Evening journal., 1917-01-05
FNcLAND SErkING INnUsTRIAL INDEPENDENCE.

ENGLAND SEEKING INDUSTRIAL INDEPENDENCE.
q his report submitted 20 the Manchester Cngand)
Cotton Association Charles W. Rye. retiring presi-
dent said "The Indian crop estimates center around
55OOOoo bales roughly an OF 100000 bales
over the previous season The Indian Office has kindly
forwarded samples OF eleven varieties OF improved
cotons grown in India, and those grown from Amer
lean seed show that India can produce cotton Of
improved quality which could be largely used by the
Lancashire spinner and in our own interests,
should do all in power 20 encourage the indian
Government to put forth every effort TO increase the
growth OF these cottons"
This will be OF interest to our southern cotton plant
ers and to DeIawareans and Americans generally.
Should the production in India Of cotton grown from
American seed reach a point which seriously cur
tailed the British market for American grown cotton
the onlighenment Of Southern planters on the
subject OF the protective tariff policy would be moth
ing short Of marvellous To greater lesser degree
the attitude Of producers Of raw cotton has re-
malned what u was when Senator Hayne, in 1881
speaking for the planters OF that day said "f trade
was free the goods manufactured in this country
would be Imported from England and paid for in
our cotton. but in cutting Off the imports, you, Of
course to the same extent diminish exports
A corollary OF a revenue tariff even the imme-
date prospect Of one, is large increase in eXporta
tiou Of raw material. because foreign competi-
tors Immediately begin TO lay in supplies to be turned
into manufactured products for sale in market.
For instance when the Democratic House, in 1912,
was trying 10 force through a tariff reduction cot
ton manufactures our exports OF cotton rose TO
5.535OOO0OO pounds an increase Of 15Oo0OO0OO
pounds the year 1911 before the threat Of lower
duties had been made In 1914 we exported 4761,
100000 pounds OF raw cotton, 730000000 pounds
more than in 1911. because Europe saw a good chance
20 control market in cotton goods. under the
Democratic tariff law True most Of this increase
in 1914 was absorbed by Germany which is chief
competitor In cotton knit goods, and hosiery. but
ENGLAND still remains chief customer for cotton
raws.
England is also the chief competitor in our domes-
tic market in the sale OF cotton cloths and with the
handicap which the present tariff law gives her she
is increasing sales cotton cloths in this
try. despite the enormous energy and capital which
she is obliged to devote to the war For example,
during the first nine months OF 1919 tho last nine
months period under the protective tariff law i'm
ported from England 2O342O0O yards Of cotton cloths
for the period OF 1914 under the low duties Of
the present law. 3S4SlOOO yards. and during the first
nine months OF the current year. 39.76OOOO yards.
Likewise, her sales to US Of laces embroideres and
yeilings increasing to marked degree
But il England should develop in India sufficient
cotton for her manufacturing needs and Of a
quality which would compare favorably with our own
Southern upland naturally that would be the coun-
try from which she would seek her source Of sup
ply While its transportation might be somewhat
ooser. It's production would be considerably cheaper.
and the transaction would he "all in the family
Then our Southern growers turning to domestic mills
TO increase their purchases or cotton would
have impressed upon them that under normal condi-
tons OF peace. only protective tariff law would in
the capacity operation OF the mills and thus en-
able them to buy more heavily Would that cause
them TO change their mind the tariff? Well some
OF them already beginning 10 do So The next
step they Will take will be to break away from other
preiudices and look the tariff question from busi
viewpoint.