The Monticellonian., 1908-11-26
Address to Union by North Carolina
 President.


 market it slowly. It is poor business policy 10 force any nonappreeiating market The great bulk of agricuI- tural products are non-perishable if kept under shelter. Of course there is always the danger Of fire. but we have that risk covered by insurance for small cost. Feed the markets on short rations and you will soon see prices boosted by an increased demand. Don't let the cry of "big crops scare you into parting with your products at a price that will not give you fair and just reward for your labor and the capital that you have invested in your business.
 You don't find men in other callings disposing of products which represent a years work and interest on their investment al a price below cost. The farmer has often done this by follow ing Inc suicidal policy Of forcing the market in four months time, crops which must meet and supply years demand. Of course these crops are not to to be and will not be consumed in four months. They are bought by the middle man and held in storage until the demands of the markets call for them at remunerative prices.
 We should not quarrel with the middle man. as long as he conducts a legitimate buying and selling bust ness. We should quarrel with our selves for not handling our own crops for our own benefit in the same busi- ness like way the middle man" mas been handling them for his benefit. if products were not offered for sale on the streets of our towns al what ever price they would bring, the mid de man would soon go out of busi- ness. But as long as we follow the present method of marketing our crops there will be legitimate field for the middle man." and in fact he is Q necessary part of this mode of mar keting In the case of the cotton crop which is the principal money crop Of the South We can well believe that a fair margin Is made by the men who stand between the producer and the spinner: otherwise there would not be so many cotton buyers"
 Now, how are we to get out of these old ruts' and upon the highway of successful business like the market ing of our crops? It must be done by extending the selling period throughout the year so that the supply will just keep pace with the demand. Also by punching our products and selling in such quantity as demanded by large buyers This is co operative selling.
 How is it to be done. Through the storage or warehouse plan. Go to any large cotton market town and you will find the cotton buyers using the warehouse to store our cotton in to be held until demanded by the spin ner. We should do this for ourselves and save the profits that now go to the men who have been doing it for us.
 But you say that you have bills that are due and that you must realize money from your crop at once. un- fortunately this is true with great many farmers. Too many of Us are still following the old ruinous system, which is the legitimate offspring of the all cotton system and next to its parents is the greatest curse ever i'm posed upon the agricultural interest of the South. Well if you owe bills you shold pay them when payment is demanded But do not put all of your cotton on the market. Go to vour local banker and borrow on your cotton just as little money as you can possibly do with. Leave this money on deposit and use a check book. Your check may possibly pay several bills and finally be deposited to the credit of some other man without any money being drawn from the bank.
 I mention this because l know that bankers are more ready to loan money if it is to be left on deposit with them. Follow this plan and eeonomise iE every way possible until you get out of debt then swear that you will stay. If farmers are ever to attain their commercial independence they must raise home supplies and quit buying on credit.
 If the crop is held off the market for thirty days we will see a very material rise, in the price.
 H. Q. Alexander.
 Concentration stops competition among farmers. One man sells all :, .l..., tbo ,yieo ic made