The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1905-01-27
COTTON GROWERS CONVENTION.
DECIDE ON MATTERS OF PARA
MOUNT IMPORTANCE.
Greatest Questions to be Discussed
Are Reduction in Acreage and Use
Of Commercial Fertilizers-1,Is5
Delegates in observation-disclosures
nent Organization Effected.

unanimous vote at the close of its first
session today the southern interstate
cotton convention. by general agree
ment the largest and most representa-
tive that has gathered IN the south.
declared that reduction in acreage and
use Of commercial fertilizers is the
paramount question to be considered at
he convention and it must be settled
before any other business is undertakes.
Eleven hundred and thirty FIVE dele
gates. representing the thirteen cotton
growing states and territories had reg
istered when the convention was called
to order Even that number did not
represent the fuli strength of the con
vention.
The n early afternoon
were devoted to the omising OF all
differences that existed as to organi-
cation, the central idea being that the
work OF the convention should go to the
country with the stamp OF harmony and
practical unanimity. The result was
that former Congressman Catching's
name was withdrawn and all opposition
to Harvie Jordan's selection as presi-
dent ended.
washington artillery hall, seating two
thousand people was crowded to the
doors when the convention met. AS
president Of the Southern growers. Mr..
Jordan called it to order. He said in
part:
I'VE are all agreed upon four general
propositions:
"First-We must tie up and take care
Of the surplus of this crop and remove
it from the markets Of the country I'M
til next fall. and hold the balance of the
crop absolutely in our possession until
the prices advance to normal conditions.
"Second-We must reduce the cotton
acreage and use OF commercial fertili-
zers at least Is per cent. under that of
1904.
'Third-We must arrange for a GER
der local control of the people through
out the south.
"Fourth-We must at once proceed to
organize the producers of the south in
every cotton growing sounty on a bus
mess basis to carry into operation a
permanent system of relief ard pro-
lection for the uture."
Judge E. B. Perkins Sf Dallas, NOM
mated former Lieutenant Governor
Of Texas, for temporary chair
man and he was unanimously elected.
q brief out effective address,
Governor Jester said:
Two reforms must be, inaugurated
by the Southern farmers:
"Diversificati ton Of crops that wilE re-
duce the production of cotton and bet
ser facilities fSr the storage of costen
that will give lower insurance and IN
tsrest n better protection"
r. A. B. Lovett, of Huntsville, Ella
pt, and J. H. Whyte, Of New Orleans
were elected secretaries.
The question OF representation imIne-
arising Governor Vardanran
moved that every property accredited
delegate hould be entitled tuaa seat q
the aoor and a voice in the convention
and though the motion provoked oara-
debate It finally prevailed
Orr motion of j.. A. BrowH,, of Moth
Carolina, a committee on permanent
Of one delegate from each
was named and pending it's report
addresses by Mayor Bui,r-
and President sanders Of the Pro
Union ware listened to: Tfisre
were responses '1y< WalteK Clark, of
.Clarkesdale, Miss. J. Pope Brown,
of the Georgia railroad COM
w. D. Nesbitt, Of Alabama; presented
the report Of h committee IN panf71a-
nent organization. 1t provided for liar
vie Jordan as president, tor a vice pres
from each state and for three Sec
named the temporary organ:-
cation. It fixed the repl asentation on
the basis of one" vote for every LOG, 900
bales Of cotton. raised during 1909 1904
as follows: Alabama 10; Arkansas s.
Florida I; Georgia ID; Louisiana 3, MIS-
sissippi IA; North Carolina 6; Soutf,
Carolina 8; Tennessee. 81 Texas 2S; Okla
homa 2; Missouri 1, and Indian Terri
tory 8.
These committees were provided for:
Reduction Of cotton acreage and use
Of commercial fertilizer with one farm
err, one banker and one merchant frona
each state.
Permanent organization Of farmers
with three farmers, one merchant and:
one banker from each state.
Financing and holding balance of The
present crop until legitimate prices are
secured, with one farmer. one merchant
and one banker from each state.
Warehousing and financing failure
crops, similarly constituted.
On direct trade between farmers ana
manufacturers: on transportation and
on resolutions to consider matters OF
general nature not otherwise provided
for.
Reduction of acreage and commercial
fertilizers being of paramount impor-
lance we recommended it be. made the
first order of business and be settled be-
fore other business is undertaken was
the conclusion of the committees re-
port which was unanimously adopted.
The convention hen adjourned unit;
tonight