The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-11-18
MEMPHIS COTTON MEETING.
INTERESTS AFFECTED APPROVE
ESTABLISHMENT OF BUREAU.
speech by Hon. f. ID. Smith, Senator.
Elect Addresses Conference at Mem.
pills on "The Present Cotton Situa-
ton"

Memphis. Tenn, Nov. 1.-THE es-
ablishment OF central bureau for the
distribution Of data with regard to
the cotton crop was tentatively ap-
proved by conference Of planters and
others. whose interests are associated
with the production Of cotton, here to-
day as a means OF enabling the farm
or to keep In closer touch with condi-
tions throughout the cotton belt and
more JudicOusly market the crop. Tho
resolution. which was introduced by
4. II. Frazier of Atlanta, Ca, was
adopted subject to revision by a spe-
cial committee.
Another plan for the betterment Of
the methods Of handling the crop was
submitted by H. H. Rogers, of Louis
Vile, Miss, who proposed the forma-
ton OF an association along the lines
OF the National Farmers Union, the
membership however, to include all
those whose interests are allied with
the growth and marketing OF the sta
pie. Although Mr.. Rogers remarks
brought forth considerable applause,
action was deferred.
Today's discussion dealt with prac-
tically every phase OF present condi-
tions In the South as they affect the
planter. The amendment Of recently
enacted State laws as to allow future
dealing on legitimate exchanges was
urged by ]. A. Taylor, president of the
National Ginnners' Association, In the
sourse Of an address dealing with So
called might riding"
He declared that there had been but
few night rider depredations in the
cotton belt. The posting Of gins, he
said. was not by organized bands, but
by individuals. under the mistaken
idea that ginners could be intimidated
and the ginning Of cotton stopped.
causing the prices Of the staple to ad-
vance. The posting Of gins. he de-
elared. was without question because
Of the low price Of cotton.
T. II. Sisson, a prominent planter Of
Winona. Miss, took the United Staten
government to task for what he term.
Cd lack Of encouragement to the
southern planter. He declared that
tho central warehouse idea advocated
BY Mr.. Frazier should be accorded
substantial endorsement by the federal
government.
Others who spoke today were w. G..
Turner Of Memphis. United States Sem
ator-elect e. D. Smith. Of South Caro-
hna and J. A. Evans. director Of the
government experiment station at
Shreveport. La.
Mr.. Turner discussed the handling,
sompressing and storage Of cotton and
Mr.. Smith had for his subject 1.-THE
Present Cotton Situation" Mr.. Evans
spoke Of the boil weevil menace.
The reports Of the several commit
tees will be presented tomorrow. the
concluding day Of the conference.
Memphis. Tenn, Nov. 12.-Denun-
ciation Of night riding and a fiery de-
Tense of the night riders threw the
convention OF the Southern Cotton
Growers and Ginners' association into
disorder today ad nearly terminated
the session before the programme had
fairly begun. While excited delegates
hurled charges and counter charges T.
U. Sisson OF Mississippi moved that
the convention be adjourned sine die.
President Jordan finally brought a
semblance of quiet and made a plea
for order.
Walter Clark OF Clarksdale, Miss,
precipitated the trouble by wandering
from the subject OF the Better Bal
ing and Handling Of Cotton" and Bit
terly denouncing might riding" He
called the night riders "curs" and
men who shot people in the back. A..
c. Crane, a resident Of northeast Mis-
sissippi. jumped on his chair and
called Mr.. Clark to order. He said the
night riders were an oppressed peo-
pie, fighting for what they believed to
be right. working against overwhelm-
Ing odds, but always from the best
motives. His words created a sensa-
ton. Men stood on their chairs and
the greatest confusion prevailed
President Jordan refused to entertain
the motion OF Mr.. Ssson to adjourn.
and requested Mr.. Clark to proceed
This he did.
The general committee on resolutions
presented It's report, which was unani-
mously adopted. which recommended
that so far as possible In each indi-
vidual case, none OF the crop of 1908