The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-06-22
COTTON men
REPORT TO
BUREAU

Boston. June PA report containing
important recommendation relative to
the cotton industry has been sent by the
New England Cotton Manufacturers as
ISOLATION TO the chief OF the bureau OF
manufactures, department OF commerce
and labor. at Washington.
Accurate statistics regarding cotton
manufacture, attention TO state laws re-
garding hours OF labor and employment
OF children, with the ultimate view OF
eaualzng conditions throughout the
country by general legislation improve
ment OF methods OF transportation ana
the doing away OF unwise treaties tending
10 prejudice any nation against Ameri-
can goods, are among the points touched
upon
The report is in response TO letter sent
70 the association by the bureau or manu-
factures and Is as follows;
"To the Chief OF the Bureau or Manu-
factures, Department or Commerce anu
Labor Washington. ID. c.:
"Sir-Ynur faxer-ef April ~ to the New
England Cotton Manufacturers. assocla-
ton was considered by the board or gov
ernment and tie undersigned were APP
pointed a special committee 10 make re-
ply TO your letter which is respectfully
submitted as follows
common WIFI our -
Eanizations, we are much pleased that
congress has seen fit TO create a bureau
OF manufactures We believe that It's
work will be productive OF much beneht
TO the manufacturing interests or the
country and as an association we shall
esteem It a privilege, as occasion arises
in the future, TO bring 10 the notice or
the bureau matters or interest IN our
branch OF manufacturing.
TRANSPORTATION DELAYS
Regarding the points you mention, we
attach much Importance 10 obtaining ac-
curate statistics OF the variation of labor
costs in the different sections of the coun-
try, resulting from diverse laws on the
subject OF labor; and also the labor costs
in other cotton manufacturing countries
and their hours OF labor. Attention should
be given to state laws regarding
hours OF labor and employment OF chill
dren. with the ultimate end in view OF
equalizing conditions throughout the
country by Federal legislation.
Accurate statistics OF not only the
number OF spindles in operation. but the
consumption OF raw material in foreign
countries. are of importance. but espec-
tally the facts relative TO the detailed
production OF those spindles.
The extravagant and seemingly un-
necessary delay I'm the transportation OF
raw cotton TO the mills and the finished
product 10 customers throughout the
country is well worthy OF investigation
and effort 10 remedy.
THE fact that II requires two or three
months or even longer 10 transport cot
ton from the south TO New England mills
indicates defects In methods OF railway
transportation which demand a correc-
ton. which we believe can-vs feasibly ap-
piled in view or the celerity with which
-l.-t.s L.
westerly directions.
I'm order to advance the exports OF
cotton goods we believe that commercial
treaties should be promoted, so far as
this can be done without impairing the
protective tariff and the control OF our
own market.
Much attention should be given TO re-
ports from our consuls regarding i'm
portations into various countries, in order
TO supply manufacturers with informa-
tion regarding fabrics. methods OF pack
ing goods, transportation, banking IA
eilities,- etc.
TO APPLY REMEDIES.
"As some OF the consus may not have
had the previous commercial experience
10 secure the right kind Of information
X might be advisable for your bureau TO
send abroad as special agents men equip
ped by business and practical training
to report intelligently on the above sub
jccts
I'VE especially emphasize the necessity
OF the further development of the mer-
chant marine for direct communication
with other countries in order to increase
the international exchange of commodi-
ties
IF uhwise treaties or methods are tend
ing TO prejudice any nation against goods
OF American manufacture. we trust that
your department will ascertain the facts.
and that congress will apply suitable
remedies.
I'VE doubt II a general convention of
commercial and manufacturing associa-
tions would serve any important purpose.
A great deal must be left TO individual
enterprise, but we think wide publicity