The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1907-08-20

an.a>. Mississippi. Louisiana and Ala
:,ama are 10 the effect that the crop
in these states is far below the con-
dition existing at this date last year,
and that the damage is such that no
condition from now on may repair
it. Last year the exact reverse was
the case: the states east Of the Mis-
sisSippi had a poor prospect, while the
western states had a comparatively
fine one. Information is being re-
ceived by me to the effect that these
western states are determined to
stand for a higher price because the
cost Of making this crop has been
v,~y heavy and the yield will be light.
and unless a fair price is obtained the
obligations incurred can not be met;
so we have the promise this year. by
a necessity Of circumstances, Texas
will not sell her cotton 50 fast.
II hope this year will be one in
which those who have disregarded
the principles involved in our strug-
Gle for naming and maintaining a
price for cotton and have sold ahead
for future delivery around 10 cents
per pound, will be taught such a prac-
tical lesson that hereafter we will be
rid of this one element Of opposition
to our work in the south. I am fully
aware of the temptation that any cot
tom planter feels to sell his cotton
when the price offered seems to pro-
oise him something Of profit: an"
am also aware Of the necessity tor
'~'cn2 sufficient to withstand this
temptation and to make the fight
with all parties interested in the price
Of cotton.
"I have visited 21 counties during
the months Of July and August. aad
in practically every county there was
manifested a spirit Of determination
and enthusiasm which was exertmely
gratifying. and reports since our
meeting are coming into this office,
indicating renewed interest and
greater determination to make the
association a practically perpetual
business organization. I hope before
the year is over to visit every county
in the state, as the work is one that
has to be continued so long as the
south produces and sells raw cotton.
I hope every county in the state Will
not wait for a visit from the officers
of the central office. but Will at once
inaueurate an active campaign for in
creased membership and he providing
Of facilities for storing and financing
the crop of their counties.
"I am asking the president OF each
county to have the members OF the
Southern Cotton association sign the
following agreement and to furnish
this office list Of all the members IN
their counties so signing. 1t is a SIM
ple agreement, and one that every
man in the south can sign, and is an
epitome Of the constitution Of the as
sociation.
Agreement.
"'We, the undersigned as members
Of the Southern Cotton association.
holding certificates Of membership,
with dues paid for the current year
-, hereby pledge ourselves to main
tain by mutual cooperation and per-
sonal effort for the minimum price
as fixed by the association, to use all
legitimate means to keep all cotton
possible from the market when the
price offered is below that fixed by
the association; to cooperate, when
possible and necessary, in building
warehouses and forming building
companies; to use all possible means
in accord with business principles IN
helping each other as members IN pro-
tecting ourselves in insurance, stor-