The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1908-01-04

that q 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 sources, and has been the subject
of considerable ridicule. 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
y~estigation, 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 a 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 a hard cam
paign for the better wrapping and
handling of American cotton, telling
with great force of the horrible condi-
ton 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 u planters that could
and should be remedied. The good work
being done by Mr.. Clark and others will
bear fruit and when u people are
willing to do better the opportunity
should be afforded them to do 80.
This same subject was discussed dur
ing the Atlanta conference last fall be-
tween the planters and more than a
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
ence. So it 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
our cotton both for home use and eX-
port, began a campaign for improvement,
and the local unions throughout the
country largely Endorsed the movement.
An effort was made to contract for q
supply of cotton bagging, but without
success. 1t would seem that there ia an
understanding of some kind between
manufacturers that prevents one from
encroaching 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 1t
would appear that something must be
done by the planters themselves to bring
about the desired reforms.
Mississippi is an agricultural state and
cotton the principal agricultural crop.
Thousands of dollars are expended year
ly by the state to educate and improve
our people along agricultural lines, n
the investment is a wise n Then if
it is good and we'll to assist in the
raising of cotton, which none will deny,
why not assist in furnishing a cover
ing that is of importance along with the
production of the staple? If our people
are at the mercy of a trust on jute
bagging that is exacting from them
yearly enormou sums, why not aid
them to break the letters that bind
themf It 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 n
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
other?
If this suggestion is not founded on
equity and justice, why mott 1t IL
merely a suggestion and the Importance
Of the subject matter deserves the care
full consideration of our people.
The writer is profoundly grateful to
the press and public for the many words
of encouragement and appreciation spok-
en- during the past month in behalf OF
the little Department of Agriculture and
| Commerce. These cost the writers but
little in the way of effort and encourage
renewed efforts in the future to make it
. department for the use and benefit Of
the agricultural people of the State, the
real producess of wealth.
The fairs should lose nc time in get
ting out their premium lists for the year
1onQ The earlier the premium list Is