Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1908-02-01
BIT Il. BLAKEsLEE. JACKSON.

President Geo. II. Hightower OF the
Farmers Union gives out the follow
ing timely address to the members OF
Mississippi. 1t is well worthy OF con-
sideration and it is to be hoped that
those interested will heed his words OF
counsel;
During the two years just passed we
have witnessed the greatest consump-
ion OF cotton ever known IN the MS
tory of the cotton trade This unusual
activity in the trade is the result OF
two influences: The extension OF cot
ton consumption in all the Oriental
countries is the first but least impor-
tant of these influences. The second
and most important influence has been
the unprecedented activity OF trade in
all lines, caused by what appeared 10
be very prosperous condition OF all
classes, but what really wao an over
amount of confidence which permitted
an unusual amount of speculation. The
former condition will continue to exist
and will give an outlet for large
quantity of cotton, but by no means so
great volume as was the case during
the past two years, for the reason that
the reaction in trade relations will
affect the export of cotton to the Orient
as well as to the distinctive cotton
manufacturing countries. The second
influence will be entirely reversed dur
ing the next year or two, in fact has
already been reversed. Where we had
confidence, we now have lack OF con-
fidence. Where we had credit, We now
have to buy for cash. Where we had
orders for cotton goods, we now have
those orders countermanded. Where
we saw every one buy an over-supply
OF cotton goods, we now see them buy
scant half supply.
"These conditions will inevitably re-
duce the consumption OF cotton, and
the only way to meet this reduced
consumption and hold our ad-
vanced position on the price, is to re-
duce the production. Are our people
going to arise to the emergency? The
individual may think his neighbor will
grow less cotton, and it will make no
J difference whether he plants much or
little, but in this he is mistaken. a
| large cotton crop means low price Tor
: it, and at the same time means high
= priced meat, corn, hay, etc. The only
> reasonable and safe course for any in
dividual is to grow more grain, meat
hay, vegetables, etc, making himself
independent regardless of what hi'
neighbor may do. Every condition
E pon,s 10 large cotton crop for 100
and consequently lower prices and tn
individual who has the foresight t
" recognize this fact aud put at leas
TWENTY-FIVE per cent of the acreag
s formerly planted in cotton to such crop
l. as he can consume at home, or sell il
n his local market, will be independent
IT The farmers have won the fight for bet
D. ter prices for the crop of last year
D. Cotton would be selling today for eigh
s. cents instead of twelve cents were
d. not for our organized effort. Only on
d. thing can keep US from getting tiftee
=, a cents for the remainder of this crop an
II that one thing is that we may get In
le ,,;ar. and sell too quickly. Let l
hold firm for fifteen cents and get tn
- - fruits OF the victory already won. No
- -, withstanding this victory, we shoul
10 use common judgment and commo
ts % sense and recognize the condition col
rs fronting US for the next two years al
reduce production by growing ever
other crop necessary to make the Sou
absolutely self-sustaining.