The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1907-01-16

in the National Convention in ow-
ensboro. Those prices are as follows:
Grades A, B and c.. :. :. $1,000
Grade D.. >. s'VV
Grades o and H.. :. :. S.Oo
Trash. :. :. =. o.VV
These prices should be realized by
the farmers, net. Perhaps we are
not strong enough to compel the buy
ers to pay price that will net the
growers the above prices, though l
believe we are. But we are strong
enough II we hold our present
strength, to make our price on the
1906 crop a net price.
One reason 1 think the above prices
can be obtained, net to the grower, is
this: The buyers are paying nearly
as much for 1906 tobacco of inferior
quality and for receiving weight.
Therefore, it appears reasonable that
the 1905 crop, rehandled and redried,
of better quality, is as good an in
vestment as 1906 tobacco at present
prices.
When fixing the minimum price on
1906 tobacco, we should go to the
records of sales made of 1906 tobac-
co. at the auction house or elsewhere,
and If those prices are fair prices,
make them the minimum prices to
be made net to the grower, and then
begin adding all necessary expenses
incurred in rehandling and storing.
No other plan is good business, or
has grounds for justification. may
add, however, that the minimum
prices on pooled tobacco should be
slightly in advance of prices paid d.
rect to farmers on "scab" tobacco,
because buyers can buy at much less
EXPENSE from a pool than from in
dividuals. The farmers who pool
should share in the saving their ef-
forts make possible. This plan Is
not in the least visionary" or idea
listic," but 1t is based on correct and
substantial business principles. !
invite our members to discuss these
matters, and / would be glad IL those
who can do so would use the col
umns Of our papers in the discussion.
HOLDING AND SELLING.
! am aware that a man who talks
continually sometimes says things he
ought not to say; but / think man
who has something to say should say
It. regardless of consequences, and l
am always ready to live up to my
theories.
We organized, first, to sell tobac-
co at profitable prices, and, second,
to hold until profitable prices were
paid, provided we could control
sufficient amount to compel the buy
ers to take the controlled tobacco at
our price. We have made wonderful
progress in both holding and selling,
and yet, on giving matters an impair
tial investigation, 1t seems to me that
we have worked harder to HOLD
than we have to SELL. l realize that
when we ask for high prices we must
HOLD until we can compel a SALE
I do not minimize the importance of
holding. l do not criticize the work
that has been done-nOt a bit OF 1t.
It has been a grand, good work, well
done by earnest, capable and self
sacrificing men. What they have &C
complished has made them heroes,
and they deserve greater slaurels ev-
en- than they have won.
It seems to me that we might now
give more consideration to the SELL
ing end of our business. We con-
troll the greater portion of the tobac-
co. We have proven that we can
hold until we get our price, even with
much less under control than we con-
troll to-day. Therefore while not re-
Taxing our vigilance over the posts
already gained, or abating our en-
deavors to gain still others, shall
we not give more attention to the dis
posal of the product? The committee
is doing all that human endeavor can