Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-09-11
PLEASED WITH THE OUTLOOK.
Messrs. Latham, Alexander q Co.,
Think Cotton Will Bring Good Prices.

Messrs. Latham, Alexander q Co.,
Think Cotton Will Bring Good Prices.
Under date OF September 8. Messrs.
Latham, Alexander & Co., sent out a
carefully prepared letter reviewing
the last cotton year and considering
the outlook for the growing crop.
They see the situation about as fol-
lows:
I'm summing up the conditions of
the growing crop 1t may be said that
they are at this date very favorable
for a satisfactory yield. 1t must be
taken into consideration, however
that it is yet two months before
large part of the crop can mature
and be assured; hence, 1t Is pure
guess work to count up the number
of bales of cotton to be secured and
predicate prices upon such an esu-
mate.
''There are always elements Of un-
certainty about the outcome OF a
cotton crop until it has been har-
vested. Only two years ago the great
spinning interests of the world mani
tested great alarm that the supply
of raw cotton at reasonable prices
would continue inadequate to meet
their wants comfortably, and they
sought to find new sources of supply,
other than the United States, to over
come the deficiency-thus far, we be-
lieve, without success. Today the
same element seems apprehensive
that an oversupply. of raw material
might result from the present grow
ing crop, and this delusion has de-
pressed prices nearly two cents per
pound.
The production of cotton now Is
far more expensive than ten years
ago: perhaps IA cents per pound
have been added to the plant.
ters' expense, by increased value OF
land, mules, plantation utensils, sup
plies, and particularly labor, which
is scarce and high priced in all Sec
tions Of the southern states.
I'm round figures the last two crops
of American cotton have amounted
to 25,9OO,0000 bales and were sold
in the markets of the world for some
$1,000, 100000
This enormous supply Of cotton
was eagerly purchased and went into
consumption at highly satisfactory
prices to the most sanguine produ-
GERS. and we are encouraged to be-
lieye that even a larger proportion
ate consumption may confidently DC
expected during the ensuing year.
THE spinning capacity OF the worlo
largely increased last year ana mas
been Increasing at an enormous rate
for several years either by the erec'
ton of mills or the application OF I'M
proved machinery to old ones.
Our advices are that the stocks
of raw material in the hands of man
facturers are in very moderate sup
ply, and many mills are under con-
tract far into the future for their en-
tire output; hence, there Is likely tc
be an active demand for the new
crop.
universal prosperity everywhere
seems to be assured for some time tc
come. In the United States particu'
larly business conditions were never
more favorable for large consump'
tion of cotton goods Labor is moi
only fully employed at high wages
but scarce. Crops of all description:
are bountiful, and the great consum'
ing masses of the people will have
the capacity to buy cotton goods I'D
orally.
I'm view Of the foregoing, II seem:
to us, that continued prosperity may
be expected in all branches OF the
cotton trade for a long time to come
and that present low prices have al
ready discounted a very large crol
not yet assured"