The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1907-08-09
COMMISSIONER WATSON
MAKES COTTON REPORT
IMPORTANCE OF ISSUING AC-
CURATE REPORTS.
Officials Are in Good Working Order
And Much Interest is Shown in
the States.


branch Of a state government in the
South. to give anything like a COM
prehensive report Of the condition OF
the cotton crop was that issued by
Commissioner of 1mmi grafton and
Agriculture E. J. Watson. of this
state, on August l. which showed the
condition Of the cotton crop in this
state to be S0.J. That Mr.. Watson 5
information was authentic was verlti-
ed by the government report issued
the following day. showing the condi-
ton in South Carolina to be August
].
As president of the southern states
commissioners of agriculture, which
will meet in Columbia, in October,
next, Mr.. Watson announces that in
wiew Of the various complaints of the
government cotton crop reports, it is
shis aim to have accurate data collect
led in each of the cotton growing
states for the purpose of making a
general report of the cotton crop at
the meeting to be held in this city.
In discussing the work now engag-
ing Commissioner Watson's attention,
he said:
Mr.. Watson Talks.
s'The issuing of our midseason cot
ton report is but the beginning of an
effort throughout the cotton produc-
ing states to provide for an estimate
thoroughly accura ate cotton reports,
and final estimate prepared with
strict regard to accuracy by those
who are more or less charged, with
the care Of the interests of southern
agriculture. In view Of the great
complaint that has S often followed
the preparation Of the reports in
Washington, there has been a grow
ing demand for reports from official
sources in the south. So far as I
know the report issued yesterday by
the South Carolina department is the
first general midseason report to be
issued in any Of the states, and great
care was taken in its preparation.
ssIt is not the purpose to issue an
other before October !, which is
practically the close of the season,
and this will be preparatory to the
most accurate estimate possible of the
crop about November Is.
@sThis matter of how to get reports
mas been discussed from time to time
by the southern states commissioners
I'm their annual sessions, and upon as
Stunning the presidency Of this asso-
citation, which embraces all Of the
states from Virginia to Texas I de-
termined, if possible. to get every
state at work in the effort to secure
accurate information upon which to
base final estimate at the next meet
ing of the association, which is to be
held in Columbia the third week in
November. Some time ago almost
simultaneously with the beginning Of
the work in this state for the report
Just issued. as president of the asso-
citation, I directed letter to each one
of the southern commissioners, urg-
ing that accurate data as to cotton be
procured.
Interest is Shown.
~ have heard from practically all
of the commissioners, and in Georgia..
North Carolina, Texas, and Oklaho
ma particularly thoroughly we'll or
*ganized work is already we'll under
way and it appears that all Of the
states will bring their final estimates
to the annual meeting Of the associa-
~iion in Columbia next November. un-
der seal, to be opened by commit
tee Of the association, and by the as
:soeiation promulgated. 1t is note
worthy that the matter has been
deemed of so great Importance III the
state of Texas. that in addition to the
department Of agriculture the le9isla-
1ure there has recently been establish
ed a thoroughly equipped bureau Of
statistics for the purpose Of gathering
this information. This bureau is
charged with the same work that is
attached to the department in this
state but has a much better equip
ment for the purpose, which, of
course. is necessitated by the larger
area TO be covered.