The Spectator. (Ozark, Ark.) 1911-1916, 1914-10-16

Never before in the history of Ar
kansas has there been such an awak,
ening throughout the state on the sub
ject and necessity of diversified farm
ing. That which has been heretofore
a desultory theory of individuals, has
become a great practical project in
which all the people of the state are
cooperating. Those who have made
a study of economics have for years
been advocating a greater diversity
of crops, but the crisis that has been
brought about by the war and the
consequent depression in the cotton
market has forced the necessity of
heroic action upon farmer, merchant
and banker.
The spectacle of one of the great
est of the cotton states turning by
common consent away from the crop
which has been its mainstav for gene
rations is attracting widespread at
tention. The advocates of diversified
tion, supported by the various CONNER
cial and industrial interests, are Win
ming everywhere, and the theories of
other years promise to become the
realization of 1915.
The plans suggested are as numer-
Gus as those that have received the
consideration of Congress. The ap-
plication of the various suggestions. in
whole or in part, it is predicted will
bring about reduction of at least so
per cent in the cotton crop OF Arkan-
sas next year, and an increase by 100
per cent or more in the production of
food and forage crops.
Reduce Acreage BY Law.
1t was in state convention held III
Little Rock upon the call of Governor
Hays that the plan was suggested of
reducing the cotton acreage by law,
through the enactment of statutes
upon the subject at special sessions of
the Legislature, provided a majority of
the Southern governors would agree
to call such sessions. This has not
met with much favor. and its wisdom
is doubted by many who have given
the matter careful consideration.
However, that there might be an
opportunity for the governors to ex.
press themselves on the subject. Gov.
ernor Hays has written to all suggest.
ing that a conference be held in Mem.
phis TO discuss the enactment of rene.
dial legislation, uniform throughout
the Southern states, for reduction in
cotton acreage. He expressed the be-
lief that permanent relief may be Sc
cured by such a course. Governor
Coluuitt of Texas has advised GOV.
ernor Hays that he will submit the
question to the approaching session Of
the Legislature, adding, Il have made
up my mind to keep the Legislaturo
OF Texas in session until they do some.
thing substantial for tho protection OF
the farmers of the state against enor-
nous loss"
At the conference called ty Gov.
ernor Hays resolutions were adopted
recommending reduction of at least
30 per cent in the cotton acreage Of
the state, and endorsing the move.
ment for the establishing of cotton
mills in Arkansas with n view to tax.
ing advantage of the probable improve,
ment in the American cotton goods
market on account of the curtailment
OF the European mills and the omen.
ing of new markets for the United
States The conference also In.
vored federal aid for the cotton states,
and adopted the slogan. Arkansas
will feed itself in 1916" The Ark0r.
sas delegation in Congress has stood
steadfastly for some definite federal
aid that will enable the cotton farmer
to realize living price for his
product.
$15o.0cocco Cotton Pool.
The proposed s150O00.00O cotton
pool that is being advocated by Festus
j. Wade of st. Louis, and that has
been approved by the Federal Reserve
Board, he's been ratified by the mon.
eyed interests of Little Rock and Ar
kansas. The Little Rock bankers
have agreed to subscribe to ii two
per cent OF their capital and surnlus
which will amount 10 about $3.50 900.
The Arkansas Bankers Association is
also back of it, which will raise the
Arkansas quota 70 about $4,000, 1000.
Little Rock jobbing interests have nj.
so tentatively agreed to subscribe
S350o00.
United States Senator James p.
Clarke, in favor!ng legislative action
to cnrtail the cotton crop. declared:
There is no use asking Washing,
ton TO help you Washington cannot
help you any more. This is prob,
lem for the states % handle, and they
must handle II. My opinion of the
only solution is legislative action. i'm.
mediate action. and follow the meth.
DDS during the Civil War, when cot
ton planting was absolutely prohibited.
Law is the only force with which you