The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1905-07-19
GAMBLERS ON THE INSIDE
STARTLING DISCLOSURES RELA-
TIVE TO COTTON SPECULATION.
saostors and Representatives Have
Been Persistent Spectators IN
Futures in Bucket Shops.

reen Persistent Spectators in
Futures in Bucket Shops.
Washington dispatch says there
hos been continual row over the
cotton crop reports ever since the
ogricultural department undertook to
.,7nd ND the information for the sole
banafit of the farmers. 1t now appears
that the cotton gamblers have "butted
in" nj the department so effectively
that the official reports are now con-
sidered for speculative purposes rath-
OPP than to enlighten the original grow
pr, of the cotton.
In is understood that in the course
Of the investigation, just ended by the
secret service, some startling disclos-
mes relative to cotton speculation
were made. 1t is shown that many
circumstantial cases were brought to
LIGHT in which persons in official life
have been specializing in cotton, based
on advance information contained in
the official crop reports.
Played the Game Secretly.
The investigation also revealed the
fact that many congressman, senator's
and representatives, who in public
speeches have vigorously denounced
stock gambling and inveighed against
the domination of Wall street and all
that kind of gush, have been consist
ent and persistent spectators in cot
ton futures in local bucket shops.
1t is probable that this whole sub
iect may be ventilated in congress next
winter, for an epidemic of investiga-
ton appears to have broken out under
the present administration. At pres
ent it is one-sided Democratic con-
gressmen, will, however, insist that
both parties have a look at depart
mental records, while the investigation
fever is raging.
The cotton crop "ieaks" are not the
only questions involved in the "hOuse-
cIeaning'' operations IN the depart
ment of agriculture. Some of the pro-
fessional economists in congress com
plain that too much money is being
spent in experimental work in the
southern states. They contend that
more than one-half of the annual APP
Dropriation for that department goes
to the south.
Charged FavOritism to South.
Some of the fault-finders go so far
as to say that Secretary Wilson and
his assistants are more liberal and
considerable in responding to requests
from southern congressman than he is
to similar appeals from members of
his own party.
Of course such statements are alb
surd on their face. Secretary Wilson
is an honest, sturdy, loyal man, who
has administered the department of ag-
rculture more successfully to the
whole country than any man since the
department. was invited to send its
representatives to the cabinet table.
The south is one of the great agricul-
mral sections of the country. and it
has been the policy of every admin
isration since the close of the civil
war to advocate and encourage the
Investigation of crops in the south
land.
Why the South Was Looked After.
In some of the southern states the
farmers knew little else but cotton
raising. Some of them were not will
ing to give up a crop they were ia
miIiar with to experiment in tobacco,
wheat and other crops they knew but
little of 1t was therefore, necessary
Tor the government, in carrying out
Its policy of Investigation of crops,
to make practical demonstrations to
the southern farmers to teach them
what their lands might produce under
certain conditions. The result has
been far more gratifying than was
anticipated, and Secretary Wilson
says every penny expended in that
direction has been we'll spent.