The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1909-09-14
GOVERNOR SANDERS AND HIS
ADVICE TO COTTON
GROWERS

With no intent of disrespect nor de-
string to minimize the address of Gov
ernor Sanders to the cotton growers of
Louisiana, the assertion is ventured that
the farmer and the planter having cot
ton for sale viii be guided in its dis
posaI by his common sense.
In this address the Governor declares
that '.it is evident that the cotton crop
Of the South win be short this year, and
especially the Louisiana CROP" This
fact unquestionably is well understood
BY the tillers Of the soil, the growers OF
cotton, in Louisiana and of the South.
In his address the Governor says: 1T
is also evident that The people will have
to get a very much higher price for the
cotton they have made or else they will
be practically driven out of the cotton
growing business. /"
To this observation several excep-
lions may be applied, but it is safe to
assert that cotton will be grown in the
cotton States regardless Of price. There
is in evidence this season the practical
demonstration of the price of the staple
being fixed BY the quantity produced.
Ii is the shortage of the crop which has
advanced the quotations. The speculat-
ors are thoroughly posted as to the
crop and have if aggregated to within
a few thousand bales. As long as cot
ton is the ready money product of the
South. that long viii cotton be grown,
but in growing cotton there will also
follow a Investigation of products
The Governor Volunteers this sug-
gestion: 1T is also evident that if the
cotton is rushed to the market and sold
as fast as ginned, a small price will
necessarily obtain, while gradual slow
marketing viii secure better prices.
The farmers should, therefore, sell
slowly, and just as the mills need it,
selling only when the price is high, and
Withdrawing their cotton from sale en-
tirely on all depressions"
Has not a similar suggestion been of
fered in years past by men having a
lifelong experience in the handling and
the selling of cotton, and with what
result? However, the suggestion has
merit. but we believe that the average
grower Of cotton will reach better
financial results by being guided by his
own good common sense.
II may be remarked that it is not
often. indeed It is very rare. and this
instance may be an exception in Louis
lana, at least to our knowledge, that
Governor Sanders has volunteered to
suggest how the growers OF Gotten
should dispose of their crop. In this
advice there is seemingly cropping of
"paternalism" which comes unexpected
b from the Governor. and yet, on se-
rious reflection, this attitude is in keep
ing with his manifestation of interest in
good roads and in the things which con-
Germ the horny handed sons Of toll. "
Perhaps after the long years OF wait
ing, the farmer may have thrust upon
him some recognition not strictly nor
directly connected with his vote. If he
is not assured of a fat political job he
can have much free advice. However,
the prudent man viii "make hay while
The sun shines, and this application to
the Governor may be explainable of his
eagerness to display his concern for bet
ter roads and higher prices for cotton !;
IN brief his demonstration for the well
fare Of horny-handed. AT an rate the
Governor should be credited with the
fullest measure Of coed intentions.