The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson, S.C.) 1914-1917, 1914-09-15
HOW WAR AFFEi'TS THE COTTON
FARMER.

HOW war Affects the lotion FARMER.
The discussion on the editorial and
business pages of the Examiner OF the
menace to the cotton farmers of the
South from the European war has eX-
cited wide intcrest and attention.
Throughout the South and at Wash
ington the conditions described in the
Examiner have awakened practical
action.
The cotton states senators in the
senate, with HoEf Smith as chairman
OF the executive committee. and the
cotton states representatives in the
house. with Oscar Underwood as
chairman, have organized to help the
Southern farmer through the emerg
ency created by the possible loss OF n
market for the 100000 bales of cot
ton which have heretofore gone to
Germany and the nations on the other
side OF 1t, with, the reduced demand
from England and France.
Tie cotton crop 6f' the South is an.
enormous part of the nations wealth
It's 14,000.001 bales. at about $65 4
bale. are worth over. $500. 200, ,o09, and
the 100000 bales that go to Europe
make trade hnlan.e OF More than a
half millioA dollars. ,,jl.
1t would hurt the whole country to
1--we panic and depression strike the
Southern farmer. and have him rush
his great crop to 5market at panic
prices for fear of the paralysis Of his
great market for 100000. bales in
Germany und beyond. y,
And 80 the business craftsmanship
Of the entir., country joins with the
business statesmanship of the South
In protecting the great stupie from
unnecessary depression. 'ie
The first effort Of the cotton states
congressman doubtless will be to
reassure and stiffen the confidence Of
the cotton planter. He should be told
that cotton is selling today, IN Eng
land, in tho very face Of the war. at
13 cents; and that. England indicates
no intention whatever to shut down
its mills or throw its workmen out OF
work; that England's navy. that ALL
satisfying, all-protecting asset. guards
England from financial and from
physical panic.
He should be told that Of the emerg-
ency urreni.:-which the common sense
and vigor OF the country has provided,
more than $500. 100000 will go to tine
South to enable It's banks and money
men to help the farmer carry his cot
tOu tuiouEH tIliS uuCtIIbtu peEIOu, dIlu
that the money that comes to the
Eastern centers Will help the South as
we'll by relaxing the pressure of the
money centers upon .thes Southern
finances.
And the congress and the govern
ment should lend hand to help the
establishment oflis Senator Hoke
Smiths proposed licensed govern
ment warehouse, whose very name as
n depositors or any surplus cotton will
give II dignity and credit.
II the Southern farmer can only. be
assured that the government is In full
sympathy with the Southern business
man In the protection OF the great In
place of apprehension, and the sur
dustry. confidence shoaid \ take the
plus cotton can be held until ittfs evil
dent that there willfibe mo surplus OF
tho Indispensable staple.
The Southern farmer IS sSTsassoossiia55::yr
rich In the recent fat years Of pros
porous cotton behind him, and should
with this stiffening Of confidence be.
fluffy able to hold his surplus bales
abode the necessity Of sacrifice to
pcnfc prices. 49,,
az --4-E 4ssgs ~ r, a.