, as has
been the custom. In this way the
highest price possible above the mini
mum could be secured.
After some discussion at tOnignt's
session as to the next meeting place
of the associations executive commit
tee, Hot Springs, Ark, was chosen.
This was effected by a compromise
made between the advocates of Asna-
vile and Hot Springs, by the terms
of which the winter meeting convenes
at the latter place, while Asheville
gets the summer meeting.
The. matter of Vice President Peters
resignation was again touched Upon
tonight and although the discussion
was conducted in secret session it is
understood that Mr.. Peters w~ill"volun-
tarily resign" in a few days and his
successor will be named by President
Jordan, in whose hands the question
was left for adjustment. 1t was re
ported night chat the association will
PROBABLY deliver its address to the
American people tomorrow. 1t will
deal principally with enxisting condi-
tons in the textile world.
The passing of resolutions Of thanks
to the people of Asheville, the local
and national press and the authori-
ties of Kenilworth Inn brought 20 a
close a convention which Secretary
Cheatham declared had made histo-
ry. at is the etaoishrdletto n
prosperity for the southland" said Mr..
Cheatham "and the various actions We
have taken must convince the people
that the Southern Cotton Association
is a factor to be reckoned with"
At the morning session of the
Southern Cotton Association the re-
port Of the finacial committee was
heard and adopted The committee
recommended that a general field
agent and organizer for the national
we'll as state members be appoint
ed, whose chief duty will be to collect
funds for the carrying out of the as
soclation's aims and objects. To Sc
cure these funds a tax of three cents
each bale of cotton raised by MEM
bers of the association will be levied.
The report named e. D. Smith, of Co.
umbia, S. c., as the field agent. It
was not adopted, however. without
some vigorous discussion. 1t was ad-
and Moody oetaoi tao
vocated by Clark, of Mississippi, and
Brown of North Carolina; Hiatt, of
South Carolina; and Moody of Ala
bama and opposed by Brook, Of Ala
bama.
The suspension of Vice President
Peters, of Texas, was discussed, but
action taken in the case There was
a sentiment in favor Of allowing The
to drop in view of the fact that
Mr.. Peters has only two mor months
to serve in an Office which, since his
suspension by President Jordan soIrel
months ago, has been nothing more
than nominal.
After passing a number of resolu-
tons, the chief Of which was one look
ing to the establishment of state and
county agricultural departs, the con-
vention adjourned utinl 8 o'clock this!
afternen. |