The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1905-01-06
NOTE BOOK SKETCHES

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The year just closed will go into his
tory as one of the leanest ones the to-
bacco growers of Wisconsin have ever
so far as relates to the 1903
crop, the greater portion of which has
been moved during the year. Advanced
sales had been made of quite large
portion of the crop previous to its real
character being known, but when deliv-
cry was attempted and the imperfections
of the curing became apparent, growers
were compelled to accept large reduc-
tions from contract price. Probably
nearly two-thirds of the crop was lifted
during the packing season but the aver
age price was lower than growers ex-
pected, and the low standard then fixed
has prevailed since during the move
ment of the balance. which has been 60
ing on during the closing months of the
year. The crop has certainly brought
no profit to the producer and placed the
business somewhat into disrepute, max
ing it possible for the sugar beet people
to secure good deal of acreage hereto
fore devoted to tobacco culture. Packers
who invested in 1908 Wisconsin also suf-
fered considerably as the result of dam
age to the crop in passing through the
Sru To1 ~
the tobacco was bought very low they
could not have thrown out so large q
per cent without sustaining serious
losses. On what there was left of the
really serviceable stock they have beer
able to realize fair margin of profit and
in most cases able to save themselves or
their investment. The trading in cheap
er grades the past few months has beer
conducted with less risk on quick sale
and small profit basis. The years busi
ness in Wisconsin leaf can hardly be
termed satisfactory from almost any
point of view as dealer or grower.
Xxx
1t is pleasant to write, however, tha1
things are looking brighter for the com
ing year to all concerned. The advanced
sales of the 1904 crop made during the
early fall are at very satisfactory figures
that include close to half the crop. It i:
generally believed the tobacco has curet
without any of the blemishes that made
o5sserg difficult the past two seasons
Recent casing weather has permitted
growers to prepare the crop for market
and receiving will begin shortly. With
a bright, sound, clean crop to deliver
growers ought to receive very fair re
turns for their tobacco. The market
conditions for cured leaf are much mors
encouraging and any kind of serviceablt
| binder stock is destined to be in excel
lent demand and afford packers rea
sonable profit during the coming year
The clouds are lifting and brighte
things are in store for the tobacco busi
| ness in 1905.
*.*
1t seems quite probable now that {
compromise will be effected on the Phil
ippine tariff reduction and. opposition tx
| a moderate duty will be withdrawn. A
conference of 8 delegation from th,
New York trade and Secretary Taft las
week an understanding WAS arrived a
and the administration comedies tina
the new bill will reduce the present tar
! if duties to so per cent. of the Dingle,
! rates instead of rs per cent. as first pro
posed. In return for this concession
organized trade will withdraw their op
position to the proposed amendment
The outcome is regarded as mutual,
satisfactory to the trade and the govern
ment, as it aids in clearing the way fol
the settlement of this important ques
ton, and at the same time insures the
domestic interests against a cut in duty
that might have been followed by disas
trous consequences. A reduction to 81
per cent. of the Dingley tariff will give
Philippine goods fair chance in the
markets of the United States, without
providing an artificial stimulus to the
industry in the Islands.
*x*
The December Crop Reporter, issued
by the Agricultural Department, gives a
review of conditions in the tobacco pro
ducing states to date. The following i:
its reference to Wisconsin: "On account
of the lack of sufficient moisture to pro
duce stripping season. practically the
entire crop is still hanging on the poles
It is therefore impossible to estimate &C
curately the quality and to determine
the average price that will be realized
The price given, rs cents per pound, il
based upon the reports of sales which
have been made on contract, but not
yet delivered. In some parts of the dis
trict, from so to Is per cent. of the crop
has been sold on contract. Quality ol
cured leaf is considered better thar
that of 1903 CROP
~
Secretary Taft's proposition to allow
the sugar and tobacco of the Philippines
E.