Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1908-01-04
BIT H, e. BLAKEsLEE, JAcKsoS.

The suggestion made by the writer
that Joint committee from both
branches of the legislative body meet
like committees from the Farmers Union
and Cotton Association to investigate
and consider the feasibility of establish
ing a small plant for making bagging
from storm cotton and other lower
grades, it being thoroughly assailed from
some sourees and has been the subject
OF considerable ridicple At any rate, the
suggestion is attracting attention and
causing people to take notice.
The suggestion is made in the report
to the legislature of the Department OF
Agriculture and Commerce and is at
least worthy of consideration at the
hands of the people, If, after full in
vestigaton, it is deemed impractical,
then that is the last of it; but, if, on
the other hand, those commissioned with
the duty of looking into the matter
deem it wise to make the effort, it may
be worth great deal to the people of
Mississippi.
After some time spent in Europe last
year, Hon. Walter Clark came back to
Mississippi and has made u hard cam
paign for the better wrapping and
handling of American cotton, telling
with great force of the horrible condi-
tiOn in which our staple was received
across the water. Every other country
growing cotton was far ahead of ours
in handling and baling. This necessarily
means a loss TO our planters that could
and should be rcmcdied. The good work
being done by Mr. Clark and Others will
bear fruit and when our people are
willing to do better the opportunity
should be afforded them to do so.
This same subject was discussed dur
ing the Atlanta conference last fall be-
tween the planters and more than
hundred foreign spinners. 1t was agreed
that an improvement in the handling of
American cotton was imperative. The
statement was made that cotton wrapped
in duck and carefully baled would be
worth one dollar per bale more than
with the old style jute bagging. A
standard sized bale, gin compressed and
wrapped in duck or burlap, was agreed
upon and recommended at this confer
cnce. So IL appears that the necessity
for a better wrapping is acknowledged
by both producer and manufacturer.
Early last year the officers of the
Farmers Union, realizing the necessity
of improving the conditions surrounding
aef v5tta. s2;h "a h',69 -se .us -
port, began campaign for improvement,
and the local unions throughout the
country largely indorsed the movement.
An effort was made to contract for g.
supply of cotton bagging, but without
SUCCESS. 1t would seem that there is an
understanding of some kind between
manufacturers that prevents one from
cncroaching upon the territory or trade
of another, and while it would likely be
impossible to prove this absolutely,
those who have given the matter thought
and investigation are convinced that
such an agreement does exist Then it
would appear that something must be
done by the planters themselves to bring
about the desired reforms.
Mississippi is an agricultural state and
CNtton the principal agricultural crop.
Thousands Of dollars ere expended year
ly by the state to educate and improve
our people along agricultural lines, and
the Investment is wise one Then If
ii is good and well to assist in the
raising of cotton, which none will deny,
why not assist in furnishing cover
ing that is of Importance along with the
production of the staple? If our people
are at the mercy of trust on jute
bagging that is eyacting from them
yearly enormous sums, why not aid
them to break the fetters that bind
them? 1t is Just as legitimate for the
convict labor of Mississippi to make a
covering for cotton as it is for this
same labor to grow the staple. In one
they compete with the free labor of our
State, and in the other with a trust
controlled monopoly fostered by United
States laws If one is fair, why not the
other2
If this suggestion is not founded on
equity and Justice, why not? 1t is
merely suggestion and the Importance
nf the subject matter deserves the care
iul consideration of our people.
The writer is profoundly grateful to
the press and public for the many words
Of eiieouraecmcnt and appreciation spok-
en- dufing the past month in behalf of
the little Department. nf agriculture and
Commerce. These ,ost thu writers but
little in the way d effort and encourage
renewed efforts IA tlie future TO make it
department for the use and benefit of
the agricultural people of the State, the
real producers of wealth
The fairs should lose no time in get
ting out their premilm lists fof The year
1903. The earlier the premium list Is
sent out the sooner exhibitors win be-
gin preparations for making exhibits.
They should be gotten out in Febru.
ary if possible, and not later than the
FIRST of March. Begin early to make the
events better than ever before and sue
eees will follow
The year 1908 can be made the hap
piest and most prosperous in the his
tory Of Mississippi. Are you willing to
do ynpr partf
10 hold cotton successfully, the nee
essaries of life must be raised at home
at fortilication for the struggle. Begin
iow " plan for the campaign this fall,
Raise what you can at home and the
nec4sAity of selling as soon as gathered