Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1905-06-08
WANTS PROTECTION.
MOVEMENT IN THE SOUTH FOR A
TARIFF ON COTTON.

Growers BeEinning to Realize the
Great Handicap of Free Importa-
ion-Cannot Rinse Long staple In
Competition With Egypt.
The Record has received from promi-
ncut cotton growers representing sew
eraI sections OF the state, through epis
tolary as well as personal communica-
tioua, Endorsement of its position as
to the benefits tariff ON cotton would
bring to the farmers and all others do
ing business in the south. These in
dosaments, of either character, have
usually contained SO many facts and
50 much information not generally
known that we regret that space does
NOT permit us at present to publish
thom all in full At this particular
time, however, we shall notice some of
tho most important facts III connection
With the general subject in order and
in the hope that all of those who sin
cercly desire to see the full success of
tie cotton growers movement may
most seriously consider a matter in
connection with their own welfare,
which is in some respects TO be looked
upon as one demanding as much
thought as are the best means of bring
iHg ahout a reduced acreage of cotton
growing.
The attempt has been made and is
Oh In 70 hot DriH
cotton Is utterly useless as a practical
matter aside from the principle in
VOWED because practically no cotton is
imported to this country. Great prom
iucnce is given in news columns to the
alleged failure OF attempts to raise
cotton in other parts of the world,
which have been essayed by various
European governments in Africa and
elsewhere. Only start has been made
in that direction, and it is too early
vet to predict with confidence of posi-
tivcness that these efforts will be I'M
successful AS to the future importa-
ton OF cotton we are much concerned,
but for the present what is OF more
importance is the present importation
In 1900 it amounted to only about 12,-
0G0 bales. Th'y Importation was for
speculative purposes, and that is seri-
ous situation that should be considered.
Yet even If foreign efforts ut raising
cotton in competition with the south
are not successful, il must be remem-
bared that even now foreign raised
cotton, imported, injuIiously affects
cotton growers Our information IS
that bale of Egyptian cotton dis
places. on account of the length Of its
fiber, about twice the quantity Of
American short staples. Fifteen years
ago Allen long staple was produced in
many sections OF the south. This has
already been driven out by the Egyp
tian cotton. The Egyptian cotton
comes into direct competition with our
Sea island cotton, and why are not our
Sea island and coast farmers entitled
10 protection from the government just
as much so as the wheat and grain
farmers Of the west?
What objection is there in making
this product of the cheap labor of
Egypt contribute its share Of revenue
toward running the government?
This cotton is raised In manufacture
ing imitation silk and other luxuries,
and we could take just that much tax
from some OF the necessGries Of life.
Long staple cotton does not yield
heavily per acre. 1t takes about three
acres OF land that would make one bale
Of short staple to produce one bale of
long staple II there Was a duty OF
5 cents a pound on cotton imports it
would induce cotton planters to 90 into
the production OF the long staple yarie
ties and it would reduce the acreage
three for one The difference between
the long and short staple varieties Is
not sufficient now TO induce the cult
walton of the long staple. 1t IS difficult
TO produce both varieties on the same
plantation and keep the seed pure, and,
besides, it takes a different gin for the
long staple.
The south Is the home of cotton. In
South Carolina we can produce any
thing from the Sea island to the short
staple upland, and If this . cents pro
tectiun were given South Carolina and
tie south, it would soon be producing a
cotton tlat would take the place of the
Egyptian cotton
That long staple cotton can be
raised on the uplapds Of South Caro-
lima il matter Of no question. Vari-
Gus gentlemen have spoken to US as to
that matter, and they say they We're
successful so far as cotton raising is
concerned. but thar the cost was great
e. than for Egyp5i3ns to produce EEyn-
ti5n cot farmers 'ou'i be-
zST 80 - ~%