St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1908-11-21
ovER-PRODCTIoN MUST BE
GUARDED AGAINST.


GUARDED AGAINST,
Ihe recent convention of farmers and cot
ton planters in New Orleans has been OF
great moment to the South. Its deliberations
have been temperate and considerate of the
views OF all and it has had the support and
assistance of the best brains of the Southern
States. The ultimate resolve to establish a
warehouse Of immense holding capacity, say
three million bales, probably to be under the
supervision of a warehouse commission SINH
lar to the present dock commission, may be
considered to be the best plan that could
have been devised to- overcome the condi-
tons that make low-priced cotton
There was much valuable information
gained in the discussion of the various causes
tending to low priced cotton. The statement
made that one third of the cotton produced in
the South is raised by tenant farmers, and
that four-ffth of these are ignorant, improv-
ldent negroes, is alone sufficient to show the
great difficulty in the way of establishing a
remedial agency that will insure general
prosperity throughout the cotton district,
because it leaves one-fifth of the worlds
supply of cotton in improvident hands
But the greatest difficulty with which the
cotton planter will have to contend will be
over-production With the immense acreage
that can be planted in cotton, and with the
temptation that profitable price offers to
engage in the business, it appears to us that
most important suggestion was to increase
the demand for cotton by encouraging it's
use as packing and bagging material and
in the manufacture of various articles for
which it is fitted in substitution for jute and
other imported material now in use. 1t is
4l,.,+9 4 e
salt, meal, flour, grits, sugar, spices, cotton
seed meal, ETC., and in the manufacture of
rope, back-bands webbing for bride reins
halters, plow-lines, ETC., and to encourage its
use in all kinds of fabrics.
There is no doubt of the value of this sug-
gestion to the farmer, if he would but take
heed. If he would refuse to accept goods
not thus packed; if he would demand that
his -four be put up in sacks instead of bar
rels; if he would use manufactures of cot
ton whenever possible, he could create de-
mand for his surplus cotton that would
insure him better price.
The, fact that immense quantities of cot
ton are thrown upon the market at certain
season. and that this cotton is not needed by
the manufacturers until later on, compels
those who must sell in order to meet their
obligation to enter temporarily glutted
market The warehouse system will largely
overcome this disadvantage; but any scheme
that does not take into consideration the law
IF s11nnly and demand must ultimately fail
IN its object. With high-priced cotton and
a consequent tendency toward increased
nroda1cticua will ag3fn come the problem OF
w1aa lan be done. Science will probably
overcome the boil Weeyik trouble. Cotton
oss1 So1tlt naaorry will largely solve the
Labor question. Intact indications are for
an,easier handling.of the cotton crop and al
1arossp production. The farmer should see to-
# It. thasShe does not kin the goose that lays the
golden egg
ob1a fha intelligent, Thrifty planter to secure
to himself the profit that has been going
;y+o fhe pocket of the Spectator, but heI
y,o,1st nrotect himself from over production.
If seems to us that the surest way OF dong
this IS BY diversifying crops. lhere are
other paving crops that canspe raised on cot
ton lands that would give a rotation and IN
crease fertility. c,.t ,,o,,o,...
While An aid. need never be expected, any
more than private, for they are largely de-
nander1t upon human judgment.
The suggestion that great aid IN financing +,
,..a,a movement would be received il every
$50 would deposit whatever money he
bas II his local bank is good. 1t would not
INV make money easier at time that 1t is
much needed, but is much safer Tor the
f t.1,.on fhan keeping it about the house
ls TaIan altogether, we believe the conven-
49,, E, New Orleans will be of great benefit I
y tlo The = farmer and to the South It will with
TO- y s aid Of association warehouses, prevent
Iae a,n IN the market some three or four
In1 1i;o,a bales Of cotton at time when only
lailo ,aillon is needed and it will also pre-
s,a+ then The marketing Of surplus cotton yield
II Hsr not too large The Spectator who l buys
up cotton must pay the ex xo o bs inp ps-
ness pe This ali comes out of the pocket of I
men, f.,.n1a ~ The closer the farmer can get
Ine the greater will be his proit
% ths ~ reiferate our warning that some
l pae - should be devised for increasing the