The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-06
FARMER SHOULD
Held HIS COTTON
Governor Noel Holds This View
But Makes No Proclamation
GRADUAL SELLING BEST
Letter Has Been Received BY Cover
nor Noel Asking About Farm
Lands With the Idea of Form
ing Colony In the State.

Jackson Miss. December Especial =
Governor Noel has been importuned to
issue proclamation calling on the farm
ers OF Mississippi TO hold their cotton
for still better prices, but he has de-
ciined to do so for the reason that 1t
is not a matter that comes within the
province of the governor of the state.
In speaking OF the matter, however,
Governor Noel expressed the conviction
that It is the proper thing to do, proVid-
cd the farmer is able to hold It. As
an individual the governor does not hesi-
tate to say he would hold his cotton, or
at least sell It gradually, and not shove
II all on the market at one time. For
that reason he thinks the Farmers union
on the right track, as it is providing the
means for holding the crop and market
ing it as needed by the spinner of the
world.
The governor thought the state did the
correct thing In selling 1000 bales of cot
ton a few days since, regardless of
whether the price was to fiuctuate up or
down, for the reason that the state owes
the Confederate veterans their pension
money, now past due. and would not
have been able to pay them but for this
sale of cotton. The same rule should be
applied to the individual farmer-that IS
II he owes his merchant or banker for
supplies, he should sell his cotton unless
his creditor agrees that he may hold it.
Governor Noel is in receipt OF letter
from the Orange Judd Co, of New York.
IN which they state that one of their
clients. a syndicate with abundant cap
ital and composed Of experienced bust
ness men, desires to get in communica-
ton with the owners OF large tracts OF
lands in the south with a view to ac-
quiring the same for colonization pur-
poses Their object Is to settle the lands
thus purchased with sturdy and respect
able people, farmers, generally. These
lands are wanted in tracts Of from TO-
900 to 10o0,0O0 acres, and the governor Is
of the opinion that here is the oppor-
tunity for the owners of cut-over pine
lands in south Mississippi and in other
states to make a sale that will mean
great deal to the state securing the new
settlers, as such settlement would mean
millions to the assessment rolls and there
fore more in the way of taxes for the
state and the county in which located.
The disposal of cut-over pine lands is
a problem that now ccnfronts several
counties In this state. Once denuded of
its timber these lands are not in demand.
Not now, but they will be.
The Jackson Electric Railway. Light
and Power company was reported sold
two or three days since. but 1t did not
stay sold. Messrs. Prout and Carson Of
Chattanooga, representatives Of the Cen
eral Electric company. were here with
an option ON the property. at about $1,000
COO. They wanted Jackson to take over
$4,000 of the 100000 cash that was de-
manded, and for day or two 1t looked
as II Jackson capitalists were going to
put their money in the enterprise. which
is one Of the most valuable In the state,
but they finally backed out and the deal
is supposed to be off. Anyway, Messrs.
Prout and Carson have left town. 1t
is understood that Messrs. Jones and
earns of Memphis the owners of the
property here. are anxious to sell and
1t may be that they will yet ind pur-
chaser.
The Mobile, Jackson and Kansas City
Railroad company files its report for the
quarter ending September 80. with the
railroad commission, showing that its to-
tai revenues for the period we're 1858, 361 on:
expenses Of operation. 1885, 5.oS Charges
against the differences for taxes, interest
on bonds. etc, were s127,551 SO. SO that
the report shows a deficit of SO, 1903
This road has recently changed its name
to the New Orleans, Mobile and Chicago.
and the understanding here is that the
new management is backed by sufficient
means to make this one of the foremost
roads in the south and that many i'm
provements are contemplated in the near
future.
The receipts of cotton at the Jackson
compress this year to date are 23.7r7,
as against 81 .824 to the same date last
year, a difference Of BOAT bales.
There are on hand tonight $685. as
against 72s4 for the same date last year.
This goes TO show that there Is more
determined holding this year than last,
due largely, 1t IL supposed, to the efforts
OF the farmers union.
The price is around 1Ah cents for what
is offered and that is not much.
Too Easily Deceived.
Mrs parIIhy Ioolxed with marked dis